How Likely Is a Cat to Develop HCM?

1 How Likely Is a Cat to Develop HCM?

1. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)

No matter the breed or age, some diseases find your cat despite careful care — heart disease is one, and HCM is a common type in cats. Its scariest trait: early on there may be no signs, yet it can strike suddenly and turn fatal. It is hard to notice; many owners learn their cat has heart disease only after an episode, when treatment is already late. What kind of disease is it?

HCM thickens and enlarges the left ventricle wall for no clear reason; the exact cause is unknown, but much of it ties to genes and shows in breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls — owners of these should take extra care. Even so, any cat, purebred or not, can develop it. If it flares up later, the thickened wall blocks blood supply, causing ventricular arrhythmia and death.

2. Symptoms of HCM

Many cats show clear signs only in late stages; usually found not by symptoms but by routine exam, with subtle signs. Auscultation may reveal a murmur or irregular rhythm. With congestive failure, breathing becomes fast and labored, and in severe cases the limbs go paralyzed or the cat goes lame with strong pain.

3. How HCM is treated

1) When breathing is hard, drain pleural effusion or pulmonary edema with a needle or drugs to fix the oxygen shortage.

2) Use targeted drugs to ease arrhythmia and other heart issues, improving the cardiovascular system and its symptoms.

3) Use an anticoagulant when needed.

4) Avoid stress reactions in daily life.

We hope every cat stays free of this disease and keeps its owner company, healthy and happy.