First off, lets begin by saying, NEVER use a human shampoo on your pet, human shampoos can contain chemicals that are harsh and rough on tender feline skin. There are many great cat dandruff shampoos on the market today and it can be confusing to know which formula is best for your precious pets coat and skin.

Knowing why you pet has dandruff or dermatitis can help to determine which cat dandruff shampoo is right for your pet. Whether you’re looking for a shampoo that treats the fur or the skin, detangles or softens the hair, or makes your precious pet smell like a million dollars, we’ve got one here for you that both you and your precious pet will love and it won’t have to break your budget. Also checkout our choices for the top 3 best flea treatment for cats. These choices will help you kill fleas/ticks permanently!

As a pet owner, it is important that you assess your pets comfort. Your veterinarian will be able to give you up to the minute information on the safety of any product you are using on your pet. In our next article we look at the best way to Bathe Your Cat.

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This is also a parasite that can only be contracted through ingestion. Unfortunately, there are several ways your cat can inadvertently ingest the worm. Even if your cat does contract lung worms, the infection can be easily treated once it’s correctly diagnosed. It’s important to note that lung worms are more commonly found in younger cats and cats that are outdoors often.

What Are Lung Worms?

Lungworms are parasites that will infect a cat’s lungs and reside there. For cats, specifically, there are two common types of lung worms they are affected by:

These parasites are very different from other, more common parasites. Unlike the majority of parasites that will keep on feeding until they are dealt with, these parasites will actually die with time. However, that does not mean that they can just be ignored. If left untreated, there can be serious permanent damage in the form of scar tissue throughout your cat’s lungs.

These parasites can do a lot of damage in a very short amount of time and can severely harm your cat’s lungs. This can include, and is not limited to infections and even pneumonia which can also lead to death. The resulting coughing can also become permanent if left untreated.

What Causes Lung Worms?

Lung worms can be ingested a number of different ways from drinking contaminated water, to consuming an intermediate host such as:

The intermediate host may also have asexual larval if it was able to grow and reproduce in the host. This parasite is very common among snails and slugs. So, if your cat eats one that infected, she will also become infected. Some rats may also be infected since they eat snails and slugs.

So, if your cat hunts rats and consumes an infected one, chances are she will become infected. Cats that are outdoors often are more prone to contract this parasite since cats that are frequently outdoors tend to hunt while outside.

The only way for a cat to contract this parasite is to ingest the larvae. Once ingested, the larvae will make their way to the bloodstream by moving through the intestinal wall. When they finally make it into the bloodstream, they will travel to the cat’s lungs. They will mature in the lungs, reproduce and lay eggs. The worms tend to lay their eggs in the airways of the lungs. Therefore, when the cat coughs, the eggs will come up into the throat and and then be swallowed. When the eggs are swallowed, they will pass in the cat’s feces and then the cycle will continue.

Signs and Symptoms of Lung Worms

There are a few symptoms that present themselves. Some things to look for are:

Additionally, intolerant behavior may be a sign. You might be able to notice some of these symptoms or your cat may be completely asymptomatic.

Diagnosis of Lung Worms

There will have to be a few tests done for a proper diagnosis.

An extensive medical examination will need to be conducted along with a lung auscultation. A lung auscultation is when your veterinarian listens to your cat’s lungs with a stethoscope. The way lung worms are usually diagnosed is through a fecal exam. Smearing a fresh fecal sample on a slide and examining the slide under a microscope will reveal if any eggs are present. Other tests that may be conducted are:

Treatment of Lung Worms

The normal treatment for lung worms is de-worming medications or anti-parasitic medications. The most commonly prescribed medications for lungworms are Ivermectin and Fenbendazole.

Depending on how severe the infection is, your veterinarian may also prescribe an anti-inflammatory. If an anti-inflammatory medication is prescribed, it will usually only be needed for 3 to 10 days. Of course, there may be some side effects, as with any medication. Some of the more common side effects of anti-inflammatories are mild and include:

Your veterinarian will recommend that your cat remain indoors during treatment. Additionally, ensure that her environment is thoroughly cleaned. There will also have to also be follow-up visits for re-checks. These will ensure that the infection has been cleared up. Your cat’s follow-up visits may also include fecal exams and chest x-rays.

