Laura shares common factors that contribute to feline heart disease

October 14, 2023

According to the veterinary team at Portland Vets, feline heart disease is relatively common in cats, especially as they age. It is estimated that around 10-15% of all cats may develop some form of heart disease during their lifetime. However, the prevalence of heart disease can vary based on several factors, including breed, age and overall health.

In this article, Veterinary Surgeon Laura Sulsh explains these factors and the signs cat owners in West Sussex should look out for. Early diagnosis is crucial to getting your cat the treatment they need.

Book a heart check-up

Heart disease risk factors in cats

Breed

Laura wants West Sussex cat owners to know that unfortunately, no cat is immune to the risks of heart disease. However, certain cat breeds, such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, have a higher predisposition to certain types of heart disease, like hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). HCM is one of the most common forms of heart disease in cats and involves the thickening of the heart muscles, leading to impaired heart function.

HCM has been shown to be inherited in purebred cats like Maine Coons and Ragdolls, often by genetic mutation. Other predisposed breeds for HCM and heart disease include the British Shorthairs, Persian, and Sphynx. Male cats are slightly more commonly affected.

Spotting Heart Disease at home

Age

Age is another significant factor. As cats age, their risk of developing heart conditions increases. Feline heart disease tends to occur more frequently in middle-aged and older cats, typically around 5 to 10 years and older.

Health

There are several health conditions that can increase the likelihood of feline heart disease, some of these are listed below. Laura stresses that not all cats with the below health conditions will develop heart disease:

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): High blood pressure can strain the heart and blood vessels, leading to various heart problems, including hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and heart failure.
Hyperthyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones. Untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to an increased heart rate and stress on the heart.
Obesity: Overweight and obese cats are at a higher risk of developing heart disease due to the increased workload on their hearts.
Diabetes: Cats with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing heart disease due to the metabolic changes associated with the condition.
Feline Heartworm Disease: Thankfully not found in the UK, feline heartworm disease can be a risk for cats travelling abroad. This parasitic infection (transmitted by mosquitos) can cause heart and lung damage, so Laura advises that precautions should be taken for cats who leave the UK or are adopted from overseas.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Cats with CKD can develop secondary heart problems due to fluid imbalances and increased strain on the heart.
Infections: Certain infections, like feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), can cause inflammation in the heart and lead to heart disease.
Anaemia: Severe anaemia can reduce the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, placing additional stress on the heart.

If you have any concerns about your cat and feline heart disease, contact us to book a heart check-up with one of our veterinary surgeons.

Signs of heart disease in cats

Heart disease in cats can be challenging to detect, especially in its early stages, as cats are known for hiding signs of illness. Laura recommends regular check-ups for cats of all ages (but especially cats over 5 years and those pre-disposed) at our East Grinstead practice, as early detection and intervention can lead to better disease management and improved quality of life.

There are however some symptoms of feline heart disease that you may be able to spot at home. Take a look at Portland Vets’ fact sheet: Heart Disease in Cats Symptoms

If you notice any signs or have concerns about your cat’s heart health, it’s crucial to contact us to book a check-up promptly.

Laura, or another of our vets, will perform a physical examination, listen for any abnormal heart sounds, and may recommend further tests, such as echocardiography, to evaluate your cat’s heart health.

Heart disease in cats symptoms to spot at home

Share our guide with other cat owners and help us to help other pets in West Sussex.

Tony F.

1701195261

The team in East Grinstead handled the death of our Yorkshire Terrier, Tatti, with great sensitivity and understanding, in what was a difficult time for us. Thank you so much. Tony & Lloika.

Daniel P.

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Thankyou so much to the Team, and especially Lucy, was very anxious about bringing my cat in today, but I knew as soon as I had a chat with the nurse she put them nerves to rest. I would definitely recommend to anyone to bring their pet here!!! Thanks guys x

Cath S.

