Heartworm Disease in
Cats
Commonly Asked Questions
How common is heartworm disease in cats in
Utah?
There have only been two reported cases of feline heartworms
in Utah. Both cases were identified by an autopsy. We
really don't know how common it is because there is
not an accurate test for cats. We do know that infection
is diagnosed most commonly in dogs because they are
more susceptible to infection than cats.
Which cats are at the greatest risk?
Nationally, statistics show that male cats tend to
be infected more commonly than female cats, mostly because
male cats spend more time roaming outside and have less
resistance to infection than female cats. Cats that
spend significant amounts of time outside are at increased
risk for developing heartworm infection.
What are the recommendations for preventing
heartworm disease in cats?
Because there have not been a high number of reported
cases of heartworm disease in cats in Utah, we do not
feel it as necessary to give your cats the monthly
preventative as it is for dogs. However, because
heartworm disease is very difficult to diagnose and
to treat in cats, you may want to consider putting your
cat on a monthly preventative. We carry both heartgard
and revolution for cats.
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