Symptoms of Heart Problems in Cats

Cats very rarely suffer heart attacks, but they can experience heart complications, according to Doctors Foster and Smith Pet Education. The most common feline heart ailment is cardiomyopathy, a disease that comes in three types: hypertrophic, dilated and restrictive (or concentric) cardiomyopathy. Some feline cardiologists also recognize arrhythmogenic right ventricular and unclassified cardiomyopathy. Because the feline's heart is critical in circulating blood and sustaining life, it is important to look for the symptoms of heart problems in cats.

  1. Decreased Appetite

    • A decreased appetite is a sign of numerous illnesses including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which is the most common of the three types of heart disease and affects male more than female cats. If your cat is suffering from HCM, vomiting and weakness will likely accompany its lack of appetite, according to Vet Info and Pet Education.

    Heart Murmur/Abnormal Heartbeat

    • Heart murmurs indicate all three types of cardiomyopathy. HCM thickens the heart's walls, dilated cardiomyopathy thins the heart's muscle tissue, and restrictive cardiomyopathy stiffens the heart muscle. All create abnormalities that compromise blood flow, producing a murmur sound. All three may also cause what Vet Info terms a "gallop" or abnormal heartbeat. If dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) has progressed into heart failure, the heart rate slows down.

    Low Blood Pressure

    • Another sign of heart failure resulting from DCM is low blood pressure, which occurs when the heart rate slows down because of its failing condition. Your cat's body temperature will decrease over time as well as the condition worsens.

    Rapid Breathing

    • Your cat may be suffering from the advanced stages of HCM if you notice an increase in its breathing patterns. Pet Education explains the symptoms accompanying HCM are not obvious at first. Rather, as HCM worsens your cat's heart health, you will begin to see your feline breathing more heavily than normal.

    Rear Leg Paralysis

    • Should your cat become paralyzed in its hindquarters, it may be suffering from a painful blood clot in one of its arteries. Blood clots are indicative of all three cardiomyopathy types and are extremely dangerous. You may also notice that your cat's paw pads are cold and darker in color. Any cat suffering from the symptoms of blood clots should be taken to the vet immediately, instructs Vet Info.