Cat Parasites -- 4 Feline Health Threats
Kurt Schmitt
September 25, 2008
Cat parasites are a common occurrence, but usually not serious if treated in time. If left untreated, however, they may cause severe damage.
This article covers some of the more common feline parasites and associated signs and symptoms. In some cases, your cat may become susceptible to secondary bacterial and fungal infections, some of which could be severe.
Worms in Cats -- Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whip worms are some of the more common worm-type parasites that affect cats. Worms generally either swim in the intestines or latch on to the intestinal wall. They either feed on tissue and blood, or rob your cat of nutrients.
Worms can lead to a variety of symptoms, including anemia, weight loss, excessive vomiting and diarrhea, and constipation. Worms can cause serious illness or death if left untreated, especially in kittens and elderly cats. For example, it's possible for a severe roundworm infestation to form a blockage in the intestine of a kitten.
Multiple treatments may be required to eradicate worms, and testing should be done at least once a year at your cat's annual check up.
Fleas -- Fleas feed on your cat's blood and may cause severe discomfort in some cats. Symptoms of flea infestation include itching along with excessive licking and scratching.
Fleas may ingest tapeworm eggs and your cat may swallow the flea, becoming infested. In order to control tapeworms, therefore, fleas must be eliminated.
In order to eliminate fleas, you have to get rid of the eggs in and around your cat's living space, in addition to treating your cat.
Giardia -- Giardia is a single-celled parasite or protozoan that causes an intestinal infection known as Giardiasis. Infection is relatively rare in healthy cats. The organism is protected by an outer shell, so it can survive outside the body for an extended period.
This condition may lead to acute diarrhea, vomiting, and bowel movements containing blood. Your veterinarian will prescribe anti-parasitic treatment along with methods to counteract the dehydration that goes along with it.
Ear Mites in Cats -- The most obvious sign of mites is a build up of dry, black wax that resembles coffee grounds. Ear mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. Frequent head shaking and scratching of the ears are the most common symptoms.
Ear mites are tiny crab like parasites. They may lead to secondary infections, seizures, deafness, and can cause a rupture of the ear drum. Ear mites need to be treated by a veterinarian since improper cleaning of the ear can make the condition worse and damage the ear.
Dehydration is common with cat parasites due to the excessive diarrhea and vomiting that may occur. If you suspect your cat has a parasite, contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
This article covers some of the more common feline parasites and associated signs and symptoms. In some cases, your cat may become susceptible to secondary bacterial and fungal infections, some of which could be severe.
Worms in Cats -- Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whip worms are some of the more common worm-type parasites that affect cats. Worms generally either swim in the intestines or latch on to the intestinal wall. They either feed on tissue and blood, or rob your cat of nutrients.
Worms can lead to a variety of symptoms, including anemia, weight loss, excessive vomiting and diarrhea, and constipation. Worms can cause serious illness or death if left untreated, especially in kittens and elderly cats. For example, it's possible for a severe roundworm infestation to form a blockage in the intestine of a kitten.
Multiple treatments may be required to eradicate worms, and testing should be done at least once a year at your cat's annual check up.
Fleas -- Fleas feed on your cat's blood and may cause severe discomfort in some cats. Symptoms of flea infestation include itching along with excessive licking and scratching.
Fleas may ingest tapeworm eggs and your cat may swallow the flea, becoming infested. In order to control tapeworms, therefore, fleas must be eliminated.
In order to eliminate fleas, you have to get rid of the eggs in and around your cat's living space, in addition to treating your cat.
Giardia -- Giardia is a single-celled parasite or protozoan that causes an intestinal infection known as Giardiasis. Infection is relatively rare in healthy cats. The organism is protected by an outer shell, so it can survive outside the body for an extended period.
This condition may lead to acute diarrhea, vomiting, and bowel movements containing blood. Your veterinarian will prescribe anti-parasitic treatment along with methods to counteract the dehydration that goes along with it.
Ear Mites in Cats -- The most obvious sign of mites is a build up of dry, black wax that resembles coffee grounds. Ear mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. Frequent head shaking and scratching of the ears are the most common symptoms.
Ear mites are tiny crab like parasites. They may lead to secondary infections, seizures, deafness, and can cause a rupture of the ear drum. Ear mites need to be treated by a veterinarian since improper cleaning of the ear can make the condition worse and damage the ear.
Dehydration is common with cat parasites due to the excessive diarrhea and vomiting that may occur. If you suspect your cat has a parasite, contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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