An animal's intuition partially comes from its keen sense of smell and sensitivity to minute changes in its environment. Also Read:How Much Does A Cat X-Ray Cost? Pete is known as "Pete the Vet" on his busy Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages, regularly posting information on topical subjects and real-life cases from his clinic. American and British Shorthair. Of course, these behaviors can also be indicative of other health problems, so its always best to consult with a veterinarian if you notice any changes in your cats behavior. Shortness of breath, for instance, is likely to capture a cat's attention. Cancer increases organic compounds known as polyamines in the body. Cats arent considered to be as attuned to human emotions as dogs. This sensitivity to bitter tastes is thought to be why cats are so good at sensing when humans are sick. Changes in behavior are another way that cats can detect diabetes. An irregular heartbeat should always be further diagnosed by your veterinarian. For instance, the hormonal and chemical changes in the body will be detected by a cats olfactory receptors. Beta-blockers (such as atenolol ) are used especially with cases of hypertension. Pimobendan can help improve the force of heart contractions, while blood pressure medications are used when a cat has high blood pressure as this can worsen heart disease. Also Read:Heart Attacks In Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment. Most cats do not display any clinical signs until the disease is advanced. Always monitor the growth of kittens with supervision from your veterinarian. So, if theres something wrong with our bodies, theyre likely to be the first to know. Theyll definitely appreciate it! Restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM) is the second most common form of heart muscle disease in cats. Its particularly helpful if your cat has an arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm). So, if your cat starts acting strange, its worth getting checked out by a doctor. Schizophrenia: Researchers say network disruptions in the brain may be a factor, Schizophrenia: How blood vessel growth in the brain may be a factor, Angry outbursts may raise the risk of heart attack, Dental Surgery Linked To Short Term Stroke And Heart Attack Risk, Panic disorder linked to increased risk of heart attack, heart disease. If blood is allowed to move back in the opposite direction, it will cause a distinctive swishing sound. As well as making the diagnosis, your vet will also note details about many aspects of your cats heart, including the heartbeat, heart rhythm, heart rate and regularity, and the presence of any heart murmur (a hissing sound, indicating turbulence of blood flow in the heart or leaky heart valves). Of course, its also possible that cats simply intuitively know when were not feeling well and offer comfort accordingly. This means the cat is born with defects of the heart, such as leaky valves, holes in the heart and other anatomic anomalies. So, if you are dying, its likely that your cat has picked up on some of the changes in your behavior and is aware that something is wrong. For instance, the cat may sniff you and recoil or flee in disgust. There are many different causes of feline heart disease, but they can be divided into two main groups. Cats of any age or breed can suffer from CHF, but it is most common in middle-aged and senior cats. Affected cats may begin to develop problems as early as three months of age, while less affected cats show signs of heart failure by two to four years of age. However, if your cat does seem to be acting differently and you are concerned about the possibility of a tumor, it is always best to consult with your veterinarian. Symptoms are pain and the inability to walk normally on the hind legs. Other signs caused by complications of heart disease include: Blood clots, including a particular problem called thromboembolism, when a blood clot forms in the left atrium (one of the small chambers of the heart) and a fragment lodges in a major blood vessel (typically the aorta, lower down in the body, close to blood supply to the hind legs). In other words, when you smile, your cat associates this with positive feelings and vice versa. Your cat may lose its appetite or become anorexic (refusing to eat) when dealing with heart disease. Similarly, high blood pressure often causes an increase in ones heart rate. Diagnosing heart disease may involve referral to a veterinary cardiologist. Cats may begin to cough, become lethargic, not eat as well, and even become out of breath or pant during normal activities such as walking or playing. These cats should be spayed or neutered to prevent passing on the disease to another generation. This means heart disease develops in a previously healthy cat, with problems such as cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) and valves that degenerate and start to leak. If found early, these can be treated, often reversing the effects on the heart. Stories of Cats Who Saved Lives Mel-O in Morinville, Alberta, Canada Gepetto in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is rarer, and is most commonly caused