heart murmer

charleyayla

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Hi!

I was just hoping to have some positive stories about cats with heart murmurs.

My 5 year old kitty had her annual health last week and the vet informed me that they heard a heart murmur. She’s a very anxious cat and because of Covid I wasn’t able to be there like I usually am. She copes by burying her head into my chest and this calms her down! Now I obviously googled it and read lots about heart murmurs and how they can sometimes be known as innocent murmurs caused by stress and don’t have any impact on their health. Which obviously makes a lot of sense because like I said she’s very anxious and the time they find a murmur is the one time I’m not there. However, when the vet phoned me she was sure it wasn’t stress (something about the way it sounded?)

She’s booked in on the 3rd March for a heart scan and to see the specialist in cardiology. But as you can imagine I’m freaking out 😞 she’s the youngest of my cats and the one I never worry about. She’s such a sweet and mysterious character and I hate the thought of her losing her so young.
 

Jean Howard

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Hi there!
Sorry to hear you're having a stressful time. Im having a very similar experience with my own cat Rex! He's 5 years old and incredibly anxious, and his first vet visit a month ago revealed a murmer of his own.

Now the best thing you can do is not panic. Take everything one step at a time, and remember there are always people around you either here or IRL you can reach out to for help. Don't panic google everything, and ask the vet and cardiologist any questions you may have. They're there to help your cat, but also you!

Personally, my cat does quite well with his heart! He's still as snuggly as usual, and I haven't seen any red flags. I think additional testing can help him and your cat, even if it reveals nothing is wrong.

I wish you and your cat lots of good luck and good health! <3
 

fionasmom

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You were probably told that murmurs are ranked by number and the lower numbers are usually not that serious...this is true in people as well. I think you are doing the right thing to have the scan as it will give you a lot of information which will at least prevent you from overworking this in your imagination. The scan will tell you exactly what you are dealing with and what might be appropriate to do going forward. You are absolutely doing the right thing to go to a cardiologist rather than letting the regular vet handle it because you will get an expert opinion in that area alone.

Scans themselves are not a big deal. In many cases the cat does not even need sedation and if they do you will be informed. Sedation is not anesthesia and carries low risks. My Jamie has had a couple scans and is about to have an echocardiogram. He has been sedated on one occasion because he refused to behave.
 

Mamanyt1953

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While you are waiting, remember that MANY heart murmurs are not indicative of a serious problem, even some higher-graded murmurers can be fairly benign. Concentrate on that, as your cat can and will pick up on your own anxiety. And we are here. Always.
 
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