I have juts had my 6 month old kitten neutered and her first lot of jabs, the vet did a general check, and has discovered she has a heart murmur, he thinks its probably a level 5. Im devastated, shes only a baby!! The vet said he thought it was probably hiereditary and that she was born with it. He said she may be able to have tablets when shes older, but ive read stuff on the net about kittens with murmurs will only live about 3years. Is this true? How long does she have? Is there any way to make it better? Is she in pain? Should i be trying to stop her running about all the time? Please reply urgently, i cant wait 3 weeks till shes due for her next lot of jabs. thank you https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,2764#msg-2764Wed, 06 May 2026 10:05:39 +0000 Phorum 5.2.23 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,27085#msg-27085 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,27085#msg-27085My 15 year old cat has just been diagnosed with a murmur and she has lost a lot of weight recently. Should I be concerned (or will weight loss help her?) & what should I do to care for her/help the condition improve?]]> Ava Freshney Ask The VetSat, 26 Dec 2015 08:08:28 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22848#msg-22848 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22848#msg-22848
Unfortunately its not possible for me to predict if further tests will add benefit. She's got to adulthood despite the heart murmur and after the other problem you describe. I wish it was easier to predict the outcome for cat's like yours and if they will live normal healthy lives, but it isn't. With her history and a significant heart murmur yes you are going to have to watch out and react to any deterioration in her health. If she goes into heart failure she would benefit from the expertise of a cardiologist for her treatment.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetMon, 23 Sep 2013 16:31:01 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22818#msg-22818 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22818#msg-22818
I have a female cat who is now about 18 months old. When she was about 6 months she started to develop problems with chronic vomiting. She was very unwell over a long period, but with IV fluids and a low dose of steroids she recovered well. She had a full work up (no ECG though) and nothing of note found. Foolishly never insured her or her brother and couldn't afford diagnostic tests to get to the bottom of the vomiting. Since the steroids, she's been fine. She occasionally needs a very small dose of steroids for a couple of days to manage symptoms (I've had to do this twice). She is other wise very fit and well.

At 11months (whilst all this was going on) the vet picked up a IV murmur. I've even felt it on occasion when she's sleeping on me. We decided on watchful waiting and 6 months later she still has a lvl IV murmur. No breathing difficulties, she's petite but her growth isn't stunted and has grown well since picking up the murmur. Not anaemic and very energetic.

I'm looking at another 600 in vet bills to refer her to a cardiologist. I suppose what I'm asking is whether doing an ECG is going to reveal anything that will particularly add value to her life in the long run. Is it likely to reveal something we can treat or am I just going to have to watch out for deterioration in her health anyway. If she does go into, say, congestive heart failure am I still going to have to refer her to cardiology anyway?

Thanks for any advice]]> Hannah H Ask The VetFri, 13 Sep 2013 15:05:20 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22802#msg-22802 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22802#msg-22802
Wow, that's what I call commitment. Well done to you, Eliza and to her cardiologist. Great story.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetTue, 10 Sep 2013 19:54:35 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22642#msg-22642 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22642#msg-22642 Andy L Ask The VetThu, 22 Aug 2013 00:12:22 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22365#msg-22365 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22365#msg-22365
Sorry but the prognosis unfortunately has to be uncertain for a long life. Your Bengal kitten is still very young, despite the serious nature of the heart defect. If she makes it to adult size and weight with no ill health that's the first target. You should ask your vet and cardiologist to reassess her again once she reaches adulthood. Discuss your fears about her condition with them and ask for any further treatment options. If she's remaining happy and playful so far then she's certainly enjoying her life. I believe that even if she has a shorter but happy life, that's the important thing and you have clearly committed to looking after her as well as possible.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetTue, 14 May 2013 18:13:52 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22364#msg-22364 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22364#msg-22364
Thanks for this update on your cat. Good to know that he's doing well.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetTue, 14 May 2013 17:40:37 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22302#msg-22302 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22302#msg-22302I got the echo cardiogram done for my cat, and the vet said that the heart murmur is purely physiological and not at all a concern, which I'm very happy to hear! Also, his weight has improved and been stable for a while now, so the loss and fluctuations were probably just due to the switch from adult to senior to dental food.
Plus, as an added bonus to the good news, my long-haired cat had his chest shaved for the echo (which he didn't mind, oddly enough), and which made for some super soft and velvety belly-rubs. :)]]> Joanna Ask The VetThu, 18 Apr 2013 14:47:06 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22299#msg-22299 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22299#msg-22299
Does anybody how what the prognosis for a kitten with this disease is? Is she more likely to die suddenly or will she suffer a gradual onset of symptoms? Are there any other treatment options other than the continued Atenolol?