by a nutritional deficiency, specifically an amino acid called taurine. Moreover, cats can interpret body language and facial expressions. So, if youre ever feeling down, make sure to give your cat a little extra love and attention. When the heart is not functioning properly, it can affect every organ and muscle in the body. Cats also have a very keen sense of smell and can often tell when you are sick before you even know it yourself. This causes weakness or paralysis in both hind legs, and can be a very painful problem, requiring urgent veterinary treatment. The specific treatment will depend on the cause of the heart disease. Unfortunately, the opportunity to have this low cost stress relief is denied to many potential heart patients who live in apartment blocks and nursing homes where pets are not allowed. They may also start to sleep more, or in different places than usual. No matter what your cat does to help you feel better, its sure to be appreciated. Both of these things may explain why dogs, cats, and other pets can detect illness before you or your physician can. Its a diagnosis that no one wants to hear. Other research has found that cats can smell cancer in humans. Acquired heart disease. The definitive diagnosis will be obtained via an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound). Theres no denying that cats have a special bond with their owners. The answer is yes, cats can suffer from depression, but not exactly like the way humans do. There is some evidence that cats can sense when you are sick. Weight loss is definitely a symptom of heart disease, though weight gain can be, as well. However, they can sense broken bones by observing their owners physical and behavioral changes. Heart failure can be more common in Maine Coon Cats, Persians, and Ragdolls. Coughing, lethargy, rapid respiratory rate, difficulty breathing, and exercise intolerance can all be common signs of heart failure. They are able to do this because they can pick up on changes in our behavior, scent, and appearance. Be aware of other signs as well and seek veterinary assistance. Your vet may recommend chest x-rays, to visualize the size and shape of your cats heart, as well as other structures in your cats thorax (chest). Heart Attacks In Cats: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment, Cat Bloodwork (Different Types of Tests, Health Conditions And Costs), Heavy Breathing Cat The 3 Types Of Heavy Breathing And What They Mean, Cat Back Legs Collapsing: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment, View all posts by Dr. Pete Wedderburn, DVM, Xylitol Poisoning In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment, Stomatitis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment, Ataxia In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment, Eyelid Agenesis In Cats: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment, 7 Signs Your Cat Is Not Getting Enough Love, How To Stop Cats From Scratching Furniture. Your veterinarian may also recommend medications to prevent blood clots or supplements such as antioxidants to support cardiac function. Theyre attentive to physical and psychological cues. Because heart disease can lead to conditions like arrhythmia and blood clots, it's possible for cats with these diseases to experience heart attacks that may be fatal. As heart disease advances, pet parents may start to notice some signs and symptoms. Additionally, cats are very intuitive. Unless there is a congenital defect that can be corrected with surgery, feline heart disease is typically treated with medication. In some cases, adult onset heart disease develops as a secondary problem, with the primary problem being in some other area of the body such as the thyroid gland. High blood pressure is usually characterized by an array of medical and behavioral symptoms that cats can recognize. They can pick up on scents caused by chemical changes in the body. Signs of heart disease include dullness, inappetence, reduced activity, difficulty breathing, coughing, swollen abdomen and others, depending on the precise type of disease. But did you know heart disease affects our pets as well, including cats? Cats often express this sympathy when you are ill, feeling unwell, or are experiencing troubling emotions. Diabetics often exhibit signs of fatigue, increased thirst, and increased urination. Congenital heart defects are uncommon in cats. Many feline parents believe that cats have a sixth sense, and if their owners feel sick, they can detect it. If necessary, request another family member to care for your cat as you recover from depression. Cats with benign or innocent heart murmurs will have a normal life span. However, its not clear how well cats can sense illness in people and more research is needed to confirm these findings. When someone is ill, the smell of that person (or cat) changes due to hormonal fluctuations. don't allow your child to touch (or eat!) Its not entirely clear whether cats can detect cancer with their nose. So, can cats sense heart problems? Place their paw on your arm or hand as a gentle reminder that theyre there for you. 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