Heartworm disease can only be contracted by dogs

This myth is totally wrong and fake, of course! It seems that dogs are more susceptible to contracting this virus because they are one of the most popular pets and their owners notice this much faster than in the case of other animals – but this doesn’t mean that cats, ferrets, wolves, coyotes, foxes and sea lions won’t get the heartworm disease.

“Cats are more resistant than dogs as a heartworm host,” but they can still become infected, says Dr. Laura Hatton, a veterinarian with BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Overland Park, Kansas.

Just like dogs, felines can develop adult heartworms, but these worms will die before reaching their full maturity. According to animal experts, there is no treatment for this disease in cats yet, so try your best to protect your beloved furry friend as much as possible.