Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common feline heart disease, and most pre-failure stages do not need aggressive sodium restriction, which can hurt appetite if started too early.
The accepted approach adjusts sodium gradually by stage, with the post-failure diet set by the vet alongside medications and bloodwork.
Daily priorities are logging sleeping breath rate, avoiding intense stress, and following medication and recheck schedules, since rising breath rates often precede relapse.
Clear any homemade diet change with the cardiologist; open-mouth breathing and sudden dragging hind limbs are emergencies needing immediate care.