Some Tips for Prevention

The best way to prevent a lung worm infection is to keep your cat indoors. Most cats that contract lung worms will contract them from the various critters they run into outside. If your cat does go outside frequently, try to keep an eye on her to ensure she doesn’t eat anything that she is not supposed to.

Provide plenty of indoor play time. This may help to curb her natural hunter instinct and keep her from hunting and eating rodents while outside. Aside from supervising your cat’s outdoor activities, always keep her wellness exams and advise your vet of any worrisome changes you notice in her.


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Bladder worms are a type of parasitic worm called Capillaria. Capillaria plica and Capillaria feliscati are the worms that can cause capillariasis in cats.

The condition capillariasis is when the worm infects the cat’s urinary bladder or other parts of the cat’s urinary tract.

What Causes Bladder Worms?

Immature eggs are passed in the urine of an infected animal. They develop into first-stage larvae. Then, they need an annelid, such as an earthworm, before becoming communicable to the next cat host. The life cycle is not totally understood yet.

However, the available information suggests that the eggs have to be ingested by an earthworm to permit the first-stage larvae to hatch and become infectious to a definitive host. A cat may become infected after ingesting infected earthworms, or material contaminated with dead earthworms. Once ingested, adult worms will then develop in the urinary bladder mucosa.

Eggs can appear in the cat’s urine as early as two months after infection. When the eggs are discarded into the environment via urine, the larvae develop and the cycle continues. While occasionally diagnosed, infections of bladder worms are relatively uncommon in cats.

Signs and Symptoms

The majority of infected cats are usually older than 8 months. Often, infected cats are asymptomatic. Diagnosis of the bladder worms is usually incidental. However, in cats with a heavy infection, some symptoms may present themselves, including:

These symptoms are also common symptoms in Idiopathic Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (IFLUTD), Urinary Tract Infections (UTI), and other common urinary tract problems. Cats are prone to urinary issues. Any change in your cat’s litter box habits should be brought to your veterinarian’s attention.

How Are Bladder Worms Diagnosed?

Diagnosis of bladder worms is achieved through identification of Capillaria eggs in the urine of the infected cat. The eggs have a specific appearance and are easily recognized. They are football-shaped with a plug-like formation at each end.

Treatment for Bladder Worms

Treatment is often not recommended if the cat is not presenting any symptoms. There are no medications specifically labeled to treat bladder worms. However, if symptoms are present, fenbendazole or ivermectin may be used to treat the infection.

These medications have been reported to be effective. Several doses may be needed in order to fully eliminate the infection. In rare cases, surgical removal of the adult worms and/or an affected kidney is required to completely rid the cat of the infection.

Tips for Prevention

Keeping your cat indoors where they have no access to earthworms will prevent capillariasis, among many other conditions.

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Cats have the same hearing range as humans but have better hearing at higher frequencies. To put it in perspective: A human’s voice is at around 3000 Hz. A cat is capable of hearings sounds that are around 8000 Hz.

Most Common Ear Flap Problems

• Scratches and bites: Since the ear flap is so fragile it is very easy for them to become injured. Cats are notorious for biting and scratching each other during play and for all other reasons! This is one way for the ear flaps to get an infection. Cats also scratch themselves a lot and when they scratch their ears, they may make small lacerations that will leave them prone to infection. With a cat’s claws not being sanitary, when she touches or creates an open wound the bacteria gets inside and is able to multiply when the skin heals over it. 

• Ear Mites are a parasite that is very contagious among cats and other animals. This is the most common ear problem that cats have. Unfortunately, this is also very uncomfortable and stressful for your cat. Ear mites have a very characteristic look to them. There will be what looks like dry coffee grounds in your cat’s ears. 

• Abscesses: Where the pinnae gets an infection it can start to swell and lead to abscesses. After a fight is usually when this will occur. An abscess is when an infected wound accumulates a lot of pus. A cat’s fur may help to hide abscess. So, a thorough investigation of the affected ear will be needed. It may be difficult to actually figure out what caused the abscess until the pus has been drained and cleaned. Since the ear flaps are so sensitive, abscesses can be very painful for your cat and can also have some serious side effects. If you notice an abscess, alert you veterinarian. 

