Lebanon Small Animal Clinic - Feline Heartworms

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite worm called Dirofilaria immitis, which will grow and mature in the pulmonary system, resulting in Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).

According to the American Heartworm Association, fewer cases are reported on felines due to many of them not showing symptoms until later progression of the disease. Prevention is just as important in cats as it is in dogs, as even a few worms can be deadly due to feline's small size.