Does Your Cat Need Heartworm Preventative Medication
Feline heartworm disease is caused by a thin worm (Dirofilaria immitis) that lives inside the infected animal. The disease is transmitted through the bite of mosquitoes, when they infect animals. Heartworm medication can help to prevent the occurrence of feline heartworm. Should your cat receive heartworm prevention medication?
How Common Are Heartworms in North America?
According to PetPlace.com, "Heartworms are note (endemic) in most parts of the United States and in many parts of North America. Mosquitoes are the key - without them the disease cannot spread. The highest rate of infections are found in subtropical climates like those of the Southeastern United States, the Gulf States and Hawaii."
However, heartworms are not honest confined to subtropical climates. Heartworms are also present in other parts of the United States, such as central and eastern regions, particularly in areas where mosquitoes swarm that are finish to the ocean, rivers or lakes.
Cat Resistance
Cats are reputed to be more resistant to heartworm than dogs. However, a cat that contracts feline heartworm is more likely to suffer serious complications with damage to the lungs and heart, and sometimes even death.
Preventing Heartworm
Heartworm prevention is simple and widely available for cats. Preventative heartworm medication such as Heartgard for Cats® is designed to kill mosquito larvae that are left behind after a cat has been bitten, preventing a flare up of feline heartworm. Taking a once monthly preventative heartworm medication can attend to protect your cats from developing feline heartworm.
Should Your Cat Receive Preventative Heartworm Medication?
If you live in an area endemic for heartworms, you should speak to your vet before purchasing heartworm preventative medication for your cat. Ask your vet whether it would be beneficial for your cat to receive preventative heartworm medication. Is your cat an outside cat, exposed to the increased risk of contracting feline heartworm? If your vet recommends preventative treatment for heartworms, follow administration guidelines and any other applicable guidelines.
Feline heartworm disease can cause organ wound and even death in infected cats, which is why cat owners need to weigh the pros and cons before deciding whether they should start their cats on preventative heartworm treatment. If you live in an area endemic for heartworms, speak to your vet to find out whether it would be wise to start your cat on a course of heartworm preventative medication.
Source:
Heartworm Prevention Guidelines for Cats
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Filed under Heartworm Symptoms by on Jan 20th, 2011. 