Pet Seizures: Emergency First Aid and Understanding Neurological Cause

NT-proBNP Heart Disease Screening for Cats: An Innovation for Early Detection Before Symptoms Appear

Your cat may look happy and healthy on the outside, but they could be hiding heart disease with no visible symptoms at all. NT-proBNP testing is an important innovation that helps screen for heart disease risk in cats from the earliest stages, before it's too late to treat.

What Is NT-proBNP, and What Can It Tell Us About a Cat's Heart?

NT-proBNP is a protein released by the body when the heart muscle stretches or becomes abnormally strained, such as when the heart wall thickens due to HCM. Measuring NT-proBNP levels is like getting a direct warning signal from the heart itself -- even if your cat still seems energetic and a stethoscope exam doesn't reveal any abnormalities.

What Is HCM in Cats, and Why Is It So Concerning?

HCM (Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy) is a condition where the heart muscle thickens, and it's the most common heart disease in cats. What makes it so concerning is that cats show no symptoms at all until the heart fails or a sudden blood clot forms, which can lead to sudden death.

Do Cats With No Symptoms Still Need NT-proBNP Testing?

Yes, they do, because HCM is a silent threat. A cat with no symptoms may already have a thickened heart without anyone knowing. NT-proBNP testing helps catch it in the earliest stages, allowing for an immediate follow-up echocardiogram, and it also helps assess anesthesia risk before surgery.

How Is NT-proBNP Testing Done, and What Preparation Is Needed?

Testing is very simple -- it only requires a small blood draw. There are 2 formats: a Snap Test, which gives results within a few minutes, or sending the sample to a lab for a detailed quantitative reading. Contact our Heart Center for more details and preparation instructions at 02-079-9999.

Which Cat Breeds Are Most at Risk for HCM?

High-risk breeds include Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Persian, and Thai (Siamese) cats aged 1 year and older. We recommend NT-proBNP testing every year, or before any surgery or spay/neuter procedure.

Don't wait for your cat to show symptoms before getting tested, since HCM usually gives no advance warning signs. Book a heart screening appointment at the Heart Center, Thonglor Pet Hospital, at 02-079-9999.