Heartguard for my kittens?

Question

I recently got two kittens. They're about 12 weeks old now and I just took them to the vet yesterday for the first time. Since it was the first time, they gave us a couple "kitten kits." One of the things was a sample of heartguard. I give my dogs heartguard, so I am familiar with it. But the vet said they don't recommend giving it to cats. She said they can get heartworms like dogs do, but she doesn't recommend giving heartguard to cats. But she said it was up to us to decide whether or not we want to and that some people do. I didn't think to ask the vet why while I was there (because I'm an idiot), so I was wondering if any of you knew why they don't recommend it? Also, how do they get heartworms? They're inside cats and litter box trained, so would it be less likely for them to get heartworms since they won't be going outside? Thanks.

Answer 1

Yes, cats can get heartworms. There is not a reliable, inexpensive test for it, so it is best to start them on a preventative. We sell Heartgard for cats and it is a good product, except that most cats don't like the taste.

We usually send Revolution (topical) home with the kitties.
It protects against more than the HG does (fleas, ticks, hooks, rounds, ear mites, sarcoptic mange) and you know that the proper dosage was given.

Have fun with those babies! I love kittens!

By the way, cats get heartworms from mosquitoes and I know I have had a few in my house before. It is a concern whether indoor or outdoor.

Answer 2

As already mentioned, cats and dogs get heartworms from mosquitoes. Many case studies have been done concerning cats and heartworms and surprisingly, it is more prevalent in INDOOR cats versus outdoor cats! It is theorized that it is because indoor cats are more sedentary than outdoor cats, making them easy targets for the mosquitoes that get in the house (which happens quite frequently). Heartworm disease in cats is a little different than in dogs. Cats don't show the same symptoms as in dogs and when they do, it is often very critical symptoms common to other conditions or ,most commonly, simply sudden death. The tests for heartworms in cats are very unreliable and the most common treatment (and treament in cats is very rare) is to have the worms surgically removed.

Heartgard is a safe and effective preventative for heartworms in cats. Interceptor can also be used. However, as already mentioned, the topical products are much easier to use. Revolution is an excellent heartworm preventative that also treats intestinal worms and ear mites. It is also a fairly good at controlling fleas. Advantage Multi is new on the market and is also excellent for heartworm prevention, intestinal parasites and ear mites, plus having the flea protection of Advantage. The only concern with Advantage Multi is that you must make sure the cat does not lick the product for the first 30 minutes after application.

Answer 3

Dogs and cats get heartworm disease from mosquitoes that carry microfilaria (immature forms of the adult heartworm). Even if your cats stay inside they can get heartworm if you get a mosquito in the house. A lot of people choose not to give heartgard to their cats for this reason, however.....if a cat gets heartworm its MUCH harder to get rid of than with a dog. The treatment is more likely to kill the cat than a dog, so some people like to stay on the safe side and prefer to prevent rather than risk infection.
You can ask your veterinarian about a product called Revolution. It is a topical, once a month application on the skin between their shoulder blades that protects against fleas, ear mites and heartworm. It doesn't work as well as other products on the market, but it would still help to safe guard your pet.

Answer 4

Cats get heartworm disease and just like dogs they should be on a preventative.
There is no approved treatment to rid a cat of heartworm disease. That is why it is so important to use a preventative.
Your vet may not recommend Heartgard for cats because
some cats won't eat it or because there are other topical products that protect against more than just heartworm. disease.
Heartworm disease in cats has been overlooked for years. Research now shows that cats whether indoor or outdoor are at risk.
Signs of heartworm disease in cats can be coughing,wheezing,sudden death,vomiting and weight loss.
As I said before there is no safe treatment in cats. Use Heartgard,Revolution or Advantage Multi to prevent transmission.
So yes give the heartgard.Besides preventing heartworm disease it prevents and controls internal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms.

Answer 5

Cats are far less likely to get heartworms than dogs are. Heartworms for dogs is a highly transferrable illness, but with cats it isnt. Its because cats dont go around sniffing each others butts and eating other cats poo. I have two cats that are about 5 years old and i have had them since they were kittens and i have never given them any heartworm medicine. They dont need it. As long as you get all there shots done on time and take them to the vet every few months for a routine checkup then you will be fine. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

By all means, give them the Heartguard! It will be far better for them than letting them get parasites.

They get heartworms the same way dogs do, by getting fleas. Now, since you say your kitties will be inside animals, you probably won't have to worry about this much- Unless the fleas ride in on you or on some other critter.

Look at the packaging. It should say if the dosage is for dogs or cats.

Good luck!

Answer 7

It relies upon - the place is the cat now - if she is together with her littermates, she would be effective left for each week, in any different case she could all on my own for each week - kitten, removed from her brothers and sister, left somewhat on my own in a room- whether you spend lots of time together with her- If she is presently on my own, and you will save your canines removed from the kitten, take ideal ringworm precautions (human beings can get ring trojan horse too- ), then choose for it. As on your canines, heartguard would not forestall ringworm - your canines ought to nonetheless get it. After the kitten completes the therapy, attempt gazing giving the cat a tub in something that kills ringworm Spores - get a vets suggestion. *edited to function - Heartguard would not safeguard against RingWorm - i theory that it had. So I replaced my answer

Answer 8

Go with the vet's advice, since they are indoor cats. There is no way to get heartworms if they aren't exposed to the outdoors.

Good luck raising your kittens!

Answer 9

Have had a lot of cats I have given all of them heart guard and there was no harm may be likeoneof those things in some cases but the majority ya know

Answer 10

I would like to know just how many dogs and cats actually get heartworm. The advertisements make it seem like you don't love your animal if you don't use it, but...what are the odds if you don't use it that they'll get heartworm?