🐈 HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) in cats
The most common feline heart disease; DNA tests exist for some breeds and heart scans screen for it.
What is it?
In HCM the heart muscle thickens and the heart works poorly. It is the most common heart disease of cats and is inherited in breeds such as the Maine Coon and Ragdoll (DNA tests exist for known mutations in them).
Signs
- Many cats show nothing for a long time.
- Fast or laboured breathing at rest, and dullness.
- Sudden painful paralysis of the hind legs (a clot) — an emergency.
How does it spread?
Not contagious; inherited in some breeds and possible in any cat.
Prevention
- Regular heart scans (echo) for breeding cats in at-risk breeds.
- DNA test where one exists for the breed.
- Do not breed an affected cat.
🚨 When to call the vet at once
Laboured or open-mouth breathing, or sudden hind-leg paralysis: an emergency.
📱 How Zajel helps
Record HCM and echo results on the cat's card; Zajel warns you before a mating.
This information is general. Diagnosis and doses always stay with your vet.
Sources: International Cat Care · Merck Veterinary Manual
All cat diseases
FIP (feline infectious peritonitis)Feline panleukopeniaCat flu (herpesvirus and calicivirus)PKD (polycystic kidney disease) in cats›