Symptoms of Ear Flap Problems

Other Ear Flap Problems

Hematoma

A Hematoma is also possible in the ear flaps and is not as common as an abscess. A hematoma is a blood clot that forms under the skin. It can be caused by scratching, fleas and trauma such as violent shaking of the head. Ear mites as well as infections in the ear canal can also lead to a hematoma.

Treatment for Ear Flap Problems

Abscess Treatment

The first thing that will need to be done is clipping the hair around the infected area. The next step will be draining the abscess, this will usually happen on its own over time. If it isn’t draining by itself then you will need to put a hot, wet washcloth on the infected area in twenty minute intervals, three times a day until it starts to drain.

Once drained you will have to clean the area three times a day with hydrogen peroxide. Do not use any other antiseptics and be sure to only use 3 percent peroxide. You will also need to prevent a scab from forming for two to three days and if one does start to form you will need to pick it away so it may heal properly. After two days, if there is still a foul smell coming from the infected area or if the area is extremely large, then you will need to take you cat to your veterinarian immediately.

To treat a Hematoma

The infected area will have to be expressed so the blood may be drained properly to prevent a deformity and scarring when the clot deflates. Serum can re-accumulate even when the clot is removed with a needle and syringe. The best treatment for this is surgery so a piece of skin can be removed to provide continued drainage.

Stitches are then place through both sides of the ears to prevent a pocket from forming. There will also have to be special collars worn to keep the cat from scratching and ripping the sutures or re-infecting the area.

Prevention of Ear Flap Problems

The best prevention is to not leave your cat outside unsupervised. This is when they get into fights with other cats that can lead to these infections. Other cats may have diseases or other health issues that can be transmitted when in a fight due to the clawing and biting.

Frequently check your cat’s ears so you can spot anything early on. The easiest way to do this is during a petting session. If your cat flinches while she is being pet then you know you need to look further under her fur to see if anything is there. Also, clean any scratches and bite marks you do find. They will fuss and not be happy when you do this but they will thank you for it later.

Additionally, make cleaning your cat’s ears part of a routine. Clean them at least once every two weeks and more often if they have been prone to ear infections and other ear problems in the past. It is very easy for dirt and other debris to get in there. The cleaner her ears are, the happier she will be, and the happier you will be.


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The most common behavioral problem among cats is using the bathroom outside of the litter box. This means them urinating and defecting on carpet, clothes lying around and even on your bed. It’s easy to assume that your cat is doing this on purpose to get even with you for something that you may have done.

The truth is that this is not the case at all; it is not even realistically possible.

There Could Be an Underlying Medical Problem

One reason for this type of behavior might be due to medical issues. For instance, if your cat’s urinary tract is inflamed then this would lead to urination being painful. He will then associate the litter box with pain and discomfort.

Diseases in the kidney, liver and thyroid will make him drink and urinate more than normal. Intestinal parasites along with gastrointestinal issues can mean that he might not make it to the litter box in time. So, there are several medical conditions that may lead to this kind of behavior.

Dissatisfaction with Litter or the Litter Box

It could also be that the litter box is unappealing to your cat. It could be that the box smells very strongly of ammonia from his urine or maybe you cleaned it with a chemical that left behind a strong odor. Maybe he doesn’t like the texture of the litter or the litter isn’t clean enough.

It could even be as simple as the litter box not being easy enough for him to get into. It may be in a difficult spot in the house, or the sides may be too high and too much work for them to get over. Cats have a high standard for their litter box and if it isn’t up to their standards then they just won’t use it.

Territorial Spraying

Another thing that may lead to house soiling is urine spraying. Urine spraying is something that is mostly done by cats that are marking their territory. Think of when a cat rubs your leg or your hand with their cheeks. They are leaving a scent behind to let other animals know that you belong to them.

When a cat is not neutered or spayed, they are more likely to spray. There is a chance of 90% or greater of spraying if the cat is not spayed or neutered. If there are new animals around, the cat will spray to mark their territory. Even if there are new smells around, the cat will most likely spray the area.

