Feline Heart Health: What Every Cat Owner Needs to Know About Early Detection

February is Heart Health Month, and staying heart-healthy isn't just important for people, it matters for our pets, too. Here's what cat owners need to know about feline heart health and how early detection can make a life-changing difference. Just like people, cats can develop heart disease without showing obvious signs. In fact, cats are very good at hiding illness, or they may only show vague changes that are easy to miss. On top of that, cats tend to visit the veterinarian less often than dogs for routine checkups. That's why awareness is so important, because with early detection and new management options, we can help keep cats' hearts strong for years to come. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is the most common form of heart disease in cats. It happens when the heart muscle becomes abnormally thick, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. About one in seven cats is affected. The challenge is that HCM is often silent and progressive, and many cats show no outward signs until the disease is advanced. If left undetected, it can lead to heart failure, blood clots, or abnormal heart rhythms. Unlike dogs, cats rarely cough or show obvious signs of heart trouble. Some cats may breathe faster at rest, become less active, or hide more--but many appear completely normal. They eat, play, and act just like always. That's why routine veterinary checkups are so critical. Listening for a heart murmur, monitoring lab work, and screening for high blood pressure are often the best ways to catch heart disease early. Any cat can develop HCM, but certain breeds, like Maine Coons and ragdolls, are genetically predisposed. That said, any mixed-breed or purebreed cat can be affected, which is why regular screenings are important for all cats, not just those considered high-risk. So, what can cat owners do to help protect their cat's heart? The most important step is scheduling a yearly veterinary exam. Your veterinarian will listen to your cat's heart and may recommend additional testing, such as an echocardiogram, X-ray, blood pressure check, or blood test, if they detect a murmur or other risk factor. The good news is that there's now a new treatment option called Felycin-CA1 (sirolimus delayed-release tablets), which can help manage HCM before symptoms appear and may make a meaningful difference in your cat's heart health. To learn more visit heartstrongfamilies.com to learn more about feline heart health, and talk with your veterinarian about screening your cat. You can also help spread awareness by sharing information on social media using the hashtag #heartstrong.