Like dogs, cats can be infected with heartworms. There are differences, however, in the nature of the disease and how it is diagnosed and managed. Because a cat is not an ideal host for heartworms, some infections resolve on their own, although these infections can leave cats with respiratory system damage.
Can a dog with heartworm infect a cat?
If one pet has heartworm disease, it doesn't mean your other pets will become infected with the parasite. Because heartworms can only be transmitted through an infected mosquito bite, dogs and cats that share a common space will not transmit the disease to each other.
Can heartworm spread to cats?
Cats can also get heartworms after being bitten by an infected mosquito, although they are not as susceptible to infection as dogs. A cat is not a natural host of heartworms because the worms do not thrive as well inside a cat's body. Both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk for heartworm disease.
How is heartworm transmitted to dogs and cats?
Your dog or cat can be infected by a mosquito bite. When the mosquito bites your pet, immature heartworms living in the mosquito make their way into your pet's bloodstream. In 6-12 months, the adult heartworms begin reproducing while residing in your pet's heart and lungs.
How does a cat get heartworms?
Heartworms are actually transmitted to cats by mosquitos, who can pick up baby heartworms (heartworm larvae) from infected dogs and other animals. When an infected mosquito bites a cat, it leaves these worms on the cat's skin.
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