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Emma

my cat has a heart murmur that i need to get checked to see what grade it is she seems like she’s been doing okay but is this something that can be life threatening?

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Ash
Cat, American Shorthair
3 years 6 months, Male
Issue details
Main concern
Behavior
Travel anxiety
Travel
Weekly
Duration
3 day(s)
Other issues
Coughing
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Dr. Wilkins
Dr.Tail Vet

A heart murmur in cats can indeed vary in both severity and significance. Essentially, it is an abnormal sound heard during a heartbeat, often caused by turbulent blood flow. The seriousness of a heart murmur depends on its underlying cause and its grade, which can range from I, being very soft, to VI, which is very loud.

In some instances, heart murmurs are benign and do not impact a cat's health. However, they can also signal underlying heart conditions that might require monitoring or treatment. Given your cat's history of heart failure or murmur, it's crucial to have her evaluated by a veterinarian. This evaluation will help determine the grade and cause of the murmur, allowing for an assessment of any potential risks to her health and whether specific management or treatment is necessary.

Considering your cat's travel anxiety and coughing, these symptoms could potentially be related to her heart condition, as stress and respiratory issues can sometimes be linked to cardiac problems. It's reassuring that she seems to be doing okay, but I would recommend scheduling a check-up with your veterinarian to ensure her heart health is thoroughly assessed.

In the meantime, try to reduce stress for your cat, especially during travel, by creating a calm environment and using a secure carrier. If her coughing persists or worsens, it would be wise to seek veterinary attention sooner rather than later.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.