What are the symptoms of feline HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy)?

📅 👁 728 views 💬 19 replies Respiratory System
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Feline HCM means hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Early signs are usually unclear; as it worsens, cats become sleepy, cough, lose appetite, and breathe rapidly. Some develop pulmonary edema, causing severe difficulty breathing and orthopnea.

Some experts think HCM is hereditary — Maine Coon incidence is about 100%, and American Shorthairs also carry the gene. Affected cats need lifelong medication, a low-sodium diet, and limited activity, avoiding intense exercise, fright, and long transport.

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