Best heartworm preventative for older kitties.

[dandw2]

Hi all,

I used to use Heartgard on my 2 indoor kitties when they were younger, and then we moved to a mostly mosquito free area. Now they are 9 and 10+, geriatric by vet standards, and I am wondering about the safest heartworm preventative now that we are back in the woods.

I called my new vet on Friday and was told that they don't make Heartgard for cats. Is this true? Has it been discontinued? I was told they only have Revolution, which I am not familar with and question the safety in geriatric kitties. I question the safety of both in older kitties, actually. Are there any risks with either preventative that I should be aware of? I do not want to take any risks with my babies, which includes exposing them to heartworms!

[Traci]

No, it is NOT true. Who did you speak to, a vet or someone else? Whomever told you that is wrong. If the vet clinic isn't carrying Heartgard for Cats, then they are probably only carrying a specific product they want to promote. If you want Heartgard for Cats, I'd recommend finding a new vet!

I personally recommend Heargard for Cats, and I don't think there is any reason you can't use it for older cats. Ask your (yet another NEW) vet for more information.

[dandw2]

Thank you, Traci. I think it was a technician that told me this, it was not the Dr. But, I was told that they only make it for dogs, and Revolution is the only option for cats. I will call another vet because I am not familar with Revolution and it seems more than we need anyway. I am worried about the occasional mosquito that comes in with us!

[dandw2]

I called the other vet hospital that I know of here and was told they do not have Heartgard, but use Interceptor. I asked if there was a reason and she didn't know. Is Interceptor safe for use in geriatric kitties? (I hate that word!)

I am starting to wonder if I should use Heartgard when the vets around me don't....I hate second guessing.

[Traci]

I don't know why they aren't carrying Heartgard, the only reason I can think of is that they have chosen to carry one product based on costs (interceptor is probably cheaper), or are having a difficult time getting Merial reps in the area (which doesn't make sense to me). The tech at the first clinic needs her head re-examined and if this is what she is telling clients or potential clients, it's a wonder the clinic is in business! Heartgard For Cats and Heargard for Dogs are both available to the vet industry.

I personally prefer Heartgard because of it's ease of use/administration, and history of effectiveness, most cats like it because it is like a treat for them.

Both Heartgard and Interceptor have (I assume) equal levels of effectiveness, but palatability is a must when using these product flavor-tabs.

I can't tell you which one to choose, I can only tell you which I personally recommend, that being Heartgard for Cats. Just be sure that you and your vet (not the tech or a receptionist!) give you the appropriate package for the weight/ages of your cats.

I see no reason why senior cats shouldn't be on heartworm preventative. I have never heard of reactions or failure of the product in senior cats. The important thing is heartworm prevention when you KNOW your cats are at risk due to high number of mosquitos in the area and know that they ARE in fact getting into your home. It only takes one bite from an infected mosquito.

Also, as with dogs, it is preferrable to test for heartworm in cats prior to starting the preventative (antibody test for cats with no symptoms or lapses in heartworm preventative).