Heartgard Chew for Cats, 5-15 lbs, (Purple Box), 6 Chews (6-mos. supply)

• Beef-flavored chewable to be given monthly

• Prevents heartworm from developing inside cats

• Safeguards against further heartworm infection

• Treats and controls hookworms

• FDA approved

Heartworm disease in cats (dirofilariasis) is a serious and potentially fatal disease. Heartworms spend their adult lives in the pulmonary arteries. The adult worms can cause lasting damage to the heart, lungs and arteries.

Heartworms are transmitted from one cat to another by mosquitoes, which pick up tiny immature heartworms, called microfilariae, when they bite an infected cat. Larvae develop and are then transmitted to another cat when that cat is bitten by the infected mosquito.

All cats are at risk for heartworm disease, no matter where they live—heartworms don't discriminate based on geography. In the past, heartworm disease in the United States was primarily limited to the South and Southeast regions. However, it is now found in all 50 states, in Canada, and is spreading to new areas each year. The American Heartworm Society notes that uncared-for cats and certain wildlife can be carriers of heartworms. Mosquitoes blown great distances by the wind and the transportation of infected pets to different geographic locations can all contribute to the spread of heartworm disease.

Signs of heartworm disease can be subtle and difficult to detect until its later stages. As the disease progresses, signs begin to appear. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice coughing, difficulty breathing, sluggishness and less energy for exercise in your cat. Adult heartworms cause serious harm to your cat's heart, lungs and certain internal organs. Left untreated, heartworm disease can result in loss of consciousness and death.

The most common method for heartworm testing is for a veterinarian to collect a small blood sample from a cat and evaluate the sample using a specialized test kit to detect the presence of adult heartworms.

Pet owners can use Heartgard (ivermectin) to help prevent heartworm disease. Heartgard kills tissue larval stages of heartworms and helps prevent them from developing into adults and causing heartworm disease. In an unprotected cat, heartworm larvae mature into adults and ultimately migrate to the arteries of the lungs.

Monthly use of Heartgard is essential because it cannot be determined with certainty when the threat of mosquitoes has passed. Talk to your veterinarian for dose and regimen recommendations.

Although it is possible to treat heartworm disease if a cat becomes infected, it is difficult, expensive and risky, particularly in cats that have begun to exhibit clinical signs of infection.

There are treatment options available to kill adult heartworms in cats that have become infected. Treating cats with heartworm disease starts with a thorough physical examination by the veterinarian. The veterinarian will then discuss treatment options with you. Typically, the cat is hospitalized during the treatment period. Because there is a risk of blood clots or worm debris blocking blood vessels from adult heartworm treatment, the cat must then remain quiet in close confinement for another 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. A second round of treatment may be required for some cats. The veterinarian may also give your cat a treatment to rid it of the immature larvae that are circulating through the blood stream.

Heartgard is safe and effective in any breed of cat when used as directed.

No, the way cats become infected is via a bite from a mosquito that is carrying heartworm larvae.

No. kittens that are nursing may become infected. Heartgard can be used in kittens as young as 6 weeks of age—and kittens benefit from the ability of Heartgard to treat and control roundworms and hookworms.

For any specific product questions, please call Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s customer service line number at 1-888-637-4251.