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In late April, I had to euthanize my cat Boris due to HCM. I discussed this with four vets and they all insisted it was genetic, a time bomb waiting to go off. Online sources say probably genetic, since it is more prevalent in some breeds.
A week ago, Diamond came down with the same symptoms. I rushed him to the emergency vet and sure enough, it was HCM. Diamond pulled through, but the vet said his life expectancy is 300-600 days if I can pill him. He is 3 and a half years old. It turns out he loves pill pockets, so I am blessed to get time with him. But I am heartbroken again. And I am mystified. Two cats with a disease that only affects 1-2% of cats, and within four weeks of each other? There is no reason to think they are related, One was a purebred from Md. and one a rescue from NC.
Has anyone heard of having two unrelated cats come down with HCM in this short a time? My regular vet says he does not remember two cats from the same household with HCM in such a short period. I wonder if it is environmental. Could it be something about my house? Am I feeding them right? I did not clean house for several months when I broke my leg in February. Could a dirty house have triggered HCM? I have asked these questions of the vets, and they all say no, that it is genetic. I don't know what to think.
I have been researching caring for a cat with HCM. Any information or links to information would be appreciated
It has been the worst month, losing my beloved Boris, losing my best (human) friend to cancer, Diamond's illness and one other thing that affected me deeply, but I won't mention. Here's to a better summer.
A week ago, Diamond came down with the same symptoms. I rushed him to the emergency vet and sure enough, it was HCM. Diamond pulled through, but the vet said his life expectancy is 300-600 days if I can pill him. He is 3 and a half years old. It turns out he loves pill pockets, so I am blessed to get time with him. But I am heartbroken again. And I am mystified. Two cats with a disease that only affects 1-2% of cats, and within four weeks of each other? There is no reason to think they are related, One was a purebred from Md. and one a rescue from NC.
Has anyone heard of having two unrelated cats come down with HCM in this short a time? My regular vet says he does not remember two cats from the same household with HCM in such a short period. I wonder if it is environmental. Could it be something about my house? Am I feeding them right? I did not clean house for several months when I broke my leg in February. Could a dirty house have triggered HCM? I have asked these questions of the vets, and they all say no, that it is genetic. I don't know what to think.
I have been researching caring for a cat with HCM. Any information or links to information would be appreciated
It has been the worst month, losing my beloved Boris, losing my best (human) friend to cancer, Diamond's illness and one other thing that affected me deeply, but I won't mention. Here's to a better summer.