Anything helps.

Thanks]]> eoneil5 Ask The VetTue, 16 Apr 2013 22:23:34 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22133#msg-22133 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22133#msg-22133
I guess you probably have made your choice by now. Yes its difficult to know in young cats if the heart murmur will affect them in the future or not. There are happy and sad experiences discussed on this list. I wouldnt have been able to tell you which yours will be. Your vet is right but a lot of people find themselves in your position, trying to decide what to do in these circumstances. I agree that the breeder has been very reasonable and fair too.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetFri, 15 Feb 2013 18:17:00 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22102#msg-22102 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22102#msg-22102
All I can say is that I am very sorry to hear this very sad story. You are quite right to say there is no definitive answer to how long a cat with a heart murmur will live. Your cat was sadly one of the unlucky cats whose heart murmur was obviously causing severe life-threatening and ultimately fatal symptoms. I send you my sympathy.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetFri, 08 Feb 2013 17:54:27 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22096#msg-22096 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22096#msg-22096I have to decide whether to take a chance and hope he grows out of it when he matures - the breeder has been wonderful in saying she will either keep him for a few weeks longer, or permanently and give us our money back.
My vet said to be purely pragmatic we should never take a kitten which isn't completely healthy.
I really don't know what to do! Apparently it's impossible to tell at this stage whether the murmur is physiological or pathological.
Would we be very silly and potentially heart broken if we decide to take him?
Thank you!]]> alison rooper Ask The VetThu, 07 Feb 2013 17:41:37 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22053#msg-22053 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22053#msg-22053
Yesterday I lost my 7 month old Rufus - he was a Birman Ragdoll cross - an absolute beauty. I also have his sister Martha, who seems fine and does not appear to have a murmer. Rufus was castrated just before Christmas (I think the11th Dec). He became a lot more sedate and I noticed around New Years he was breathing very fast. I took him to the emergency out of hours vets on New years day. It turned out he was in congestive heart failure and they had to drain the fluid off his lungs. He had been on Fortekor (ACE inhibitor) and a subesquent trip to the cardiologist concluded that he had HCM and mitral valve insufficiency. A murmer grade 4. The cardiologist actually recommended that little Rufus did not need any treatment for it at this stage. I, however, was not comfortable with his breathing rate which became louder to the extent that he was making very loud grunts during the morning he died (yesterday). They decided to take another x-ray which involved anesthetic. This would have precipitated the end of his life, the x-rays showed lungs full of fluid, he stopped breathing, he didnt respond the intravenous diuretics, he crashed several times on the operating table, I watched this first hand and had to make the call as to whether or not to resuscitate him when his heart stopped. At this point I decided his struggle for life should be over and elected to let him go as what he had been going through in the last 3 hours with tubes down into his lungs, pulling them out when he started breathing , expelling the fluid and getting the tubes back in when he stopped breathing was an image that will haunt me for the rest of my life. I watched my little Kitty Kat lose his battle for life in the saddest possible way. His deterioration happed so fast and he was gone within three weeks of diagnosis. I prayed to have at least a couple of years with him every day but those three weeks had eaten away at me and I have been full of anguish for my little brave man. I am pleased he is now no longer suffering and despite the cardiologists advice of stopping medication, I continued to give him the Fortekor which the vet agreed was OK - I think it may have given him some extra time, but the vet thinks he most likely developed a clot which travelled to his lungs. In the last few days I believed he also had abdominal pain and diaorhea. It is so, so sad - I will never get over this and I now feel so upset for his sister Martha who is wondering where her best friend is. There is no definitive answer as to how long your cat will have if they have a murmer and/or HCM. However, if I could go back I would still have had him as his little life was already pre-determined and I just feel honoured to have given him the best little time with his sister that he could have had. It's better to have loved and lost, than to have never loved at all. God Bless all the little kitty kats. xxx]]> lauren Dyer Ask The VetSun, 27 Jan 2013 02:06:59 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22011#msg-22011 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,22011#msg-22011
Thank you for the update on your cat. That's good to know.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetFri, 18 Jan 2013 17:53:29 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21809#msg-21809 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21809#msg-21809She has an amazing personality and is healthy as ever, we keep her weight minted so she sin good health, and having an amazing life.]]> Liz roome Ask The VetWed, 16 Jan 2013 20:55:41 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21736#msg-21736 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21736#msg-21736
Sorry but I can't be the one who makes that call. The excess drinking and bringing up hair balls may be a symptoms of kidney failure or there may be another internal problem-you would need blood tests to diagnose that. He may be missing the litter tray because he is also becoming somewhat senile at 15 yrs old so a bigger litter tray or more litter trays around for easier access might help the peeing on the floor. With or without blood tests you still have to weigh up what to do. If he is becoming very poorly, losing weight, not eating well and not seeming to respond and enjoy quality life then maybe its time to consider the end.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetFri, 04 Jan 2013 11:58:20 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21711#msg-21711 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21711#msg-21711 spooks Ask The VetMon, 31 Dec 2012 14:14:18 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21627#msg-21627 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21627#msg-21627
For a kitten of 12 weeks old with a heart murmur I would certainly be adopting a wait and see approach to discover how bad this is. The grade of a heart murmur is an indication of the severity and your vet has placed a high grade on it. It is useful if you can afford a work up of the problem to diagnose it, but not all heart murmurs are life threatening, even when they sound bad so its not always vital. For me its a question of how does the kitten with a heart murmur grow and develop. So far she doesn't sound affected by it. If she grows normally in the next few months to adult size and weight and is always active and energetic then you can be very hopeful that her heart is coping with the abnormality, whatever the particular problem is. The condition is not painful so don't worry that she's suffering for having her heart murmur.

