I have read alot about it on the web and almost everyone asks how it will affect the cats longivity. I have not seen an answer to this question. Does a heart murmer mean that my cat will have a shorter lifespan?
2007-01-29 02:24:11 · 11 answers · asked by Pat C 1 in Pets ➔ Cats
Not really. Cats, just like people, can enjoy a full life despite a heart mummur. The different is in things like having their teeth cared for (must have an antibiotic prior).
2007-01-29 02:29:49 · answer #1 · answered by bluebettalady 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I adopted my current cats, the vet records I received (from the former owner) said that the male had a noticable heart murmur and any anaesthetic needed to be considered before use. When I took the cat to my vet and I mentioned he had a murmur, my vet couldn't find one, she called in a second vet and he couldn't find a murmur either (btw, at the time the cat was 5 years old). The cat is now 10, continues to be a healthy happy active (goofy) guy who has had no problems. Last month he went in for a full senior physical (blood tests, etc.) and vaccinations. The vet said he had a slight murmur but it could just be the way his heart beats. His blood tests came back good so we went forward with his teeth cleaning (when they have to be fully sedated) a week after (and the other vet who did the teeth cleaning also found only a slight murmur). The cat came through with flying colors. Basically, if your cat's murmur isn't severe, the cat should be able to have a full and regular cat life. Just make sure you keep up with the vaccinations, vet visits for a regular physicals.
2007-01-29 05:53:55 · answer #2 · answered by Inundated in SF 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No it doesn't, your cat can lead a long happy and healthy life.
Just make sure that your Vet checks on the murmer at yearly check-ups.
More than likely as the cat gets older you Vet may want to see the cat every 6 months instead of once a year...I know once a cat hits 8 or so years of age my Vet always likes to have twice a year check-ups.
If your cat shows any signs of distress take him/her to the Vet to have things checked out, like you would even if the cat didn't have a murmer...but other than that your cat should be just fine.
2007-01-29 03:01:23 · answer #3 · answered by gracieandlizzie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure your vet would give you some advice if he's in pain. Ask the vet specifically if your cat might be in pain. Cancer can be very painful, but he could be in a stage where it isn't. I know the drinking is from the diabetes, and it's actually a good sign if he's eating. The slow movement may be just because he's 14. I hope your cat lives well for what time he's got left. Love him as much as you can and spend time with him. I'm sorry for you both. B(
2016-03-29 07:58:15 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not necessarily. Mine is now 14..... she does need a quarter of a tablet of a pill twice a day.... it costs me about 8 bucks a year for the meds.... she is normal otherwise! But as with any disorder, her overall health and environment play a big role. When my cat was diagnosed hers was very advanced..... they have no clue, it is not exact. That is why you can't get an answer: they told me 6 weeks, 6 months, or 6 years.
Give kitty love, and down the road, if need be the meds and all will be find. And if she does have a shorter life span, then you will know you gave her a wonderful life and good loving home for her time here on earth......thanks for taking care of her!
2007-01-29 05:47:32 · answer #5 · answered by GRISCHAT 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most animals can live a perfectly normal life with a heart murmur. Since you cat isn't an athletic animal, you don't have the concerns say that I would over my Greyhounds.
Get your cat checked yearly, you'd need to be concerend possibly for CHF (Congestive heart failure) when the cat is older, like over 9 or 10. But otherwise, you really shouldn't notice anything at all.. a lot of animals go undiagnosed, or like your cat, not until he was 3. He's had the murmmur since birth.
2007-01-29 02:31:21 · answer #6 · answered by Nevermore 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A heart murmur is a noise that the heart makes when it beats. It could be nothing (innocent) or indicate heart disease, or other things like anemia. The only way to tell is a work up, usually cardiac ultrasound. Symptoms to be very concerned about would be panting, decreased exercise, or shortness of breath after exercise. Sometimes they cough, but rarely.
A heart murmur is kind of like a cough - you could cough for lots of reasons, dust in your throat, pneumonia, cancer, cold - the cough itself is not the "diagnosis" in the same way as the heart murmur. If it were my cat, and I could afford the ultrasound (and it was available where you live) that's what I would do.
2007-01-29 03:14:00 · answer #7 · answered by kootenaykitty 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
With a good diet and care it should not matter. I have a senior cat (23) with a heart murmur and she is still going strong.
2007-01-29 14:43:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a cat named Greybaby with a heart murmer and she seemed perfectly healthy. She was killed by dogs, though :( but I'm sure she could have had a long, full life despite her 'condition'
2007-01-29 02:43:08 · answer #9 · answered by piratewench 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I really can't say for sure, but I don't THINK so. You should make a list of questions and ask your vet. He of she will make time for you and you beloved kitty.
2007-01-29 03:14:41 · answer #10 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