Behavior Changes

Pet parents are often very sensitive to behavior changes in their pets. After all, you know their normal routine best. Behavior changes may occur in animals with heart disease, as it does with many other illnesses. Your pet may seem distressed from difficulty breathing or your pet may no longer get excited about their usual walk. If your pet is being treated for heart failure, some medications can cause behavior changes. An increased need to urinate is common with furosemide or other diuretics.

Cats hide their illnesses well, so it is particularly important to notice subtle changes in their behavior. Hiding, decreased interaction with the family, or urinating outside the litterbox can be the earliest warning signs of a sick cat.