My cat with HCM has racing heart & drinks more. Should I see vet?

Since Toki has been a bit off, I think it would be better to have him checked out sooner rather than later. Changes in his respiratory rate could indicate fluid accumulation in his lungs as a result of HCM. That said, the respiratory rates that you are describing are relatively normal. Better safe than sorry!

Unfortunately hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats can cause them to have a shorter life span. They because more at risk of high blood pressure, congestive heart failure and thromboembolism. I'm glad you were able to seek the help of a cardiologist for Smudge because atenolol and ace inhibitors can help increase a kitty with HCM life expectancy. You may be able to get the ace inhibitors compounded into a liquid to make giving it easier. Or try a pill pocket or other treat to get Smudge to take the medication. One thing you can do at home to monitor Smudge for signs of trouble is keeping track of his resting respiratory rate. Count his breaths per minute when he is in a deep sleep. Anything above 30 breaths per minute would be considered abnormal and means he should see a veterinarian.

I’m sorry that Pino isn’t feeling well! He may have eaten something toxic causing him to vomit or have intestinal parasites or an obstruction. Dehydration can cause an increased heart rate, as fluids are lost with the vomit. I recommend having Pino seen by a vet who can give him some fluids for stabilization and determine what is causing him to vomit.

I have attached a link below that provides some general information on HCM. Your cardiologist may have given you much of this and i am sure has ruled out things like high thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and high blood pressure. The most important things are to rule out other diseases that can cause thickening, monitor at home for any changes, and follow up with your cardiologist to see if the disease is progressing. For cats that are diagnosed when asymptomatic (such as evaluation for a heart murmur) the disease may or may not advance. Many cats can live a long life if the disease does not advance. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! www2.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy

Just based on your description I would say you should have Samson examined by your vet. Sphinx cats have a genetic predisposition to heart disease, namely hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). This disease can cause heart murmurs and arrhythmias which are often the first clinical signs. Your vet needs to listen to the heart with a stethoscope and possibly do an EKG test. That is where I would start. I do not think the vomiting and diarrhea are heart related so he may have two separate issues going on concurrently.

I think it is important that Olie continues to drink well while on heart medications. It’s true that cats get their moisture mostly from wet food, however cats on heart meds might need more water to mantain the right level of hydration so I would say yes to the water water fountain again ! I know it can be a pain the maintenance but I think it is well worthy ! Hope he continues to do well..!

In senior cats, cardiac problems can be very common and there are also diseases such as hyperthyroidism that causes increased heart rate. I would have Kitty seen by a vet for a physical exam, geriatric blood panel, and urinalysis. X-rays would also be advisable to check on her heart shape and size. The geriatric blood panel will indicate if she is suffering from hyperthyroidism, which can be treated.