Kittens and cats are susceptible to both internal and external parasites. Cat parasites may not make for good dinner conversation, but you should be aware of them and discuss them with your veterinarian. These invading invaders may reside in your cat’s body without your knowledge until his symptoms increase.
Veterinarians are always available to give further information on cat parasites so that you can safeguard your cherished kitty from exposure.
Internal Parasites of Cats
Cats are susceptible to several prevalent internal or intestinal parasites. Untreated, they can cause illness and long-term issues, despite their apparent safety. These parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and heartworms. See on this page to learn more about it.
- Kittens are commonly affected by roundworms. They can grow fast and affect the growth of your cat. Intestinal roundworms are responsible for digestive distress, diarrhea, and vomiting. Infected cats can spread roundworms to other cats through their feces.
- Tapeworms in cats are white, flat worms that can reach a maximum length of 20 inches. Many pet owners may initially discover their presence in the form of rice-like fragments in the feces or vomit of their pet. Tapeworms require an intermediate flea host. A cat might become sick by consuming infected fleas or excrement.
The tapeworm species Echinococcus is zoonotic, meaning that humans (and children in particular) are susceptible to contracting tapeworms from their pets.
- Heartworm is a long, white, spaghetti-like worm that inhabits the chambers of a cat’s heart (and sometimes lungs). Heartworm is transmitted to a cat by mosquito bite, which subsequently transports heartworm larvae into circulation. Heartworms can continue to multiply within a cat’s body and prove lethal. Many cats do not exhibit heartworm symptoms until they collapse and die suddenly.
- One of the most widespread parasites afflicting cats is the hookworm. This 1-1 1/2-inch parasite attaches itself to the intestinal wall and feeds on blood. If not detected in time, many cats will acquire anemia.
Some pet owners discover the existence of hookworm owing to skin issues or illnesses where the parasite has burrowed through the skin’s surface. Try visiting this page to learn more on pet care.
Protection Against Cat Parasites
Other than kitty and puppy shots, external parasites like ticks, leptospirosis, and many other parasites may wreak havoc on a cat’s health. Understanding cat parasites is essential for preventing your pet from contracting internal parasites or illnesses transmitted by parasites.
- Please administer flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives and know the Benefits of veterinary acupuncture for your pet, as they are intermediary carriers of various diseases and internal parasites.
- Kittens are particularly susceptible to parasites; therefore, they must have a thorough examination, deworming medicine, and all necessary vaccinations and boosters.
- Indoor felines are safer than their outdoor counterparts.
- Clean and vacuum your pet’s bedding often.
- Groom your pet to maintain healthy skin and fur and to remove ticks, fleas, and other parasites.
To End
Along with preventative treatments, proper personal hygiene is essential, including washing hands after touching pets and before consuming meals. Grooming animals helps to limit the danger of coat contamination, and cleaning up pet feces on walks is critical since worm eggs or larvae transmit most intestinal worms in feces.
Prevention of parasites is essential for the good maintenance of your cat or dog. Some pet parasites can cause zoonotic illnesses transmitted from animals to humans. Please see your veterinarian for information on common cat parasites.
