Did you know that heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease in cats including American Shorthairs? Your vet can tell you that the disease is caused by a foot-long worm that can invade the heart, lungs and blood vessels of your cat. This can cause lung disease and heart failure or a condition known as HARD (heartworm associated respiratory disease). Signs and symptoms of heartworm disease in cats can range from barely visible to extremely dramatic. Symptoms include coughing, asthma, vomiting, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Some American Shorthairs have experienced difficulty walking, fainting, seizures, and the buildup of fluid in the abdomen. If your cat has any of these symptoms you should contact your veterinarian right away. The best way to prevent heartworms is to have your American Shorthair on a monthly heartworm prevention program. You should also have your American Shorthair tested for heartworms at yearly wellness visit with her vet services WestLake, TX.