Heart disease is one of the most serious and fatal diseases of cats, mostly young and middle-aged cats. Cats with heart disease are susceptible to arterial thromboembolism (ATE), which occurs when blood clots lodge in the cat's small arteries. When a clot obstructs the artery, the blockage activates blood platelets to release substances into the body that decrease blood flow to the cat's organs, leading to severe pain and often death. Therefore, inhibiting platelet function is critical to preventing ATE.

Scientists conducting an MAF-funded study used a device to monitor platelet levels in cats taking platelet-inhibiting medications. Now veterinarians can measure levels in their clinics and adjust medications as needed. In other studies, our funding has helped scientists evaluate numerous drugs that are helping veterinarians control the disease and the often fatal blood clots that occur.

When caught early, some heart damage can be reversed and some cats can live many years after diagnosis. At this time, there is no cure for the disease, but MAF hopes to someday change that.

Search our animal health studies database for more MAF successes and current studies for cats.