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Mark M. Family Member

LVAD and cats

Sat, 07/19/2014 - 9:46PM

So, my dad may be a candidate for LVAD. He and mom have 10 cats (I know - crazy cat lovers). I am reaching out to you all since none of what we have found talks about interaction with pets. Please help, if you can. Dad loves his cats and I know he wants to be able to make the best informed decision possible.

Thank you for any thoughts and advice you are able to provide.

-Mark

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Jeff H.

Thu, 07/24/2014 - 6:55PM

We have a cat (at one point 2 cats) and a dog. We haven't experienced problems with cats, but you might want to watch them to see how they interact with the LVAD driveline and battery cables to make sure they don't try to chew on them. That's what we did and so far, so good. Enjoy!

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MARILYN N.

Thu, 07/24/2014 - 7:34PM

WE HAD 2 CATS WHEN JOHN GOT HIS LVAD IN 2010, WE ARE JUST DOWN TO 1, WE HAVE FOUND NO PROBLEM WITH THE CATS, MANDY, THE ONE WE HAVE LEFT LOVES TO LAY ON THE BAG AT NIGHT (SHE SLEEPS WITH HIM) I'M NOT SURE IF ITS THE HEAT FROM THE BAG OR JUST LAYS THERE TO PROTECT HIM. I'M NOT SURE HOW 10 CATS WOULD WORK OUT. GOOD LUCK.

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Cas & B.

Fri, 08/29/2014 - 1:21AM

We made difficult decision to get our dog re-homed after Jon's LVAD operation at the end of May (benign tumours that would burst/picking up dog mess - too much of an infection risk). Luckily, after just two weeks, she already has a new family (she is a lovely dog so not surprised). Jon had "distanced" himself from her during his 10wk hospital stay and therefore he had already come to terms (it was purely his decision as she was his dog).

As for our cat - at present, he stays! He is an indoor cat (so no chance of him bringing home nasty bugs/viruses from outside) and I am the one who deals with his litter tray - again, in attempt to keep risk of infection down (also have heard it mentioned that, for anyone with lung issues, it is best to wear mask when pouring out new litter granules so Jon stays away).

All our VAD Team warned was to make sure he wasn't a chewer - and take a liking to either the drive-line or any of the electrical cables around the battery charger or the night-time mains.

Hope your Dad has many long years to enjoy his cats!