Certainly many cats can live a good quality, normal long life with a heart murmur, and heart problems. I have numbers of patients that do that, including young cats. Medication can be needed, it depends, so be guided by your vet on that. Hope this helps.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetSat, 08 Dec 2012 10:09:04 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21617#msg-21617 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21617#msg-21617The vet picked her up and said straight away she could feel a heart murmur and then after taking a listen to her heart she confined it by saying she has a serious heart murmur which could be cause by a leaky valve (she approx level 6).
I'm devastated by this, as she's such a lovely playful little thing and is so young :(. There's no way on earth I can possibly have her out down yet, as, as far as she is concerned she not ill, she plays, poops, drinks, eats and is exalty like every other little kitten her age.
My vet saud she would like to refer me to a heart specialist, and after talking to my insurance people they have decided that they can't help me as she's only been insured a week. I don't think there is anyway I can afford the scan :( and I'm at my wits end about what to do.
I in no way want her in any discomfort or pain, but while she's not feeling the effects of it I want her to live as much of her little life as she can.
My vet has adviced me that she can have medication to help (not a cure) which she will be starting next month, as apparently as she's so little the dose would be a tiny amount and there wouldn't be much point.
I guess I'm hoping for maybe a little but of positive advice, as I'm so devastated about this.
Does anyone else have cats on the medication? Is it even worth it? Or does it just prolong her life? If it prolongs it I will do it, but not if it's going to be painful. Should I just let her go naturally?
Thanks for the advice in advance.]]> Katefox Ask The VetMon, 03 Dec 2012 14:01:08 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21494#msg-21494 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21494#msg-21494
You need to discuss your concerns with your vet. A cardiogram is another way of checking heart beat regularity, function and size. I can't be certain about the reasons they have made that particular suggestion now to you as a follow up but they should be able to explain that to you. This should help you to make any decisions about the spend.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetThu, 01 Nov 2012 18:19:14 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21477#msg-21477 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21477#msg-21477My only concern is that he has had some weight loss - approximately 400 grams (down to 5.3kg). He has, however, had some weight issues in the past year or so after being switched to senior's food, at the vet's suggestion. After the switch he lost a fair amount of weight, so I switched him to a mix of his regular food and the senior's food. He regained the weight, after which the vet suggested a switch to dental food. He has been on that for a few months so I would have believed his weight to have stabilized, but as I said, it's gone down by 400 grams. (He has a periodontal score of 2, but apparently there is improvement. I've been brushing his teeth, much to his delight.)
At this last visit, he had his blood pressure checked, a CardioPet proBNP check, and his blood and urine screened. Nothing was found in any of the tests, except that the proBNP result was at 123. (I'm not sure if this could have affected it, but he is a very clingy cat. He doesn't go outside, he likes "his people" near him. She took him to the back to do the tests, and when he came back he was pretty terrified. Pupils fully dilated, paws sweaty, etc.) The vet suggested that next I take him in for a cardiogram.
Unfortunately, this previous round of tests was already rather expensive. I have recently finished my masters program and have been unable to find work as of yet. To get the cardiogram, I would need to borrow money from my family. My cat's health and happiness is very important to me, and if this is what I have to do, I will, but I am trying to gain a better understanding of the issue before I go ahead. Thank you very much for any advice.]]> Joanna Ask The VetTue, 30 Oct 2012 15:59:33 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21465#msg-21465 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21465#msg-21465
That's certainly reasonable and many people would adopt your wait and see approach to his condition I am guessing that the murmur is low grade but I would advise you to monitor him, especially over the next few months whilst he finishes his growth to adult size. If he grows to be a big healthy looking cat and is lively and active then it is most unlikely that the murmur is affecting his health. If that doesnt happen and he remains small and skinny for his age, I would certainly get your vet to check him again soon. They may need to do nothing more but if you want to know about the murmur and what it is caused by, a heart scan is a non-invasive way of finding this out for any cat. That may involve being referred to a specialist rather than your regular vet and of course cost you more but these are options for the future in case you feel you want or need to know about his heart problem. As I have said previously young cats can grow, develop and live normally with a heart murmur, depending on if it is affecting the heart function or not. Go back to your vet and ask if they agree that a wait and monitor him approach is OK, based on what they have assessed and heard recently with his heart murmur. That would put your mind at rest too.]]> Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetSat, 27 Oct 2012 11:42:33 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21457#msg-21457 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21457#msg-21457
Overall, he seems pretty healthy, I have noticed him sneezing sometimes recently but I've had some work done in my flat to remove a damp problem so I figure this may be due to dust in the air.

