Companion Animals

Feline Heartworm: Welfare and Risk Management

Understanding heartworm infection in cats and how it differs from the disease in dogs.

Key Facts

Cats are atypical heartworm hosts — fewer worms but higher per-worm pathology
Heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD) is a distinct syndrome in cats
No approved treatment for adult heartworms in cats — prevention is critical
Diagnosis is difficult — serology and imaging are required in combination

Welfare Considerations

Heartworm disease in cats causes severe respiratory compromise through HARD. Even small worm burdens cause significant welfare impact. Because no adulticidal treatment is approved for cats, prevention is the only welfare protection. In endemic areas (Southern Europe and overseas), regular preventive treatment is the welfare standard.

What You Can Do

Use preventive treatment year-round in heartworm-endemic regions
Investigate respiratory disease in cats from or travelling to endemic areas with heartworm in mind
Support research into safe adult heartworm treatment options for cats