Symptoms2026-03-09Carelogy編集部
Heart Disease in Cats (HCM): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Home Care
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats: symptoms, echocardiogram diagnosis, treatment, blood clot prevention, and daily care. Vet-supervised guide.
The Bottom Line: Heart Disease in Cats Hides Until It Is Dangerous
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats, affecting an estimated 15% of the feline population. What makes it so frightening is that early-stage HCM produces virtually no symptoms. Many cats appear perfectly healthy until they suddenly develop breathing difficulty or hind-leg paralysis from a blood clot — and only then is the disease discovered.
Maine Coons, Ragdolls, British Shorthairs, and Persians carry a higher genetic risk and should have an echocardiogram at least once a year. For all other cats, discussing heart screening with your vet during routine checkups is a smart preventive step.
Symptoms of HCM and Dangerous Warning Signs
Early stage (asymptomatic): The only hint may be a heart murmur detected during a routine exam — otherwise, no visible signs.
Mid stage: Rapid breathing at rest (over 40 breaths per minute), reluctance to exercise, and tiring quickly.
Emergency signs (seek immediate care):
- Open-mouth breathing
- Hind legs suddenly paralyzed or cold to the touch (arterial thromboembolism, or ATE)
- Sudden collapse or altered consciousness
- Blue or purple gums and tongue
ATE is a life-threatening emergency. If your cat's back legs feel cold and they are crying in pain, get to an emergency animal hospital without delay.
Diagnostic Tests and What They Cost
Echocardiogram (cardiac ultrasound): The gold standard for diagnosing HCM. It measures heart wall thickness, left atrial size, and blood flow in detail. Typical cost: $40–$120 (¥5,000–15,000).
NT-proBNP blood test: A biomarker that indicates cardiac stress. Useful as a screening tool, costing around $25–$40 (¥3,000–5,000).
Chest X-ray: Checks for an enlarged heart silhouette and signs of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Electrocardiogram (ECG): Used to detect arrhythmias.
If your vet detects a heart murmur during a routine exam, strongly consider following up with an echocardiogram — it is the most reliable way to confirm or rule out HCM.
Treatment Options and Blood Clot Prevention
There is no cure for HCM, but treatment can slow progression and prevent life-threatening complications.
Medications:
- Beta-blockers (e.g., atenolol): Slow the heart rate and reduce the heart muscle's oxygen demand
- Clopidogrel (antiplatelet drug): First-line therapy for blood clot prevention
- Diuretics (furosemide): Used when pulmonary edema or congestion develops
Home monitoring:
- Count the resting respiratory rate daily — watch your cat while sleeping and count breaths over one minute. If it exceeds 40 breaths per minute, contact your vet immediately.
- Stay alert for sudden lethargy or appetite loss, as these can signal that the disease is progressing.
獸醫問「什麼時候開始的？」你答得出來嗎？
別讓自己在診間手足無措。CatsMe自動記錄每日健康評分，一鍵就能分享給獸醫。
心臓病HCM肥大型心筋症血栓猫の病気
