Internal Parasites
Internal parasites usually live in a cat’s digestive system and are detected by an examination of the stool. Treatment can begin as early as 2 weeks of age and be repeated at 2 to 3 week intervals, as determined by your veterinarian. The veterinarian will also do one or more parasite checks within this period.
Researchers now believe that many cats transmit roundworms and hookworms directly to their offspring. Your veterinarian will advise you as to whether a parasite check and/or worming treatment are appropriate as part of your kitten’s or cat’s routine healthcare – whether or not symptoms are present.
- Tapeworms – Tapeworms are one of the most common problems cats encounter; however, they rarely pose a health risk. Cats can acquire tapeworms by eating a rodent or ingesting a flea carrying an immature tapeworm, so flea control is important. Keeping him indoors also may help. Small, white worm segments around the anus or in her litter box indicate tapeworms are present (though infected cats may show no symptoms). Check the litter box periodically. Your veterinarian can give an injection or prescribe medication as treatment.
- Roundworms – A mother cat, even if she has been wormed, may pass roundworms to her kittens through her milk. Take a stool sample to the veterinarian when your cat is scheduled for her regular shots. These internal parasites can cause weight loss, weakness, diarrhea, or mucus in the stool. Mildly infested cats sometimes show no symptoms. Your veterinarian can de-worm your cat safely. Frequent, thorough cleaning of the litter box can help to avoid re-infection.
- Hookworms – Kittens may acquire hookworms from their mother before birth or when nursing, so it’s vital for your veterinarian to routinely check your kitten for them. If possible, keep your cat away from other cats’ waste, since hookworms can be transmitted this way. Hookworms cause anemia, diarrhea, weight loss, vomiting, or black, tarry stools. Your vet can provide appropriate treatment. Frequent, thorough cleaning can help prevent re-infection.
- Coccida – to avoid these organisms, which can live in your cat’s intestines, make sure your cat doesn’t eat raw or undercooked meat, including rodents. Also, clean her litter box daily, since it takes one or two days for feces to become infectious. Most infected cats show no symptoms at all. Your veterinarian can prescribe oral medication.
- Toxoplasma – Toxoplasmosis is a multi-systemic disease caused by a parasite that is dangerous to humans as well. Symptoms can include nonspecific signs such as fever and loss of appetite as well as ocular lesions, difficulty breathing and loose stools. Since toxoplasmosis can cause severe birth defects in humans, pregnant women should avoid changing the litter box, having a non-pregnant family member do the job.
External Parasites
External parasites live on your cat’s body. These are diagnosed by physical examination and by tests run on your cat’s skin. If left unchecked, parasites can make life miserable for you and your cat. However, there is much you can do to prevent and treat them.
- Fleas – Fleas are often acquired from another cat or from the environment. Examine for fleas during grooming. If you suspect your cat has fleas, consult your veterinarian for a safe and effective treatment method. Signs of flea infestation include frequent scratching or biting of the fur. Occasionally you will see small red spots on her skin. Black specks (flea dirt) may cling to her fur on her neck or rump. The only way to fight flea infestation is to treat both your cat and