Feline Cardiac Symptoms

The two most common types of feline cardiac disease are hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. The former is a genetic condition that is inherited through bloodlines, while the latter is a disease caused by a deficiency of the organic acid taurine. Feline cardiac symptoms can be difficult to detect, particularly at the initial onset of the disease. As the heart disease progresses, however, particularly in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, there are a number of symptoms that can arise.

  1. Weakness and Lethargy

    • Some of the first signs of feline cardiac disease are weakness, lethargy and a significant decrease in the cat's activity level. You may notice your cat sleeping more often or showing signs of difficulty when walking. Weakness may cause your cat to have difficulty using the bathroom. These symptoms are primarily caused by pulmonary edema, or fluid accumulating around the heart.

    Respiratory Complications

    • Pulmonary edema, a common effect of feline cardiac disease, also will cause respiratory complications, such as labored or rapid breathing. Open-mouth breathing or stretching and straining of the neck to try and inhale air are both obvious signs that there are respiratory complications that need to be addressed.

    Limb Swelling and Paralysis

    • Pulmonary edema and fluid accumulation in the body may cause your cat's limbs to swell and appear puffy. In some cases, blood clots may form, which can cause paralysis, particularly in the rear legs.

    Abdominal Swelling

    • Congestive heart failure, an effect of feline heart disease, will contribute to fluid accumulation in the body. This typically will cause abdominal swelling, causing a distended belly that appears swollen and puffy. Your cat likely will show obvious signs of discomfort and may become extremely agitated when the belly is touched because the distention of the skin can cause pain.