No, we typically don't test cats. Especially as a kitten, we just start the prevention. The only reason that I would recommend a test is if they're having symptoms. If they're having breathing problems or GI upset, then we might want to test for heartworm. But it's not something that we would routinely test every year, at least not in our area in California.

It's completely preventable if you are diligent about giving it at the recommended time. If you give an oral preventative once a month and you never falter from that, your cat will not get heartworm disease. It's a hundred percent preventable.

This is a great question because it depends on where you live in the country. Heartworm isn't a common disease in California. It's much more common in the Midwest, along the Mississippi River, the Gulf Coast, and the East Coast. So it depends on where you live as well as the lifestyle of the cat. If the cat lives outdoors, they should be on prevention year-round, especially if you live in those areas. I would start it when they are kittens as young as eight weeks.

There are chewable, oral as well as topical heartworm, preventatives. It depends on what works for you and your family or the cat. Some cats don't want to take a pill, and the topical option would be easier, but there are both options.

That's a tricky question to answer. I wish I could ask them. If a cat seems extra stressed, like if they're not eating or if there are any signs of illness, the doctor would get involved right away and reach out to you. If we feel like it's not working or it's not a good fit, we'll let you know and potentially arrange a pet sitting option.

In the cage, they aren't technically alone because many people are moving around. We have an active hospital, so we're in and out of the cat ward all the time. They will be cared for multiple times a day. If the litter box gets dirty, we'll scoop that right away, we'll fill water bowls, and feed them as you direct. There is no one here overnight because we're not a 24-hour facility. But right before we leave, we make sure everyone's cages are clean and everybody has what they need before locking those cages tightly. We also have an alarm system here at the hospital, and all doors are locked during the night. They are alone overnight.