Cardiomyopathy Expansion in Cats, as Discussed by Sarah J. Wooten, DVM, and Reviewed by Emily Oliver, CVT, on July 31, 2025, Originally Published on July 30, 2023.
In the feline world, heart disease can be a serious concern, and one such condition is Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). This article aims to shed light on DCM in cats, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
If your cat is diagnosed with DCM, it is crucial to maintain close communication with your veterinarian for regular recheck appointments. During these appointments, your vet will conduct a thorough examination of your cat, measure their blood pressure, and take blood samples to monitor their response to medication and check for potential side effects.
Preventing DCM in cats involves feeding them a high-quality cat food that contains animal protein. It's also advisable to avoid a vegetarian or vegan diet for your cat, as these may not provide the necessary nutrients for heart health.
Beyond taurine deficiency, common causes of feline DCM include viral infections, toxins, and drug reactions. In many cases, especially in susceptible breeds such as Burmese, Siamese, and Abyssinians, the exact cause remains unknown. It's important to note that these causes are often suspected but not definitively confirmed in all cases.
DCM can also be associated with myocardial scar tissue replacing normal heart muscle, which decreases contractility and can lead to arrhythmias and congestive heart failure. While taurine deficiency was historically the main recognized cause, current understanding acknowledges these other factors as contributing to feline DCM.
Heart medication is the long-term treatment of choice for managing DCM in cats. Prescribed medications can include Furosemide (a diuretic), Pimobendan (to strengthen the heart muscle and dilate blood vessels), blood vessel dilators, anti-arrhythmia heart medication, and Taurine supplementation (if clinically indicated).
Cats with DCM often have a poor appetite, so food recommendations from veterinarians may be necessary. It's important to accurately dose Furosemide, as too much can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and kidney issues, and too little will not be effective.
In addition to DCM, related conditions include congestive heart failure, thromboembolism, pleural effusion, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. To ensure early detection of any problems, it's recommended to have your cat's health and heart checked by a veterinarian once a year.
Lastly, it's important for cats with DCM to be kept in a low-stress environment, indoors, to aid in their recovery and management of the condition.
[1] Source: Veterinary Medicine: Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Cats. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/heart-disorders-of-cats/dilated-cardiomyopathy-in-cats [3] Source: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats. (2021). Retrieved from https://www.merckvetmanual.com/cat-owners/heart-disorders-of-cats/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-in-cats
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