Understanding Heartworm and Giving Cats Like Mardi Gras a Chance

When Mardi Gras made her way to us from Louisiana, it didn’t take long for her to charm everyone she met. With her beautiful calico coat and sweet, affectionate nature, we knew she’d steal hearts—and we had no doubt she’d find a forever home in no time. But during her intake exam, we discovered something unexpected: Mardi Gras tested positive for heartworm.

While heartworm disease is much more common in dogs, cats can be affected too, though it behaves differently. Cats typically have fewer worms, sometimes just one. And unlike dogs, there’s no approved treatment for heartworm in cats. Instead, they rely on supportive care and a calm environment to help their bodies heal.

Mardi Gras in her foster home.

Despite her diagnosis, Mardi Gras never lost her spark. And when the right person met her, they loved her. They saw her for who she truly is: resilient, loving, and full of life. Too often, conditions like heartworm or FeLV scare adopters away, leaving wonderful cats at risk of being overlooked in shelters. But Mardi Gras was one of the lucky ones.

Today, she’s living her best life in a home where she’s loved deeply and celebrated daily. Her life may not follow the usual timeline, but it's filled with love, and that’s exactly what every cat deserves.

Thanks to the support of the Paw Print Club, cats like Mardi Gras get the chance to heal and find love—no matter their diagnosis. Monthly gifts ensure we can say “yes” to vulnerable cats who need extra time and care

Become a Paw Print Club member today and help us keep the door open for cats with nowhere else to go.

Mardi Gras in her foster home.