- VEG
- 6 hours ago
- 7 min read
As cats age, the heart muscle can thicken or enlarge, reducing the ability to pump blood efficiently throughout the body. This extra strain may eventually lead to a condition known as congestive heart failure (CHF).
Although heart failure is not inevitable, its likelihood rises with a pet’s advancing age. As a cat owner, it's important to learn the signs and symptoms of heart failure so you can recognize when your pet may be experiencing it, and seek emergency veterinary support. Remember your local VEG ER for Pets is open 24/7 to care for your cat's emergency symptoms.
What is Heart Failure in Cats?
There are two important terms you may hear when it comes to your cat’s heart health: heart disease and heart failure.
Heart disease in cats
This is a broad term that covers a variety of conditions affecting the heart, such as a murmur or an arrhythmia. At this stage, a cat may not show any symptoms and may continue to live a full, active life.
Heart failure in cats
This refers to the point when heart disease has progressed and the heart can no longer function at full capacity. As the heart’s performance decreases, it can no longer pump blood efficiently to the body’s muscles and organs, leading to noticeable symptoms. Congestive heart failure happens when heart failure progresses, and fluid builds up in organs such as the lungs. The accumulation of fluid will severely affect your cat’s ability to breathe and function normally, as we'll discuss further in this blog.
Types of Heart Failure in Cats
Like humans, a cat’s heart has four chambers. These chambers are divided into two sides that work together to circulate oxygen throughout the body. The right side receives blood that needs oxygen, while the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood back out to the body.
If congestive heart failure develops, your vet will generally diagnose your cat with either left-sided CHF or right-sided CHF.
Left-sided CHF in cats (most common type)
This occurs when the left side of the heart can’t pump oxygenated blood efficiently into the body. As a result, fluid backs up into the lungs. Cats with left-sided CHF often develop respiratory symptoms such as rapid breathing, which may sound raspy.
Right-sided CHF in cats
Cats with right-sided CHF may show swelling in the belly (ascites), retention of fluid, or swollen legs. This happens when the heart's right side struggles to pump blood returning from the body. As a result, fluid can build up in the abdomen, chest cavity, and limbs.
What Causes CHF in Cats and What are the Risk Factors?
Some conditions and risk factors can increase your cat’s chances of developing heart failure. We'll review these below, so you can reach out to your VEG emergency vet promptly if you notice any signs of heart disease. While the diagnosis may feel overwhelming, it is not automatically a crisis. With proper care, treatment, and monitoring, many cats continue to live full, happy lives for years.
Common causes of congestive heart failure in cats
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
This is the most common cause of heart disease in cats, affecting approximately one in seven cats. “Hypertrophic” means enlarged or overgrown, and in this condition, it refers to the thickening of the left ventricle (the main pumping chamber of the heart). As the ventricle wall thickens, the chamber inside becomes smaller, leaving less room for blood to fill. With less blood available to pump, the heart beats faster than normal, leading to heart failure.
Congenital defects
Some kittens are born with heart abnormalities that are present from birth. In some cases, these may resolve as the kitten matures. However, other defects may persist or progress over time. Early veterinary evaluation is important to determine whether the condition is harmless or requires monitoring and treatment. Detecting congenital heart disease early can give your pet the best chance at a long and healthy life.
Infections
Myocarditis, an inflammation of the heart’s muscular wall, is often caused by bacterial, viral, fungal and protozoal infections. If your pet shows any sign of infection, seek immediate veterinary attention.
Risk factors for CHF in cats
Sex of feline
While not fully understood, male cats (both neutered and intact) are more prone to HCM than female cats.
Cat breed
Maine Coons, Persians, Ragdolls, Sphynx, Bengals, and American Shorthairs are some of the breeds genetically predisposed to heart failure.
Age of cat
As cats grow older, their risk of developing heart disease, and eventually heart failure, increases naturally.
Obesity
Maintaining a healthy weight is an important part of reducing your cat’s risk of heart failure. Extra weight forces the heart to pump harder to deliver blood throughout a larger body. Over time, this added strain can cause the heart muscle to weaken or thicken, increasing the likelihood of developing heart disease.
