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Most Common Parasites in Cats and How to Keep Them Away

Felines are prone to both internal and external parasites. Cat parasites may not make for excellent supper conversation; however, you need to know them and discuss them with your vet. These invading invaders may live in your cat’s body without your knowledge until his signs increase.

Veterinarians are always offered to provide more information on cat parasites so that you can safeguard your valued cat from direct exposure.

Internal Parasites of Cats

Felines are vulnerable to several prevalent internal or digestive parasites. Neglect can cause disease and long-lasting issues, regardless of their obvious security. These parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and heartworms.

  • Kitties are typically affected by roundworms. They can grow fast and impact the development of your cat. Digestive tract roundworms are responsible for digestive distress, diarrhea, and throwing up. Infected cats can spread out roundworms to other felines through their feces.
  • Tapeworms in felines are white, flat worms that can reach an optimum length of 20 inches. Lots of pet owners might initially discover their presence in the form of rice-like pieces in the feces or vomit of their pets. Tapeworms need an intermediate flea host. A feline might become sick by taking in contaminated fleas or excrement.

The tapeworm species Echinococcus is zoonotic, implying that humans (and children in particular) are prone to contracting tapeworms from their pets.

  • Heartworm is a long, white, spaghetti-like worm that populates the chambers of a feline’s heart (and, in some cases, lungs). Heartworm is sent to a feline by mosquito bite, which consequently transports heartworm larvae into circulation. Heartworms can continue to multiply within a feline’s body and show deadly. Many felines do not show heartworm signs up until they collapse and drop dead.
  • Among the most extensive parasites afflicting cats is the hookworm. This 1-1 1/2-inch parasite attaches itself to the digestive tract wall and feeds on blood. If not identified in time, lots of cats will acquire anemia. 

Some pet owners discover the existence of hookworm owing to skin concerns or health problems where the parasite has burrowed through the skin’s surface. It is important to visit a veterinary clinic to ensure than your pet’s medical care needs has been met.

Protection Against Cat Parasites

External parasites like ticks, leptospirosis, and many other parasites may wreak havoc on a cat’s health. Understanding feline parasites is vital for preventing your pet from contracting internal parasites or diseases transmitted by parasites.

  • Please administer flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives to your pet, as they are intermediary carriers of different diseases and internal parasites.
  • Kitties are particularly vulnerable to parasites; therefore, they must have an extensive examination, deworming medicine, and all necessary vaccinations and boosters through cat or dog wellness exams.
  • Indoor felines are safer than their outside equivalents.
  • Clean and vacuum your pet’s bedding frequently.
  • Groom your pet to maintain healthy skin and fur and to remove ticks, fleas, and other parasites. You can try to visit this page to learn more.

To End

Correct individual health is important, including washing hands after touching pets and before consuming meals, along with preventative treatments. Grooming animals helps to limit the risk of coat contamination, and tidying up pet feces on strolls is vital because worm eggs or larvae transmit most digestive tract worms in feces.

Avoiding parasites is necessary for the excellent upkeep of your feline or canine. Some pet parasites can cause zoonotic diseases transmitted from animals to human beings. Please see your veterinarian for info on common cat parasites.