Heart to Heart: The Cardiac Comparisons Between Cats and Humans
Did you know that your cat’s heart shares surprising similarities with yours? We at Coast to Coast Cardiology are here to educate you on the cardiological intricacies of your feline’s most vital organ, which provides valuable insights into keeping them healthy.
Functional Similarities
Both human and feline hearts share a four-chamber structure. Two upper chambers, the atria, receive deoxygenated blood (from the body) or oxygenated blood (from the lungs). The lower muscular ventricles then pump this blood to its respective destinations.
However, problems may arise in the heart’s functional coordination, which we’ll talk about later.
Speed vs. Endurance
Human hearts have a thicker myocardium (the middle muscular layer) designed for sustained contractions, ideal for our endurance activities. Cat hearts, however, have a thinner myocardium but a larger, more flexible right ventricle. This allows for powerful contractions needed for their explosive bursts of speed.
Metabolic Differences
Human hearts primarily rely on oxygen for energy production, while cat hearts can also utilize fatty acids very efficiently. This metabolic flexibility allows cats to conserve energy during periods of rest or limited food intake. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet for your cat’s energetic needs.
Size
A human heart weighs around 300 grams, while a feline heart weighs a mere 20-30 grams.
Despite their miniature size, a cat’s heart beats much faster than ours, averaging 120-140 beats per minute compared to our 60-100 bpm. This rapid rate allows cats to react quickly, which contributes to their predatory instincts.
Diseases
Did you know that cats can get heart disease, too? The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that 1 in every 10 cats will have heart disease. Like humans, cats can also have congenital heart defects, which can predispose them to other heart complications throughout life.
For example: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a thickening of the heart wall, is a common condition in felines, among others that we have covered in more detail. That’s why regular veterinary checkups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for promoting good heart health in your cat.
Diagnostic Tools
When you see your cat get a checkup, you notice how truly similar they are to us.
Stethoscopes, electrocardiograms, blood pressure measurements, chest X-rays, and echocardiograms are all used to assess various aspects of a cat’s cardiovascular health.
Like humans, cats are checked for murmurs, hypertension, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), fluid buildup in the lungs, and more. However, applying these tools to cats can be more challenging, as they can become skittish and uncooperative during examinations. This can affect their heart rate and blood pressure and lead to inaccurate readings.
At Coast to Coast Cardiology, we deliver outstanding service for various kinds of cardiac complications. We have ten different locations, but we deliver on one goal: treating the patient, not the signs. To provide your cat with comprehensive, cost-effective, and compassionate care, schedule an appointment by calling 844-582-3827 or contacting us online today!