How to Stop House Soiling

Under no circumstances should you yell or hit your cat as he will not understand why he is being yelled at. You can shake a jar of pennies but don’t go overboard and scare your cat as this will result in him being afraid to urinate or defecate and will more than likely make the problem worse. Also, it has been proven as ineffective to rub their faces in the affected area as they cannot associate that action with them as having did something wrong.

When to See Your Veterinarian

If none of this resolves the house soiling issue, then you will want to make an appointment with your veterinarian to have some tests done. The tests can determine if there is an underlying medical condition causing this behavior.

Just remember that your cat is not being spiteful, he is genuinely unhappy about something and doesn’t know how else to handle it.


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Behavior modification is achievable and easier than you might imagine. As with everything in life, there is a not-so-great way to do it and then there’s the proper way.

Why Cats “Misbehave”

What may seem like unacceptable behavior to you, is in fact, natural and necessary behavior for your cat. For example: sharp claws are a vital survival tool. If the leg of your coffee table is the best means to sharpen her claws, your cat will utilize it.

Other undesirable behavior may be due to your cat having trouble dealing with change, feeling threatened or insecure, being unhappy with her litter box, not getting enough stimulation, or it may even be due to a health problem. Your cat is not “bad”, she is simply attempting to express to you that something is not right in her environment. She’s asking you for help the only way she knows how.

The Most Common Behavior Problems

She’s not the only one that acts this way. Simple fixes may end her misbehavior. These common behavior problems often have a simple solution. A few of the most common problems include:

General Behavior Modification Methods That Cats Respond To

If your cat is exhibiting other types of behavior that you’d like her to stop, there are some general training methods that work well for cats.

When to Alert Your Veterinarian

As mentioned above, some misbehavior may be attributed to an underlying medical problem. Some of which may include:

If you attempt to stop your cat’s misbehavior by every method available and nothing works, it may be time to see your vet. Also, if you notice other symptoms along with the misbehavior, such as:

As always, don’t hesitate to see your veterinarian.


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Generally, when big changes take place in the home, even the most aloof cats will inevitably experience some stress. If you’re planning a serious change, such as bringing a new cat home to a resident cat, it’s important to take certain measures in order for the introduction to be a harmonious one.

First Things First: Scent Exchange

If possible, before bringing your new cat home, try to obtain something that belongs to him. A blanket works well, so does a toy. Leave the item around your resident cat. This enables your cat to become accustomed to the new cat’s scent.

When you bring your new cat home, his scent won’t be so shocking to your resident cat. She will already be familiar with it. It’s also helpful if you can do the same for your new cat, as he will be undergoing the most upheaval.

Take It Slow: Settling In

Your new cat should be confined to a closed room or area of the home. Include a warm sleeping area, litter box, food, water, scratching post and other toys. Allow your new cat to set the pace. He may not be comfortable enough to leave his carrier for a while. On the other hand, he may hop right out and begin exploring. Neither cat should be aware of each other’s presence just yet.

The Big Switch: Scent Investigation

Your new cat will begin to feel more comfortable in his new environment. He may also begin to show interest in what’s out “there”. At this point, it’s a good idea to switch the cats without them seeing each other. Allow your new cat to investigate a larger portion of the house while leaving his scent around. Your resident cat should be guided into the new cat’s environment to sniff around. Do this for just a few minutes every day.

Our Smell: Building the Family Scent

It’s also helpful to rub a towel on one of the cats to pick up his scent. Then, rub the same towel on the other cat to pick up hers. This allows for the scents to intermingle and create a “family scent”. Continue rubbing the towel on each cat in an alternating fashion.

Sniffed but Not Seen: Meeting through the Door

Eventually, you can proceed to the next step. The best way to make the cats aware of each other for the first time is by way of food. Try placing their favorite meal or treats on opposite sides of the door that divides them.

When they take notice of each other without showing aggression, make sure to give each of them some extra-special treats. This way, they will begin to associate each other’s scent with something yummy and rewarding. After they’ve eaten their meals this way with no hissing or other aggressive behavior, then you may proceed to the next step.