Keeping your pet at a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to support long-term heart health.
Common Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure in Cats
Now that you understand the types of heart disease in cats and how it can occur, read on for a list of common symptoms, as described by VEG Medical Director, Dr. Jason Dombrosky.
With the help of this guide, you can choose when it’s time to call the vet. If you ever have any questions or concerns regarding your pet’s health, you should always contact a veterinarian or emergency vet as soon as possible so you can quickly find the underlying cause of your pet’s behavior.
6 common symptoms of heart failure in cats:
Raspy, short breathing is a sign of heart failure in cats
Watch your cat's breathing. If you see the sides of your cat moving in and out faster than usual, they could be experiencing shortness of breath. Additionally, listen for breathing raspiness or sounds similar to a low growl. This is often the first sign many pet owners notice in their cats with heart failure. Eating and resting may become more difficult for them because of this symptom too.
Pacing and restlessness is a sign a cat may have heart failure
Cats are prone to pacing and restlessness when suffering from heart failure. Pets may pace because they are in pain from their heart failure or because the secondary symptoms associated with heart failure are causing discomfort.
Additionally, pets may become restless when they have heart failure because they know something is wrong. They may not realize how serious their condition is, but they still recognize that they don’t feel well and are unsure what to do about it. This may lead to anxiety, so some pets are given anxiety medication in later stages of heart failure.
Panting and wheezing can mean heart failure in cats
Early intervention allows your pet the best quality of life since heart failure is a progressive condition that worsens over time. As heart failure progresses, pets will have more and more difficulty breathing. You may notice your pet’s sides heaving in and out more when they breathe, or you may hear them wheezing in their sleep or otherwise at rest. They may also pant or breathe with their mouth open more often.
Trouble breathing can be associated with a wide variety of health problems in pets. However, if your pet has already been diagnosed with heart failure and experiences this symptom, the two are likely linked.
Sudden paralysis is a symptom of heart failure in cats
In later stages of heart failure, cats with HCM, may develop a condition called saddle thrombus. This occurs when a blood clot travels from the heart and lodges at the point where the arteries branch to the back legs. The blockage cuts off blood flow, causing sudden paralysis and severe pain.
Recovery depends greatly on how quickly your pet receives medical attention. If your pet is suddenly in pain or unable to walk, seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Our staff at VEG is always ready, with hospitals open 24 hours every day.
Lethargy and weakness in cats can mean heart failure
Other common symptoms of heart failure in cats are lethargy and weakness. Lethargy and weakness are both associated with a wide range of health problems in cats. However, if your pet becomes weak or lethargic along with other specific symptoms on this list, then heart failure may be the underlying cause.
If your pet is diagnosed with heart failure and you notice them growing more and more lethargic and weak, this is normal. The disease is progressing, and your pet is weakening as a result of it. Do what you can to keep them comfortable and manage the symptoms throughout the rest of their life.
Fainting or collapsing can be due to heart failure in cats
Finally, fainting or collapsing may occur along with heart failure in some pets. If your pet suddenly faints or collapses and you know they have heart failure, you may not choose to take them to the vet, depending on the end of life plan you have in mind for your cat.
If you are unsure what has caused your pet to suddenly collapse or faint, however, take them to the emergency vet immediately. It could be heart failure, but it could be any number of other issues instead.
Treatment for Congestive Heart Failure in Cats
Get to VEG if you notice any signs or symptoms of heart failure in your cat. While there is no cure for heart failure, some cats can live a long time with a better quality of life when they're in early to moderate stages. That's why acting quickly when you spot symptoms of CHF in your cat is important.
Our VEG vet can discuss prognosis for CHF with you and offer professional advice on how to help you manage your cat's CHF symptoms so they can live more comfortably.
VEG is Open 24 Hours for Cat Emergencies
VEG has emergency vet hospital locations all over the country that are open 24 hours a day, on weekends and holidays too. So don’t wait, make sure your pet gets the care they need by calling and speaking to one of our emergency vets or by bringing your cat in to be seen immediately, day or night.