1700234838

We've always had such a great service from all the staff at Portland vets. With 3 dogs and a cat we visit regulary through the year for vaccinations, check ups and occasional illnesses/injuries.We recently had to say a sad farewell to our 18 year old cat Tigerlily and this upsetting event was made more bareable with the care and empathy given by not only the vet Lucy but the receptionist Jilly too.Over the past 9 years we've always had a great service with kind, welcoming staff who go the extra mile to make the patients vet visits as relaxing, calm and stressfree as possible.With a dog that is wary of strangers the staff have gone above and beyond to help Amber settle and are very understanding of her behaviour.We can't thank them enough for their excellent service.

mark Z.

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My Bloodhound stole and ate 2 large mince pies. I contacted Portland at East Grinstead, a totally professional member of staff answered the phone and recognized the serious nature of the situation. She made an immediate appointment and asked me to come in now. The short version is these vets know what they are doing, the staff we saw were outstanding. The Vet was one of the best I have come across, super knowledgeable and genuinely cared. I have no reservation about recommending this vets to anyone, without compromise they saved my dog from being seriously ill. Watson and I thank you all

Nicola H.

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Always really helpful and caring. Cooper is a hound with a bit of beagle in there somewhere, hence he loves to sing, very vocal. Laura is a great vet, very thorough and explains everything and both my dogs love her. Wouldn't go to anyone else. A true professional. Thank you for always being there for my boys.

Lindsey B.

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Could not be kinder, what an amazing team thankyou for everything

Trevor DC G.

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Best vets in East Grinstead. I used to take my cat here, and will do again I hope in future.

Chantelle A.

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I can not say thank you enough to the entire team at Portland vets for how well they looked after my little frenchie. It was such a worrying few days but knowing how well he was being looked after with the constant updates from nurses, really did help put our minds at ease. I wish you weren't so far away otherwise i'd have switched all my of my dogs over to you.

Paul C.

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Sensitive and caring. ❤️

pauline B.

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Lovely warm atmosphere staff very efficient and pleasant

Poonam D.

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We recently moved all our animals to Portland vets in Horley and East Grinstead. I’m so impressed with the service I wish I’d move sooner! We receive full written details of any animal that undergoes any testing or surgery with very clear details of their results, a phone call before and after, and also photos of the animal whilst they are recovering from surgery with updates to how their recovery is going. The vets always gets back to us within the same day and all the staff always have a smile on their faces, nothing ever seems to much to ask! I absolutely adore Charlotte at Horley, she is just amazing!!

Alice S.

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So lucky to have such a great Vets in East Grinstead!

Patricia W.

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Very good food and service 👍

Rebecca M.

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I can’t express how wonderful Portland vets have been. My little pug Daisy has been very unwell, everyone involved in her care has been fantastic. From the Vet Laura, who has been super attentive, updating us on Daisy’s condition and being so compassionate and professional. To the reception staff who have been so polite and helpful. I cannot thank you enough.

Sandra G.

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Very lovely staff and the vets are great to go to looks after your sick animal

H B.

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I have been going here for several years now, really friendly team, quick to respond on email and phone, great vets and very knowledgeable. Also one great vet here too for exotic pets. There is enough parking, easy app for mobile as well to contact the team and in a good location.

denise G.

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Could ask for better treatment from the reception staff to the vets very proffesional and more than helpful. Everything explained as well

Vince T.

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Excellent care, always. Nothing is to much trouble, all staff kind, caring and understanding, with the best receptionists. Always able to book an appointment, even at short notice, and they have always treated my dog as if it was 1 of their own, so lucky I found them.

Daniela G.

1688483311

Always super nice! My cat absolutely loves going to the vet. I had an emergency some months back, and they were ready to help and did help after my cat fell off a flight of stairs. I would definitely recomend

Pat N.

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Brilliant service very caring staff, appointment went well

Dave M.

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Couldn't be happier with the service and care. They look after my Akita and my cats, nothing is too much trouble.

Tina B.