First Physical Contact: Playtime through the Door

A good transition to actual contact is to attempt play time through the door. You and a helper can play with each cat on opposite sides of the door. Then, encourage the cats to reach under the door with their paws to grab the toy. They may end up playing with each other’s paws. If any aggression is displayed, stop immediately and try again later.

“Oh, Hi”: The First Face-to-Face

Try replacing the solid door with something they can see through but can’t readily get at each other through. A baby gate, play pen, or a screen door work well. It’s important not to yell or raise your voice to correct behavior. This will only add to the stress of the situation and cause the cats to associate each other with negativity.

If aggression is displayed between the cats, simply revert to the solid door and try again at a later time. Always reward good behavior with treats and offer lots of love and pets for both cats.

Finally: Spending Some Time Together

After at least a week or two of no signs of aggression, the cats may be ready to spend some time together without a barrier between them. This time should always be supervised. Try to get the cats together when they’re more likely to be calm, such as after eating or when they’re relaxing from playtime.

Make sure to reward good behavior. If you foresee any aggression or if either cat demonstrates signs of aggression, end the session and try again later. Again, don’t attempt to yell or correct inappropriate behavior with violence. A squirt bottle can be handy in instances when behavior must be corrected.

A Few Other Tips

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Your cat isn’t being malicious every time she bites or nibbles at you. It is just in your cat’s nature to bite or nibble a little. This is simply just a part of their personality and more so in some cats than others.

So, What is Hissing?

The truth is that a cat’s hissing is simply a defensive trait. This is how a cat expresses themselves to other animals as well as their owners. It is the cat going into a defensive mode, meaning that they feel threatened in some way.

Just because your cat hisses doesn’t mean that you have an aggressive cat or that your cat has something wrong with them. In fact, all cats hiss. It is a natural response and a very important survival mechanism. It is how a cat says that they are feeling threatened, provoked or preyed on. Hissing can also be a warning and may happen before your cat will attempt to strike or bite.

Hissing and Other Indicators

When cats are in defense mode, there are also other physical signs that you can look for. When a cat hisses, she will open her mouth, show her teeth, and make a snake-like sound. A male cat that has not been neutered will make a louder hiss than other cats.

Next, the cat’s ears will lay flat across her head. Then, she will arch her back and her tail will get poufy. The poufy tail is the easiest way to see that your cat feels threatened. This is the cat’s way of saying, “stay away or this will get ugly”. It may also mean that the cat is being territorial, letting other animals in her area know that this is her territory and they are not welcomed.

Some Reasons Cats Hiss

Most people think that when a cat is hissing it is always being an aggressor. That a cat who hisses at other cats, dogs or people in the house is instigating a fight or trying to provoke a problem. A lot of the time this isn’t case. Usually, the cat is just trying to let everyone know that she is feeling threatened or that she feels as if her personal space is being invaded.

Cats also hiss when they are dissatisfied with a situation or don’t like something that is happening. There might not even be a risk or threat present. A great way to think of this is when you stub your toe on a coffee table, or when you forgot to get milk at the grocery store. If you had the ability to hiss, you probably would in these situations. Another example would be when your cat is laying in your chair and you move her to sit down. She may also hiss when she is in pain.

The Origins of Hissing

When a cat hisses it sounds very similar to a hissing snake. Behavior studies have linked cats hissing to them actually imitating a snake. Animals are notorious for coping and simulating what other aggressive animals do, so it’s not too strange that cats hiss because they were imitating snakes. It is believed that cats imitate snakes because snakes are so deadly and everyone, human or not, fears a snake’s hiss.

What to Do When Your Cat Hisses

When your cat hisses you don’t want to scold her. Instead, give her some space and time to relax. Sometimes, you will just have to let her blow off a little steam. This will let her know that you are respecting her space as well as saying that you understand her.

Also, keep in mind that if you are bringing a new pet into the equation, you will need to give your established cat time to accept that there is a new animal. She will hiss more than normal because she will feel like her space is being threatened. Keep the cats at a safe distance until they no longer hiss so much at each other.

