Heart murmurs in cats are common during vet visits. Though the term may sound scary to pet owners, it does not always mean a big health problem. In this piece, we will look at what a heart murmur is, why it happens, signs to know, ways to find it, and how to treat it. This will help you take good care of your cat’s health.
What is a Heart Murmur in Cats?
A heart murmur in cats is a strange sound heard when the heart beats, found with a stethoscope. Unlike the normal “lub-dub” of a heartbeat, murmurs sound like whooshing or swishing. This noise shows that blood is flowing in an unusual way in the heart or nearby blood vessels.
Murmurs can be soft or loud. They are rated from 1 to 6:
- Grade 1: Very soft and hard to hear.
- Grade 2: Soft but clear with a stethoscope.
- Grade 3: Medium loud, with no strong thrill felt.
- Grade 4: Loud, may have a thrill.
- Grade 5: Very loud, with a strong thrill.
- Grade 6: Can be heard without a stethoscope.
Causes of Heart Murmurs in Cats
Murmurs can come from many things, some not serious and some more so. They fall into two groups: normal (innocent) or linked to a health issue (pathological).
Normal Murmurs
These murmurs are usually safe and can happen due to:
- Stress or fear at the vet.
- Fast heartbeat (common in young cats).
- Being pregnant or dehydrated.
Health-Related Murmurs
These come from problems with the heart, like:
- Heart Defects at Birth
Issues like holes in the heart or blood vessels that don’t close as they should. - Cardiomyopathies
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): The most common heart issue in cats, with thick heart walls.
- Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM): Rare; heart walls get thin, often from not having enough taurine.
- Valve Problems
Faulty heart valves can mess up how blood flows. - Hyperthyroidism
This is when the thyroid works too hard, raising heart rate and blood flow. - Anemia
Not enough red blood cells can cause odd blood flow. - Heartworm Disease
Worms that live in the heart and lungs can cause strange heart sounds.
Signs of Heart Murmurs in Cats
A heart murmur does not always mean a cat will show signs, especially if it is normal. But if there is a heart issue, you may see:
- Fast or hard breathing.
- Lack of energy or activity.
- Feeling weak or fainting.
- Not wanting to eat.
- Weight loss or poor growth in young cats.
- Blue gums or tongue.
- Belly swelling.
It’s key to call your vet right away if your cat shows these signs.
How Are Heart Murmurs Found in Cats?
Finding a murmur starts with a good check-up and the vet asking about your cat’s health. If a murmur is found, your vet may suggest more tests to find the reason and see how bad it is.
Ways to Find a Murmur
- Listening
Using a stethoscope to hear the heart is the first step. - Echocardiogram (Ultrasound)
This test gives real-time images of the heart. - X-Rays
These help check heart size and see if there is extra fluid. - Electrocardiogram (ECG)
This records the heart’s electric signals to find rhythm issues. - Blood Tests
These can find problems like hyperthyroidism or anemia. - Heartworm Tests
These are key where heartworms are a risk.
Treatment for Heart Murmurs in Cats
What to do depends on if the murmur is normal or a sign of a problem and what the cause is.
Normal Murmurs
These do not need treatment, but it’s smart to keep an eye on them to ensure they stay safe.
Health-Related Murmurs
- Medications
- Beta-blockers to slow the heart and lessen strain.
- ACE inhibitors to lower blood pressure and help blood flow.
- Diuretics for fluid build-up if heart issues occur.
- Taurine supplements for cats with DCM.
- Surgery
Some birth defects may need surgery to fix. - Diet Changes
- Low-salt foods to help heart health.
- Taurine-rich food for breeds at risk for DCM.
- Caring for Health Issues
Taking care of anemia, hyperthyroidism, or heartworm can often clear the murmur.
Prognosis and Long-Term Care
The outlook for cats with heart murmurs can change a lot based on the cause. Normal murmurs usually have a good outlook, while those linked to heart disease need ongoing care. Regular vet visits, sticking to treatments, and watching for signs are key for keeping your cat healthy.
Preventing Heart Murmurs in Cats
Not all heart murmurs can be stopped, but you can do a few things to help:
- Regular Vet Visits: These check-ups can find murmurs and other issues early.
- Good Food: Feed your cat a quality diet full of what it needs, including taurine.
- Stop Parasites: Use vet-approved medicines to keep away heartworm.
- Watch for Signs: Keep an eye out for heart or breathing problems.
When to See a Vet
If you see signs like trouble breathing, low energy, or fainting, call your vet fast. Even if your cat seems well, make sure to book regular health checks to catch murmurs and other issues early.
A heart murmur in cats is not a disease but a sign that more needs to be checked. Knowing the causes, signs, and treatments helps pet owners give the best care for their cats. Whether the murmur is normal or shows a health issue, quick vet care can really help your cat’s health and well-being.
