Cats infected with Dirofilaria immitis:

Cats infected with Dirofilaria immitis, commonly known as heartworms, can indeed demonstrate a range of clinical manifestations, but the unique aspect of feline heartworm disease is linked primarily to aberrant worm migration. While cats may occasionally show no clinical signs when infected (making the first option misleading), they can also experience disease related to the migration of immature heartworms to unusual sites, such as the central nervous system or ocular tissues. This translocation often results in distinct and serious clinical symptoms that are not typically observed in dogs.

The second choice captures this phenomenon accurately. Cats, unlike dogs, can have only a few adult heartworms that might not lead to standard heartworm disease. However, the erratic behaviors of the worms can trigger serious immune reactions and may lead to complications, reinforcing the importance of recognizing such atypical presentations.

Considering the other choices, while cats can occasionally develop severe symptoms, they do not always present with severe pulmonary symptoms. The environment of the cat’s immune response can vary significantly, leading to less predictable symptomatology compared to dogs. Additionally, cats can transmit heartworms to other cats and not just dogs, making the last option inaccurate. Therefore, the option highlighting aberrant migration fits with the recognized complexities of