Heartworms are a parasite most often found in dogs. Although cats are more resistant to the disease, which is spread by mosquitoes, they are also more at risk and vulnerable when they develop heartworm. Parasitic heartworm is also known as Dirofilaria immigrant. A look at heartworm symptoms in cats also reveals that the disease is sometimes difficult for veterinarians to diagnose.

Heartworm symptoms

According to the American Heartworm Society, www.heartwormsociety.org, heartworm symptoms are often mistaken for feline asthma, allergic bronchitis or other respiratory diseases. The society concluded that, "Diagnosis by clinical signs alone is nearly impossible, but a cat may exhibit generic signs of illness such as ... "

• Difficulty breathing – Abnormal panting,