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My new cat has an enlarged heart and murmur. How can I help him?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 2 years and 11 months old | 12 lbs

I just adopted my 3 year old cat Winston this past Thursday. The shelter said he has a enlarged heart and a level 2 heart murmur. He's very friendly still but defiantly enjoy lounging most of the time. I don't know anything about this condition. I haven't been able to see much online. I have a vet appointment this week. Will Winston be okay? I want to do everything in my power to ensure he has the longest and healthiest life possible. I would like some knowledge about this condition please.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 6th, 2017

Congrats on your new pet! Adoption is a wonderful thing. When Winston sees your veterinarian, discuss diagnostics to confirm and establish a baseline for his condition. Common tests may include chest x-rays to assess cardiac size and an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to assess cardiac architecture and function. The echo, more than any other diagnostic, will determine if he will need medication to manage his condition. You can read more about cardiac conditions at this link: http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/Health_Information/HeartDisease.cfm

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Winston needs an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) to determine what is causing his heart murmur. Once that is done the vet can discuss what disease he has and possible treatments. Until an ultrasound is done there is no way to know how bad or what prognosis he has. Thanks for rescuing him!! Www.veterinarypartner.com has some good basic articles written by vets and vet techs.

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