Cats can easily get parasites that will affect their health and well-being. Pet owners need to know what to look for so you can keep them safe. Here, we will discuss the types of parasites, what to look for in terms of symptoms, and how to prevent and treat the infection—practically everything you need to keep your cats healthy.
Types of External Parasites in Cats
When we talk about external parasites in cats, we are talking about those living on the surface of the cat's body. This often causes them discomfort and even skin irritation that affects their fur. The most common external parasites are the following:
Fleas are tiny insects that are the most common external parasites, feeding on blood and causing extreme itching and skin problems.
Ticks are arachnids that attach to the cat's skin and feed on blood, and can transmit many diseases to other cats.
Ear mites are microscopic and can infest the cat's inner ear, which causes discomfort and inflammation in the area.
Lice is less common, particularly in cats, compared to other animals. However, it can still infest felines, causing skin irritation and itching.
Types of Internal Parasites in Cats
Internal parasites, as the name implies, live inside the body of cats and often localize in the digestive tract or other organs. Common parasites under this category include:
Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasites infecting cats, particularly in kittens.
Tapeworms in cats are segmented worms that attach to the intestinal wall, which can cause weight loss and even digestive problems.
Hookworms are one of the cat worms that suck blood from our cats, which can cause anemia and intestinal irritation.
Heartworms are more common in dogs. These cat worms identify dogs as hosts and cause heart and respiratory issues.
Coccidia in cats are parasites that possess only a single cell. They can cause severe diarrhea that can affect the young and immunocompromised cats.
Giardia in cats is expected to cause vomiting and diarrhea, leading to weight loss.
Symptoms of Parasite Infestations
Recognizing parasite symptoms in cats is essential to facilitate early detection and treatment. This is important because different parasites have varying symptoms and severity.
Recognizing Flea and Tick Infestations
Fleas and ticks are external parasites which often cause visible symptoms, such as:
Extreme scratching, biting, and licking of the skin
Visible ticks and fleas infesting the fur or skin of the cat
Redness, irritated skin, or small bumps on the skin
Hair loss or thinning, particularly on the areas of the neck and tail
Tiny black specks, otherwise called "flea dirt," on the fur
Signs of Internal Parasite Infections
What are the signs that your cat friend has internal parasites? Symptoms may include:
Bloody or mucoid diarrhea and vomiting
Weight loss (result of loss of appetite)
Kittens may have bloated or distended tummy
Visible worm segments found in the feces or anus
Difficulty breathing and chronic coughing (heartworm infections)
Common Behavioral Changes in Infected Cats
There are also behavioral changes that infected cats may manifest when they are infected with parasites, including:
Lethargy or unusual decrease in their activity levels
Increasing aggression and irritability
Increase or decrease levels of appetite
Scooting or dragging their rear ends across the floor (due to extreme itch on their anus)
Treatment Options for Parasites
The good thing about parasites in cats is that treatment options are available to alleviate any discomfort your cat may have—eventually curing the condition. However, it entirely depends on what type of worms in cats is present and the severity of the infection.
Flea and Tick Preventives
There are ways on how to prevent flea and tick infestations, including the following:
Prescribed medications. Your vet may recommend having your cat take regular doses of anti-parasite treatments.
Flea collars. Non-prescription preventives that offer long-lasting protection, specifically against fleas.
Environmental hygiene. Regularly cleaning and maintaining your home and yard are the requirements to break the life cycle of fleas.
Deworming Medications
Internal parasites are often treated with deworming medications, such as broad-spectrum dewormers, target-specific medications, and heartworm preventatives, particularly in endemic areas.
Treating Ear Mites and Other External Parasites
How do we treat ear mites and other external parasites? We may use the following, with the direction of your vet:
Ear drops or ointments
Medically-treated shampoos or dips
Prescription medications (especially when severe)
Preventing Parasite Infestations
There are helpful ways you can prevent parasite infestations to keep your cat healthy, such as:
Flea and tick preventatives
Routine deworming
Keep your cats indoors or decrease exposure to parasites
Regular grooming
Maintain hygiene
Proper disposal of feces
Regular veterinary checkup
Risks to Humans from Cat Parasites
You also have to keep in mind that some cat parasites pose a threat to human health, which we term zoonotic diseases, including:
A protozoan parasite causes toxoplasmosis. It is hazardous to women and immunocompromised people.
Roundworms and hookworms can cause skin irritation due to their larvae.
Cat scratch disease is not exclusively a parasitic infection but can be transmitted by fleas to humans.
Conclusion
Parasitic infections are common issues for cat owners. But, when equipped with knowledge and preventive measures, you can keep your cat healthy and decrease all the risks. As cat owners, you must be proactive when caring for your feline friends—this means regular vet visits, hygiene, and awareness of parasitic dangers.