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Sadly, we had to say goodbye to one of our dogs recently. From my tearful telephone call to book the appointment, right through to her passing with the vet's help, we were dealt with in the most caring, compassionate and sensitive way. The staff at this practice are the best and I wouldn't take my pets anywhere else.

Kathryn

1682714666

Really friendly vets! Best we’ve been to! The staff are very friendly, their customer service is great, and they also have a useful app where you can send photos if you think your pet might have an issue, and it saves having to make an unnecessary appointment if they don’t! :)

Gary H.

1682495147

Lovely staff who take the time to explain things fully. They look after our pets beautifully.

S B

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Lovely place. The vets, the staff and the whole set up. Unlike many places they respond promptly and helpfully to emails too!

PAPER

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Kindest staff ❤️

Jan H.

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Really great service, compassion from all the team here. Thank you All

David P.

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Great team

John W

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We had the very sad journey today and I have to say everyone was amazing. Our vet gave us an honest view and after some time we decided to let our treasured dog to sleep. The time given while the decission was made and throughout the process was amazing, nothing was rushed, nothing was any trouble, everything was explained and while this was our first time with this vets I would recommend them to anyone. Amazing care for our feelings and the attention paid to make this process as best it could of been was just amazing. While I am heart broken as are my children I have to say everything was handled with the upmost of care and respect and I shall be eternally greatful for the way everything was dealt with. RIP our amazing Harry. Thank you all for your help and support last night.

MsV V.

1677325579

I had to take my cat (Molly) to a vet quite urgently and wasn't registered to one.Portland Vets were fantastic. From making my initial call through to when we arrived, seeing the vet and leaving.Everyone was so lovely. A special thanks to Katy, the vet. Katy was so thorough with Molly and with us too. We fully understood everything thanks to Katys explanation.Thank you so much to all at 'Portland Vets' ❤️

Steph R.

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Really happy with Portland Vets. They are friendly and approachable and the service is much better than other vets I have used.

Paul W.

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Fantastic with our dogs.

Debra B.

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Caring, attentive vets, veterinary nurses and very helpful receptionists.

Gill C.

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Very friendly and knowledgeable vets. Our pet tortoise goes there to hibernate and they keep us fully informed at all times.

Larissa G.

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Clínica veterinária excelente!!

Jamie T.

1660717925

So much time and care given. Never rushed. They go above and beyond. This place is brilliant

angela T.

1659092686

I had to take ou dog to this practice for an out of hours emergency appointment, we are registered with their Horley branch. They were amazing with him, he had to be admitted over night and needed emergency surgery the next morning. Fantastic service from the moment you step in the door, communication was brilliant, talked through every step of the way, it was a horrible weekend of worrying made a whole lot better knowing he was in the best possible hands.I'm pleased to say he is doing well but even if he hadn't come through I know he wouldn't have had a better chance than with this team. I have owned dogs for over 30yrs and had them as a child so im speaking from experience with different vets over many years, these vets really do care about your animals, I actually chose these vets when an awful large chain took over my previous vets because I had used the lovely Laura before at one of her previous positions and although she doesn't work at Horley I knew if she worked for the company then they had to be a good team as I know she is a vet that cares for the animals, I've so far not been proved wrong as every vet we have seen has been great. We were lucky enough to have Laura look after our dog and perform his operation, as I said before it was so lovely to know he couldn't have been in better hands. I just wish you were 24/7, although he still received great care from the out of hours vets, they are all based such a long way away from us, I wouldn't want to be taking a sick animal that far, thankfully moving him from you was only half the time it would have taken from home. I understand the reasoning behind it all, it is just a shame it's all going over to the large chains again, I think private hospital care would have been cheaper and they knew we didn't have insurance cover as we had already reached our limit.**I need to point out my concern over prices is with Vets Now and not with Portland Vets, for all the surgery and treatment he received from Portland I believe their pricing was very fair, it was the price for the care at Vets Now that really hit hard, I know it is out of hours but so was Thursday and Friday night at Portland!