From what I have read on here, it seems that his murmur is likely pretty mild and nothing to be concerned about in terms of his health. It doesn't seem that getting checked to confirm or deny the murmur still being there would lead to any additional treatment for him so I'm thinking that it probably isn't necessary to take him back unless I notice any health changes. But I just wanted to be sure that this sounds right? I obviously want to give him the best life I can but don't see the point in wasting money on a consultation that won't necessarily offer him any benefit...

Thanks.]]> Caroline S Ask The VetWed, 24 Oct 2012 23:52:56 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21367#msg-21367 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21367#msg-21367 Cathy Wickenden Ask The VetMon, 08 Oct 2012 18:58:02 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21349#msg-21349 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21349#msg-21349 Cara Ask The VetFri, 05 Oct 2012 10:14:57 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21213#msg-21213 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21213#msg-21213
Your advices would be appreciated.

Regards
Christine]]> Saynamore Ask The VetTue, 04 Sep 2012 20:21:40 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21184#msg-21184 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,21184#msg-21184Thanks
Holly Rose]]> Holly Ask The VetWed, 29 Aug 2012 18:16:14 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,20424#msg-20424 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,20424#msg-20424 MarkRicher Ask The VetSun, 18 Dec 2011 11:22:14 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,20413#msg-20413 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,20413#msg-20413 lisa f Ask The VetFri, 16 Dec 2011 04:59:50 +0000 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,20053#msg-20053 https://www.vetclickforum.co.uk/read.php?7,2764,20053#msg-20053 MarkRicher Ask The VetMon, 26 Sep 2011 06:02:58 +0000