When a friend or relative comes over and your cat hisses at them, don’t yell at your cat as this will only make the situation worst. Instead, let your cat sniff the new person’s hand for a while until they get acquainted with their smell. This will help your cat understand that this person is not a threat and that they are friendly.

If your cat paws at you or tries to bite for any reason, don’t pull away as this will definitely cause a deep scratch and send your cat the wrong signals. Talk very gently to your cat and pet her very, very slowly. This will show her that you are not going to harm her and will also help break down her defense wall with you and people in general.

Overall, there are many reasons for why a cat will hiss and bite. The key is to remember to try and understand why she is hissing and biting. This will help you decide the best way to put you cat at ease. It’s all about your cat feeling safe and secure in her home. There are many ways to do this and your cat will not only be happier because you understand, but she will love you for it as well.


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How is Giardia in Cats Contract?

Giardia is not a worm; it is a single-cell parasite. This parasite can also be passed along to other cats and animals; one common way is through an infected cat’s litter box. Even when a cat has the parasite, it might not show any symptoms for many years.

There are several causes for a cat contracting giardia. The most common is the cat swallowing the parasite while it is in cyst form, or by drinking contaminated water if the cat is frequently outside. Once ingested, it will travel to the stomach and eventually make it to the intestines.

Once there, the parasite will live and go through its transitional life stages. The cyst will transform into its feeding form and will attach itself to the intestinal wall where it will feed until it is passed in the cats stool. Once passed, it is highly contagious and can be passed to other cats almost instantly.

If many are present and attached to the intestinal wall, there can be substantial damage done and signs will start to develop. Giardia is way more common in kittens and younger cats and is harder to find in older cats. This is also something that is easily transmitted in places where there are multiple cats like a boarding house, animal shelter or even a pet store.

Signs, Symptoms, and a Diagnosis of Giardia in Cats

There are symptoms that may tell you if your cat possibly has the parasite but it could possibly take several years before your cat will start showing symptoms. These parasites are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye when passed in the stool. In fact, the only way to see these microscopic parasites is by a fecal smear under a microscope. Even then, it may be had to tell with just a fecal smear. Your veterinarian may have to conduct several tests and use different flotation solutions to get an exact determination.

Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean that there aren’t other signs that you can look for. The stool will be the easiest way to do this without conducting a fecal exam.

These symptoms can also be signs of many other medical conditions in cats including cancer, so the only way to tell for sure is by a veterinarian’s diagnosis.

Treatments for Giardia in Cats

For treatment, there is typically one medication called Metronidazole that is more commonly used to treat giardiasis. It is an antibiotic that comes in multiple different flavors to help disguise its bitterness. The pills will have to be cut to be able to administer the correct because proper dosage will differ from cat to cat. Sometimes, a cat’s immune system will require several rounds of treatment for it to be effective. Some cats may be unresponsive to this treatment and require different medications.

There are some serious side effects to Metronidazole such as:

Most of these symptoms are rare and if one of these symptoms starts to appear in your cat, simply bring it to attention of your vet. Your vet can prescribe a different medication. There are many medications available to treat giardiasis, especially since there may be more than one round of treatment needed to clear up the infection.

Fenbendazole is another medication that is frequently prescribed with Metronidazole. It’s usually prescribed when the cat is dehydrated due to severe diarrhea.

Prevention and Tips for Giardia in Cats

The best prevention is for your cat not to be housed with other cats, such as in a kennel or boarding house. Also, having yearly checks is also recommended since there might not be any clinical signs of a giardia infection. The easiest way to prevent giardiasis, of course, is to always maintain a very clean and sanitary lifestyle for your cats.

Sift all litter boxes regularly to keep clear of waste. This will help prevent the spread of giardia to your other animals through contact with feces. Occasionally using bleach and water to clean the litter box will also ensure that any organisms in the box are killed.

Some other precautions include:

Since a giardia infection is sometimes hard to detect, the fecal smear will be the most important role in getting a correct diagnosis. So, even though this parasite can be easily transmitted among cats and other animals, it can also be easily prevented as well.


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Dirofilaria immititis are the blood-borne parasites that reside in the heart or the arteries of infected animals. A female heartworm is about 6 to 14 inches long. A male heartworm is approximately half the female’s size.