Alison F.

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I took my cat Patch in today, this was his final journey, I would just like to thank Alex and the staff for showing Patch and myself care and compassion. I really appreciated. Thank you

Laura H.

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My goldie recently came for an op and I was so impressed and grateful for the amazing care he (and I) recieved.Thank you 😊

Sue B.

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All good, arrived 5 mins early, seen straight away. Routine appt so no stress involved for pooch. Saw one of her favourite nurses.

Chantal C.

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Always receiving great service when my cat needs it. Staff is very professional and friendly. I have a fearful cat but she feels comfortable to be handled by the vets.

Paul A.

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Always friendly and giving you the confidence to leave your pet in their hands

PFH S.

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Thank you to the whole team for all the care today to Annie during her surgery.5 Star service from being greeted at reception, meeting the vet for pre-op assessment, to updates from the nurses and handover tonight on collection.Annie has had better care than a human would get in a top private hospital.

Patrick R.

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Super friendly staff!

Adrian F.

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My cats go here and there so good with the cats the staff are brilliant friendly

Megan D.

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Wouldn't trust anyone else with my puppy!!

Chrissie

1636885734

They have really looked after our cat well. We usually see Lucy (vet) and really feel like she cares.

Cara T.

1632690494

When my nervous 6mth old kitten went in for her post op check, the vetinary nurse made my kitten feel very comfortable by offering her treats and being very careful with her

Geoff 1.

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Very compassionate staff when our greyhound needed to be euthanized, cannot fault

Emma P.

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Brilliant vets, genuinely care about your pet, great service and advice can highly recommend

Matthew W.

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Always very helpful and fantastic service we have always used this vets. The dog even got a get well card 👍 thank you Portland road vets

Lozza P

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Amazing practise. The staff are amazing. They always look after my hamster, Champ, making sure he's all better again. They explain things well and make sure I know I am making the best decisions for my hamster. Laura, Katie and anyone else involved, Thank you so much for looking after my lil' bean.

Jess E.

1625558800

So much care given to my puppy especially when he has had to have an operation recently. He loves it there 😍

Lizzi P.

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Absolutely love this Vets. Everyone is so friendly and understanding but most of all my dog Diesel loves it to. As soon as we start walking up Portland Road he knows exactly where is going and is pulling on his lead to get there. Absolutely recommend this Vets.

Belinda C.

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1st class service from staff and operation on our Missy, loved the little touches like the photo off our dog settled in her room. Very friendly helpful staff.

Steve L.

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My own pets and our daughters have always been given the very best treatment. Lovely vets, nurses and reception staff.

Lorraine B.

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The Vets, Nurses & all the staff are professional, lovely and kind to all the animals. My puppy Olive loves visiting the vets ! She gets very excited when we walk up the road and into the car park !

nell

1621081078

We moved our rabbit’s care to Portland Vets and I am so glad we did. When open, in pre-pandemic days, the clinic and waiting room are clean, calm spaces, designed with the animals in mind. All the staff here are so lovely, enthusiastic and competent. Lucy in particular is one of the best vets our buns have ever been seen by. She explains things so well and has such a lovely manner. Must also mention that the reception team are very helpful and friendly. Really recommend this practice.

janet B.

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Staff are so helpful And caring when my cat purdy fell asleep.❤

Susan A.

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Excellent and compassionate veterinary care.

Debbie L.

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Really looked after our pup 😁

Nigel G.

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Everybody is always very caring and professional.

Yvonne F.

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I was at BlackBerry vets before hand. They started ripping me off with prices and decisions about my dog. I moved to Portland vets as friends were there and they had to do a fatty lump removal on my dog. They were very professional and my dogs recovery was fantastic. They checked in on the phone how she was doing. Fantastic service.

Laura shares common factors that contribute to feline heart disease

Heart disease risk factors in cats

Breed

Age

Health

Signs of heart disease in cats

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