Cattitude - Episode 297 The 30-Breath Test That Could Save Your Cat’s Life episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 5, 2026 · 24 MIN

Cattitude - Episode 297 The 30-Breath Test That Could Save Your Cat’s Life

from Cattitude - The #1 Cat Podcast · host Pet Life Radio

On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes veterinarian Dr. Heather Davis, Director of Clinical Affairs and Veterinary Services for Pegasus, to discuss hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—a surprisingly common heart disease that affects about 1 in 7 cats. Often called a silent killer because symptoms can go unnoticed until the disease is advanced, HCM is something every cat parent should know about. Dr. Davis explains what causes HCM, why certain breeds like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Sphynx cats may be at higher risk, and how veterinarians diagnose and manage the condition. She also shares a simple “breath test” cat owners can do at home to help detect early warning signs while their cat is sleeping. Plus, Michelle and Dr. Davis discuss new advances in veterinary medicine, FDA-approved treatments for feline heart disease, and the importance of working closely with your veterinarian instead of relying on “Dr. Google.” If you love your cat and want to stay proactive about their health, this informative episode is a must-listen.EPISODE NOTES: The 30-Breath Test That Could Save Your Cat’s LifeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes veterinarian Dr. Heather Davis, Director of Clinical Affairs and Veterinary Services for Pegasus, to discuss hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—a surprisingly common heart disease that affects about 1 in 7 cats. Often called a silent killer because symptoms can go unnoticed until the disease is advanced, HCM is something every cat parent should know about. Dr. Davis explains what causes HCM, why certain breeds like Maine Coons, Ragdolls, and Sphynx cats may be at higher risk, and how veterinarians diagnose and manage the condition. She also shares a simple “breath test” cat owners can do at home to help detect early warning signs while their cat is sleeping. Plus, Michelle and Dr. Davis discuss new advances in veterinary medicine, FDA-approved treatments for feline heart disease, and the importance of working closely with your veterinarian instead of relying on “Dr. Google.” If you love your cat and want to stay proactive about their health, this informative episode is a must-listen.EPISODE NOTES: The 30-Breath Test That Could Save Your Cat’s LifeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/cattitude-the-1-cat-podcast--6666768/support.

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Cattitude - Episode 297 The 30-Breath Test That Could Save Your Cat’s Life

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This episode is 24 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 5, 2026.

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On this episode of Cattitude, Michelle Fern welcomes veterinarian Dr. Heather Davis, Director of Clinical Affairs and Veterinary Services for Pegasus, to discuss hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)—a surprisingly common heart disease that affects...

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