Heart
The heart is a complex organ consisting of four chambers and a highly coordinated network of electrical circuits. It is the center of the circulatory system and pumps blood to the whole body via cardiac muscles. This system is also involved in delivering oxygen to the tissues of the body and carrying waste from the tissues to the lungs. Abnormalities in the heart can affect its function and usually include:
- Congenital defects e.g., murmuring of blood flow
- Cardiomyopathies or defects in heart muscles
- Abnormal electrical signals affecting synchronization of contraction of heart e.g., atrial fibrillation
Cats with an abnormality of the heart may experience symptoms like exercise intolerance, weakness, breathing difficulties, collapse, or change in breathing patterns. Cats who rarely cough can be an indication of heart disease.