When it comes to discomfort and disease, cats are masters of disguise. They strive hard not to let you know when they’re weak, in pain, or sick. In the case of feline heart disease, this is especially true. Unfortunately, heart disease cannot be prevented, but there are other measures you can take to keep your pet’s heart as healthy as possible. Here are some tips you can do to maintain your cat’s heart as healthy as it can be.
Routine Checkups
Visiting the veterinarian is critical in the fight against degenerative heart disease. Take your feline friend to the veterinarian at least once a year for a physical examination. The veterinarian will perform a stethoscope examination on your pet’s heart. A skilled vet cardiologist in Matthews, NC, will have the skills and instruments necessary to determine whether or not your cat has a heart condition.
Blood Test
Fortunately, veterinary medicine has developed a blood test that can identify cats that are predisposed to cardiac problems. A proBNP test determines the amount of peptide hormone (protein hormones secreted by the heart) in the body. A vet in Matthews, NC, knows that the heart is overworked if a peptide is discovered. If immediate efforts are not taken to alleviate these symptoms, the peptide level will continue to grow.
Exercise and Diet
The food your cat eats is vital for overall heart health and the prevention of serious heart disorders. A heart-healthy diet includes high protein, low sodium catfood, which reduces fluid buildup and allows your cat’s heart to beat more efficiently. In addition, senior cats may have more difficulty gaining or losing weight, so they modify their diet accordingly.
Exercise is also crucial for heart health, although it may be more difficult for you as a cat owner. When cats have heart problems, they lose their capacity to exercise. And, unlike dogs, which are exercised practically every day, it may be difficult to get more information when your cat has no desire to exercise. A few minutes of chasing a toy or climbing on a scratching post every day will go a long way toward preventing heart problems.
Adequate Rest
Check to see if your cat is resting well and is comfortable in his bed, especially if he is an older cat. Make sure he has his own quiet resting area, soft blankets to lay on, and food and water are within easy reach. Additionally, if you have a senior cat, consider purchasing an orthopedic bed with heat and/or a vibrating massage mechanism to reduce discomfort and increase circulation.
Cat Supplements
Cat vitamins could be one of the most promising solutions for keeping your cat’s cardiovascular system in good working order. Protein, essential amino acids, fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, copper, cobalt, zinc, sulfur, sodium selenium, nitrogen, and other components are included. Protein, amino acids, fatty acids, and selenium are particularly vital in protecting our blood cells, heart, liver, and lungs and stimulating an increased antibody response to infection.
Conclusion
Because of their feral ancestry, cats are afraid to demonstrate weakness for fear of being eaten by a predator. This tendency might be difficult for cat parents, especially for frightened newcomers. A physical examination of your cat is required to diagnose heart disease. A veterinarian can examine your cat’s heartbeat and lung fluid for anomalies. If your veterinarian feels your pet has cardiac disease, he or she will probably recommend you to a veterinary cardiologist. A board-certified cardiologist can do more advanced diagnostic tests to determine whether or not there are indicators of heart disease.
