What Are the Causes of Congestive Heart Failure in Cats?

Congestive heart failure in cats is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump sufficient quantities of blood to the body. Normally in congestive heart failure, the heart begins working overtime to make up for its lack of efficiency and begins to enlarge as fluid accumulates in the heart. There are many different causes of congestive heart failure in cats, but the result is always the same; it eventually leads to death.

Aging

The main cause of congestive heart failure in cats is the degeneration of the heart valves with age. As cats age the heart muscle begins to show signs of wear. The heart valves do not open and close as efficiently as they did when the cat was younger, allowing small amounts of blood to flow backward. This backflow of blood makes each subsequent pump of the heart more difficult than the last, forcing the heart to work harder. The heart muscle will begin to enlarge from the extra effort and the walls will begin to thicken, making it even harder to pump blood and aggravating the condition.

Congenital Defects

The next-most-common cause of heart failure in cats is congenital defects. When a kitten is born with a defect in her heart, she will exhibit signs of weakness such as exercise intolerance, panting and pale mucous membranes. Depending on the severity of the defect, cats with congenital heart defects are likely to suffer a premature death.

Other Causes

Other causes of heart failure in cats include: heartworm disease, infections of the heart and pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart) and heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy). Each of these conditions, while treatable, can cause congestive heart failure in cats if left untreated.

Symptoms

Symptoms that your cat might be experiencing heart failure include: shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, weight loss, chronic fatigue and coughing. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, have him evaluated by a veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment is paramount for preserving your cat's quality and longevity of life.

Treatment

Treatments for congestive heart failure are aimed at providing your cat with some relief from symptoms, not as a cure for the disease. Common treatments include: diuretics (water pills), oxygen treatments and nitroglycerine. The diet will be modified to limit sodium to relieve the excess fluid buildup, and a digoxin to improve heart function may be prescribed. The cat's survival depends on the owner's diligence in ensuring the cat strictly follows medication and dietary protocols.