Just looking for some comfort.

Hi,

Well, I know reading the internet can give you a million different types of responses but I decided to post here because this forum seems like its filled with great people and opinions. My cat is 8, and took him in for a routine checkup today and the vet told me right away he has a murmur, she rated it a 3 on a scale of 1-5 and suggested I have his heart put through tests and such. (Which I am). Hes always been extra scared and on edge of everything so that makes me even more nervous that he is so jumpy. I saved him off the street when he was 2 he had a serious problem with his paw and had glass in it. The Vet says he looks great and was acting fine, but she def. said to have him checked out. Im just so upset and nervous now that he will die out of nowhere like you hear or his life has been shortened alot now. Obviously whatever it takes I will do, but I know there is no cure of it and im just really sad. Also, now im tip toeing around the house not to make him jumpy or upset, but hes been like this for years. Its in my head alot now, and wondering if anyone can shed some light that has gone through this and will tell me its going to be ok.

I read that cats that have murmurs, cant even have teeth cleaned because of the unstability of the heart, so they need to check that out first. It is just scary, thats all. 

Thanks in advance. 

to TCS!

Your cat can live for years with a heart condition. The tests are necessary to determine what's wrong with his heart, how advanced it is and to help the vet decide what medications are needed at this point, if any.

Our last cat had hypertrophic myocardiopathy and did extremely well on an ACE inhibitor for a couple of years; beta blockers were later added, along with a diuretic. He had his teeth cleaned (twice, IIRC) after his HCM diagnosis, so it's not always the case that anesthesia is impossible. He also survived congestive heart failure twice and was two months shy of his 14th birthday when the last bout proved fatal. He had always been really aggressive with vets, but both he and the vets made it through the tests and treatments.

Yes, it's very scary, and your fear of losing him suddenly is really understandable. Once you have a diagnosis and a treatment plan, you'll probably feel more in control of the situation.

You'll find that a lot of TCS members have been through what you're experiencing right now and will offer their support.

I just wanted you to know there are many of us here to offer you what we can, be it advise or comfort. It's so very scary to not know whats going on and to feel so helpless. I've known several cats that have lived happy near normal lives with heart problems, there are probably many cats whose owners don't even know their cats have a problem. Knowledge is power, learn all you can. Don't be afraid to ask for comfort or prayers, we're all in this together. Your vet will know YOUR case so listen to them, they've most likely dealt with this many times before. If it helps, I work in the health field and most people over the age of 65 have a murmur and they live long, normal lives, it's a part of getting older.Just love him and treasure the time you have now. I'm so sorry you have to go through this, I'll be thinking of you, keep us posted!

thank you so much just for those responses, I do feel better. Like I said, I am just sad. I have an appointment on june 4th to take him for the heart tests, I wish it was sooner but that is the best they can do, he had been living fine, but now that I know june 4th cant come soon enough.

Again, thank you for the responses. I wanted to cry when she told me he had a heart problem.