Causes of Heartworm Infection

Cats are naturally resistant hosts. Microfilareia is uncommon, being seen in in less than 20 percent of cases. The infection occurs when a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae bites a cat to feed on the cat’s blood. The heartworm larvae then migrate into their new host and mature as they travel through the cat’s subcutaneous tissue.

After about 3 to 4 months, the parasites settle into the blood vessels and arteries of the lungs. Here, they continue to mature into adults. The prepatent period is the average time it takes the parasite to enter the host and become mature worms producing offspring. In cats, the prepatent period is one month longer than dogs, averaging about eight months.

Clinical Signs of Heartworm Infection

The clinical signs can be non-specific. They tend to mimic many other diseases. Generic signs of illness are often exhibited, such as:

When heartworms travel to the pulmonary arteries, the symptoms may be misdiagnosed as allergic bronchitis or asthma. These symptoms may actually be due to Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).

Cats often exhibit clinical signs related to the organs the heartworms are inhabiting.

How a Heartworm Infection is Diagnosed

Diagnosing a heartworm infection by clinical signs alone is not possible. It is more difficult to diagnose in cats than it is in dogs and is easier to overlook. For some diagnostic testing, a negative test result does not necessarily rule out an infection. The diagnostic plan for cats may include, but is not limited to:

A physical examination

Even in cats with heartworms, the results of a physical exam may be normal. Abnormal-sounding lungs are frequently found and may be present in cats that do not have any noticeable respiratory difficulties. This is often misdiagnosed if further diagnostic testing is not pursued.

X-rays

X-ray imaging is generally the best test for confirming a diagnosis of heartworm infection. It is also used to develop a prognosis (outlook for recovery).The enlargement of the pulmonary artery’s main trunk is not as common in cats as it is in dogs. In cats, the primary response to heartworm infection typically occurs in the lungs. Therefore, if the pulmonary arteries are enlarged with ill-defined margins, a diagnosis can be confirmed.

Echocardiograms

Echocardiography is ultrasonography. It is a noninvasive way to form visualizations of areas inside the body using sound. Echocardiograms are useful to identify heartworms within the heart, pulmonary arteries, and close areas of the right and left branches. However, using ultrasonography to visualize the extremities of the arteries where immature heartworms thrive is almost impossible. If heartworms are found using ultrasonography, a definite diagnosis of infection is given.

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Cats with heartworm infection may demonstrate anemia, immature red blood cells, an increase in the number of white blood cells. Normal white blood cell counts does not necessarily rule out heartworm infection because they are usually not present in circulation consistently, occurring 4 to 7 months after initial infection and then intermittently.

Antigen testing

In an antigen test, the cat is tested for specific antigens that are found in adult female heartworms. Antigen tests are routinely used to detect heartworm infection in dogs. These tests are also approved for use in cats. In dogs, most tests will detect infections that consist of one or more mature female heartworms that are at least 7 or 8 months old. However, they do not detect infections that are less than 5 months in duration.

Unfortunately, some of these tests are not sensitive enough to detect many infections in cats. They tend to fail in detecting infections that consist of immature heartworms, male heartworms and some infections that consist of only 1 or 2 adult female worms.

Treatment for Heartworm Infections

Unfortunately, there is no anthelmintic treatment for heartworm infection in cats as there are for other internal parasites. Most cats that are exhibiting clinical signs of lung disease are monitored with chest X-rays every few months and given decreasing doses of prednisone.

Since cats are naturally resistant hosts, this allows time for a spontaneous cure to occur. In severe cases, heartworm extraction has been performed.

Prevention is Key

There are a number of monthly medications available from your veterinarian that prevent heartworm infection. It’s generally recommended for all cats to undergo serology testing prior to the administration of preventatives. These tests detect both antigens and antibodies to rule out possible heartworm infection.

It is also important to note that over time, your cat may develop a tolerance to the medication in their parasite prevention. If this occurs, your veterinarian will simply switch your cat to another product that has a different active ingredient. This switching of medication may continue for the duration of your cat’s life. Parasite prevention is crucial for optimal health and should begin as soon as possible.

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