If you’ve ever had a cat diagnosed with HCM (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy), you know how heartbreaking it can be. As a pet health coach and someone deeply involved in the Sphynx cat community, I’ve spent years researching and educating myself about this condition because it’s far too common in the Sphynx breed.
HCM is a serious heart condition that causes the walls of the heart (usually the left ventricle) to thicken over time. That thickening reduces the heart’s ability to function properly and, if left unchecked, can lead to congestive heart failure, blood clots and even sudden death.
Up until recently, there wasn’t much we could do beyond symptom management. But I have exciting news to share - there are now not just one, but TWO medications available that are showing real promise in treating HCM in cats, rather than just managing it.
Rapamycin
Last year, I shared a video about Rapamycin, a new medication that had gone through clinical trials in cats with HCM and showed real potential in helping halt the progression of HCM. Rapamycin works by slowing abnormal cellular growth and reducing inflammation, helping to delay the thickening of the heart muscle. This was the first big leap forward and it gave us hope that HCM might one day be manageable in a much more meaningful way.
Felycin CA1
And now, the good news continues…
A second medication, Felycin CA1, has entered the veterinary market as another promising treatment option for cats with HCM. Felycin CA1 is a repurposed human medication that was originally used as an immunosuppressant for transplant patients. But at the low, carefully calibrated doses used in cats, it’s showing great promise especially in reducing thickening of the left ventricle, which is the hallmark of HCM.
For the first time ever, we now have TWO legitimate options that go beyond managing symptoms. They’re helping to actually treat the condition and improve both the quality and length of life for cats with HCM.
Don’t Skip the Scans
Now HCM is still a very serious condition and early detection is everything.
Please, if you have a Sphynx cat, make it a priority to:
Get an echocardiogram with a veterinary cardiologist every 1–2 years
Ask your vet to run a proBNP blood test yearly to detect signs of heart inflammation or stress
Remember, HCM is often a silent disease. Many cats won’t show symptoms until the condition is very advanced, so don’t wait! When caught early, HCM is much easier to monitor and treat proactively.
If your cat has been diagnosed with HCM, I encourage you to speak with your veterinarian about Felycin CA1 or Rapamycin to see if they’re an option for your kitty.
