Cat Heart Murmur Symptoms

Unstable blood flow in the heart and blood vessels causes heart murmurs in cats. Blood leaks out of the valves, inhibiting proper circulation. Anemia and bacterial infections, as well as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, taurine deficiency, dialated cardiomyopathty and feline hyperthyroidism often cause heart murmur, so symptoms of these afflictions may indicate murmurs. Most cats with heart murmurs go on to lead normal, healthy lives so long as they receive proper treatment from a veterinarian.

  1. Lethargy

    • According to the Feline Advisory Board, lethargy and listlessness are common signs of heart murmur in cats. Cats with heart murmurs find it difficult to perform strenuous physical activity and are often found at rest. While an affected cat's pulse is higher than normal, a slow heartbeat leads to this sense of lethargy; veterinary professionals using ultrasound equipment monitor this abnormal heartbeat. Poor blood flow weakens the extremities, which can be detected by feeling your cat's extremities for coldness. Some heart murmur-affected cats exhibit a lack of appetite, weight loss, weakness, restlessness, irritability, pacing, vomiting or increased production of feces. These latter signs may also indicate taurine deficiency or hyperthyroidism, conditions which often lead to heart murmur.

    Pale Gums

    • The bacterial infections associated with feline gum disease can also cause heart murmurs in affected cats. As heart murmur causes restricted, irregular or turbulent blood flow, afflicted cats' gums (which gain their healthy, natural color from regular blood flow), may appear pale in color. Firmly press your finger against your cat's gums and release your finger; if it takes around five or more seconds for color to return to the cat's gums, this might be a sign of heart murmur. Similarly, other areas of the body that derive their hues from healthy circulation, such as the tongue and skin, may be discolored when a cat has a heart murmur.

    Respiratory Issues

    • Heart murmur may cause liquid to build up in a cat's lungs or heart; thus, respiration difficulties may indicate the affliction. A wet cough is a symptom of liquid in the lungs from heart murmur. Cats with this health issue breathe irregularly or abnormally and often exhibit shallow, labored or strained breathing, even while at rest. Panting can also be a symptom. A cat with heart murmur may position its body with its head and neck abnormally thrust out to assist with breathing problems brought on by the condition.