Heartworms and Cats

New Study Reveals Disease Is Not Just For Dogs
by VPI Pet HealthZone

Cats are not the preferred target of most mosquitoes or the preferred host for the heartworms. They appear to have a natural resistance to infection and can live with very low worm burdens without ever showing any related clinical signs. Cats tend to have fewer worms than dogs, and the worms are more short-lived, as compared to dogs.

Because of this lower rate of infection and lower worm burden, heartworm disease is more difficult to detect in cats. This has led it to mainly be thought of as a dog affliction.

However, a new landmark study by researchers at Auburn University revealed that cats are also in danger, and that heartworms do not need to reach maturity to impact their health. This feline condition is coming to be known as HARD, or Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease, and can be particularly devastating.

Read more about this revealing study and how you can protect your cats on the VPI Pet HealthZone.