Depending on the specific variation, the problem can be primarily in the blood flowing out of or into the cat's heart. This differentiation using echocardiographic and other examination findings helps determine which medications your cat requires. With appropriate medication and early intervention, we can frequently achieve stabilization of the disease and sometimes reversal of the problems. A genetic predisposition to develop hypertrophic cardiomyopathy has been found in Maine Coon and American shorthair cats with a suspected genetic predisposition in ragdolls and Persians. The 1 to 4 year age group of cats has a tendency toward more aggressive disease.
Male cats are also over represented.
A common secondary change in cats with cardiomyopathy is enlargement of the left atrium. This finding is particularly worrisome in cats because they are susceptible to blood clot formation. Unfortunately, the development of a blood clot is unpredictable and can occur on any medication. Blood clot formation can result in a cat being paralyzed in the rear legs, limping on a front leg, exhibiting episodes of abnormal behavior, or even sudden death. Older cats may have a thickened heart muscle due to an underlying systemic cause.