Are you ever amazed at how your cat acts like a person? If only we could protect our cats from developing the same diseases as people. Unfortunately, cats can develop diseases that are also common in humans, such as heart disease. Aging is the most common reason cats develop a heart condition, but other factors like heartworms can also lead to heart disease.
The heart is the most important organ in your cat’s body. It pumps blood containing oxygen and nutrients through the blood vessels to the cells of the body. Most heart conditions involve a decrease in the effective pumping of blood. This can lead to a buildup of fluid in the chest and abdomen. There are two main types of heart conditions: one affecting the heart valve and the other the heart muscle. Cats with either type can be successfully managed through nutrition, exercise and, if necessary, medication. With the right food and advice from your veterinarian, your cat can continue to enjoy a happy, active life.
Chronic Valvular Disease: A leaking heart valve reduces the quantity of blood that can be pumped around the body.
Myocardial Disease: In this condition, weakness or thickening of the heart muscle results in the heart pumping less efficiently.
Although there is no single cause, nutritional problems can play a major role in heart conditions. Other factors that can contribute include:
Body condition: Overweight cats are more likely to develop heart disease.
Age: Heart conditions in cats occur more frequently with increasing age.
Breed: In cats, Persian, Maine coon and American shorthair breeds seem more likely to suffer from myocardial disease.
It can be difficult to tell if your cat has a heart condition because the signs can be similar to those of other disorders. Your veterinarian may check for heart disease using some of the following methods.
The following symptoms may indicate a heart problem in your cat.
IMPORTANT: A heart condition may not be obvious in the early stages. If you are in any doubt about your cat’s health, consult your veterinarian.
Although treatments cannot reverse heart disease, your cat can live a relatively normal life. The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. When your cat has been diagnosed with a heart condition, it’s even more important to feed the right cat food.
Heart disease typically causes the heart to enlarge, and this enlargement causes a loss of efficiency. The heart then begins to hold more fluid than it should and this is where the real problems begin. For this reason, veterinarians recommend feeding cats a low-sodium food that will help reduce fluid build-up and make it easier for their heart to work effectively. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to re,commend the best food for your cat’s heart health.
One of our staff authors prepared this article for you
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system.ain, eye & immune system development
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Delicious seared tuna paired with tender carrots in a mouthwatering sauce
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition (USA Study)
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Feeling like you don't have enough space for a cat? Learn the ideal amount of room that cats need to be happy, including space tips for things like eating.
How do you get a cat to lose weight? Learn all about cat foods for weight loss, including how to choose weight control cat food and exercise tips.
Learn more about the basics of cat care in the first month, including choosing the right cat bedding, cat toys, cat carriers, pet id tags and litter boxes.
Learn how to spot signs of excessive dry skin in cats, what could be causing your kitty's skin irritation, and how you can help treat it.
Read about how to introduce a new cat into your household of current pets to help reduce stress and make sure they all get along well.
They look super cute when doing it, but why do cats stick their tongue out? Read on to find out what it means!
Cats can often mask their pain or discomfort depending on the ailment. It is important to spot the signs early and consult your vet. Learn more here.
Learn tips for identifying and minimizing overly aggressive play cats, such as adopting positive play techniques with your feline friend.
Discover why cats love to hide in small, dark, remote places in your house like shoe boxes, under the bed, and in the back of the closet.
Does your kitty's lack of appetite have you asking, "Why won't my cat eat?" Learn reasons why she may be snubbing her food and tips for getting her to eat.
If you have an overweight cat, learn how this condition can affect your cat's health and tips for choosing the best cat food for weight loss.
What is feline hip dysplasia? Learn all about joint diseases and hip dysplasia in cats, including possible causes and how to help your cat feel better.
Learn important information about cat leukemia, including how it spreads, common symptoms, testing & diagnosis info, treatments and prevention options.
Wet vs. Dry Cat Food: Which Is Best?
Cats love to be snug and cozy, but what temperature do they really like best? Learn about the optimum cat climate and how you can accommodate it.
Learn what a bunny kick is and the reasons your cat likes to do it, from just playing around to indicating aggression.
Discover some myths and truths about how your cat sees the world, including whether they have night vision and if they are actually colorblind.
While it might be nearly impossible to separate your cat from your Christmas tree, learn ways you can combat her curiosity and keep her out of harm's way.
Just like people, cats can experience occasional stomach upset. If your cat exhibits any of the following, especially after eating, she may have a sensitive stomach.
Learn about common cat allergies, including clinical signs, the most common types of allergies and treatment options for your cat.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
©2025 Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. As used herein, denotes registered trademark status in the U.S. only; registration status in other geographies may be different. Your use of this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Statement. About our Ads. Cookie Consent Tool