Congestive Heart Failure in Cats: Symptoms and Treatments

Is your cat acting differently? Maybe they’re breathing harder than usual, or they’ve lost interest in their food. Noticing unusual behavior in your feline friend can be unsettling. While cats are experts at hiding discomfort, some subtle changes may point to a serious condition: congestive heart failure (CHF). Congestive heart failure in cats is a condition that affects the heart’s ability to circulate blood properly, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs or chest. Below, we’ll explore the symptoms of congestive heart failure in cats, the potential causes, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options available to support their quality of life. If your cat has been diagnosed or is showing signs of illness, contact our team at LePar Animal Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL at (708) 423-3200 or book an appointment online.

 

 

What Is Congestive Heart Failure in Cats?

Congestive heart failure in cats occurs when the heart can’t pump blood efficiently, causing fluid to accumulate in areas such as the lungs (pulmonary edema), chest cavity (pleural effusion), or abdomen (ascites). This buildup makes it difficult for cats to breathe and can eventually lead to organ dysfunction. CHF is not a disease in itself. It’s the result of an underlying heart condition that reduces the heart’s ability to function properly.

There are two primary types of CHF in cats: left-sided and right-sided. Left-sided CHF causes fluid to build up in the lungs, while right-sided CHF often leads to fluid in the abdomen or chest. Both types of congestive heart failure in cats can be life-threatening if not addressed early. The most common underlying cause is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a condition where the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, affecting its ability to relax and fill with blood.

Causes of Congestive Heart Failure in Cats

Many factors can contribute to the development of congestive heart failure in cats.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

HCM is the most common cause of heart disease in cats. It leads to thickening of the heart muscle, particularly the left ventricle, which reduces the heart’s ability to relax and fill with blood. This can eventually result in increased pressure and fluid buildup.

Heart Valve Disease

Defective heart valves may allow blood to flow backward within the heart, increasing pressure and reducing overall efficiency. Over time, this can contribute to CHF.

Congenital Heart Defects

Some cats are born with structural heart abnormalities that can interfere with normal function and eventually lead to congestive heart failure. These defects may not show symptoms until the cat is older.

High Blood Pressure and Hyperthyroidism

Both conditions can put extra strain on a cat’s heart. Chronic high blood pressure forces the heart to work harder to circulate blood, while an overactive thyroid (common in older cats) accelerates the heart rate and increases cardiac workload.

Other Contributing Conditions

Certain infections, inflammatory diseases, or trauma may contribute to cardiac damage. In some cases, toxins or poor nutrition especially in kittens can affect heart health.

Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure in Cats

Signs of congestive heart failure in cats often appear subtly at first but can progress quickly. Monitoring your cat’s behavior and physical condition is key to catching this condition early.

• Respiratory Changes: You may see your cat breathing with their mouth open, taking shallow or rapid breaths, or struggling to breathe when lying down. These symptoms result from fluid accumulation in or around the lungs.
• Lethargy and Weakness: Cats with CHF may tire easily or avoid activities they used to enjoy. They might sleep more, hesitate to jump, or seem generally weak.
• Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: Appetite changes are common in cats with congestive heart failure. If your cat stops eating or begins to lose weight unexpectedly, it’s worth bringing them in for a check-up.
• Coughing or Gagging: Although less common in cats than dogs, some cats with CHF may cough or gag, especially when fluid accumulates in the lungs.
• Swollen Abdomen: A distended belly may indicate fluid buildup in the abdomen, often associated with right-sided CHF. This symptom might be mistaken for weight gain, but it typically feels soft and fluid-filled.
• Pale or Bluish Gums: Poor blood circulation caused by heart failure may lead to pale or bluish gums, which is a sign of low oxygen levels in the blood. This symptom needs immediate veterinary attention.

Diagnosing Congestive Heart Failure in Cats

Diagnosing congestive heart failure in cats requires a thorough evaluation by your veterinarian. At LePar Animal Hospital, we use multiple diagnostic tools to evaluate heart function and determine the cause of your cat’s symptoms.

Physical Exam and History

Your vet will start by reviewing your cat’s medical history and performing a physical exam. They’ll listen to the heart and lungs for abnormal sounds, such as murmurs or crackles, which can indicate fluid buildup or poor cardiac function.

Chest X-Rays

X-rays can show whether fluid is present in the lungs or chest cavity and provide insight into the size and shape of the heart.

Echocardiogram (Ultrasound)

An echocardiogram is one of the most accurate tools for evaluating heart function in cats. It allows your vet to view the heart’s structure, measure wall thickness, and assess how efficiently it’s pumping.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

An ECG measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help identify abnormal heart rhythms that may be contributing to heart failure.

Blood Tests

Bloodwork can uncover secondary conditions like hyperthyroidism or kidney disease and provide additional information about your cat’s overall health.

Treatments for Congestive Heart Failure in Cats

Although congestive heart failure in cats is not curable, it is often manageable with proper veterinary care. Treatment focuses on reducing fluid buildup, improving heart function, and maintaining quality of life.

Medications

Your veterinarian may prescribe several types of medications, including:

• Diuretics to remove excess fluid from the body
• ACE inhibitors to relax blood vessels and improve circulation
• Beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers to control heart rate and reduce stress on the heart

Each medication plan is tailored to your cat’s specific needs and condition.

Oxygen Therapy

For cats experiencing severe breathing difficulty, oxygen therapy may be administered in a clinical setting. This can provide immediate relief while other treatments begin to take effect.

Dietary Changes

In some cases, a low-sodium diet may be recommended to reduce fluid retention. Nutritional support is essential, especially if your cat has lost weight or muscle mass.

Regular Monitoring

Ongoing check-ups and diagnostic imaging are necessary to track how your cat is responding to treatment. Adjustments to medication and lifestyle may be needed based on your cat’s progress.

Supporting Your Cat’s Health Moving Forward

Cats diagnosed with congestive heart failure often require long-term care and monitoring, but many continue to enjoy life with the right support in place. Being aware of the symptoms of congestive heart failure in cats can help you act quickly and partner effectively with your veterinarian. One helpful at-home monitoring tool is keeping track of your cat’s sleeping or resting respiratory rate. This involves counting the number of breaths your cat takes per minute while they are asleep or resting. An increase may signal fluid buildup or changes in heart function and should prompt a veterinary check-in.

If you notice any changes in your cat’s breathing, behavior, or appetite, contact LePar Animal Hospital at (708) 423-3200 or book an appointment online. Prompt care can make a significant difference in your cat’s comfort and longevity.