Managing feline heart health

By Kelsey Marriott, BS, AAS, CVT

A seemingly healthy cat presents for a routine visit; within days, it is in respiratory distress. For many feline patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), this scenario is not uncommon. Often described as a "silent disease," HCM can progress unnoticed until a critical event occurs. By the time clinical signs become obvious, many patients are already in congestive heart failure (CHF) or have developed an arterial thromboembolism.¹

In these cases, early recognition and long-term management rely on more than diagnostics alone. They depend on careful observation, clear communication, and consistency. Veterinary technicians are central to this process, helping identify subtle changes, support diagnostics, and guide clients through care at home, while also contributing to a collaborative, team-based approach to patient care.

Understanding feline HCM

Feline HCM is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in cats, affecting an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the population.² In affected cats, the left ventricular walls thicken over time, making the heart muscle less flexible and reducing its ability to relax and fill effectively between beats (Figure 1).³ Although systolic function may appear normal or even increased, reduced filling leads to rising pressures and a greater risk of fluid accumulation in or around the lungs.⁴

Some cats develop a more complex form of the disease, hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM), where blood flow leaving the heart becomes partially restricted. This often occurs when the mitral valve moves abnormally during contraction and interferes with the outflow tract, disrupting normal circulation and, in some cases, contributing to valve leakage.⁵ These patients can be particularly sensitive to stress, making low-stress handling and thoughtful restraint essential during evaluation and treatment.⁵

Early detection: The technician's role

One of the most significant challenges of feline HCM is its silent progression, as many cats may appear completely normal for years despite having advanced underlying disease.¹ Clients may report slightly faster breathing at rest, decreased activity, or occasional panting after exertion.¹ These subtle details are easy to overlook in a busy practice, yet they may be early indicators of cardiac disease.

Technicians are often the first to recognize these patterns. During intake and patient assessment, they frequently gather the most detailed histories and spend the most time observing the patient. Small findings, such as a mildly elevated resting respiratory rate or a change in demeanor, may prompt further investigation and lead to earlier diagnosis, ultimately supporting better outcomes for the entire care team.¹

Diagnostics and clinical support

Diagnostics are essential for confirming disease, but how they are performed can significantly influence outcomes. Technicians play a key role in ensuring diagnostics are performed efficiently and with minimal stress on the patient. In acute respiratory cases, quickly distinguishing between cardiac and noncardiac causes of distress is especially important.⁶

Cardiac biomarkers, such as NT-proBNP, have become valuable tools in this setting. This biomarker is released when the heart muscle is under stress, helping to identify patients more likely to have underlying heart disease.⁶ Consider using a rapid test that allows for a 10-minute, cage-side assessment, supporting timely clinical decision-making.⁷ From sample handling to test execution and communication of results, technicians are integral to making this tool effective in practice.⁶

Thoracic radiographs remain a key tool for identifying fluid in or around the lungs associated with CHF, while systemic blood pressure measurement helps rule out hypertension as a contributing factor.⁴ Echocardiography remains the gold standard for diagnosis, providing direct visualization of cardiac structure and function, including wall thickness, atrial size, and outflow obstruction.² Throughout these procedures, technicians help maintain patient stability, minimize stress, and support the accuracy of results.

Client education and long-term management

While diagnostics are critical, some of the most meaningful impacts occur beyond the clinic. Veterinary technicians play a vital role in translating complex disease processes into practical, actionable guidance for clients.

One of the most effective tools for monitoring feline cardiac patients is resting respiratory rate (RRR). Teaching clients to measure and track this parameter is a simple, effective way to detect early signs of CHF.¹ Clients should be instructed to count breaths while the cat is resting or sleeping, with normal values typically under 30 breaths per minute.¹ More importantly, they should be encouraged to track trends over time, as gradual increases often signal early decompensation.¹

Medication management is another area where technician support is essential. Cats with HCM are often prescribed medications to manage fluid accumulation and reduce the risk of thromboembolism.⁸ These treatment plans can feel overwhelming, particularly when long-term management is required. Technicians help bridge this gap by demonstrating administration techniques, reinforcing compliance, and building client confidence in managing care at home.⁸

Nutritional support plays a key role in long-term management. Patients with chronic heart disease may develop cardiac cachexia, characterized by muscle loss and weight decline, which can negatively impact overall outcomes.⁹ Technicians are essential in guiding clients on appropriate nutrition and limiting excess sodium, helping to support both quality of life and effective disease management.⁹

Team-based care

Despite advances in diagnostics and management, feline HCM remains unpredictable, and not all patients respond consistently to treatment. This variability highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring, client education, and individualized care plans.

Feline HCM is often described as a silent disease, but it requires active awareness and engagement from the entire veterinary team. Veterinary technicians are uniquely positioned to influence patient outcomes through early recognition, thoughtful handling, and effective client communication.

As veterinary medicine continues to advance, optimizing outcomes in feline cardiac disease will depend not only on diagnostics but also on how effectively veterinary teams leverage technicians' skills for early detection, client education, and long-term management.

Kelsey Marriott, BS, AAS, CVT, is the clinical director and an instructor at Pima Medical Institute's East Valley campus. She has more than 12 years of experience in veterinary medicine, with a background spanning equine practice, general practice, cardiology, and dentistry. Marriott's work focuses on externship development, clinical training, and strengthening workforce readiness for veterinary students. She is actively involved in professional advocacy and serves as a director-at-large for the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association.

References

1. Rishniw M. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats. Veterinary Partner. 2026.
2. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 2025.
3. Kittleson MD. Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: Getting into the thick of it. WSAVA Proceedings. 2014.
4. Weir M, Ward E. Cardiomyopathy in cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. 2025.
5. NC State University. Cardiology: Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. 2026.
6. Peyron C, Bernardin F. Cardiac biomarkers in the cat. Royal Canin Academy.
7. IDEXX Laboratories. SNAP feline proBNP update. 2019.
8. Dale S. Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. NAVTA. 2026.
9. Burns KM. Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and the role of nutrition. Today's Veterinary Nurse. 2022.