Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats, causing the heart wall to thicken abnormally. It is often silent until catastrophic events occur, making it a major welfare challenge.
HCM creates a silent welfare crisis - cats may appear completely normal while developing serious heart disease. When complications occur, they are often sudden and severe. Saddle thrombus causes excruciating pain and terror as hindlimbs suddenly become paralyzed and cold. The emergency presentation and decision about euthanasia is traumatic for owners and represents preventable suffering with earlier diagnosis. Regular echocardiographic screening, particularly in predisposed breeds, allows early intervention that can delay disease progression and prevent the most devastating complications.