Signs of Intestinal Parasites in Cats: A Guide by JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM, Reviewed by Catherine Barnette, DVM, Updated on April 15, 2024
Cats are vulnerable to intestinal parasites, which can cause symptoms ranging from discomfort to severe illness. Young kittens and older cats with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to these parasites, with nearly all kittens born with them.
Intestinal parasites in cats can be classified as worms or protozoans. Common worm examples include roundworms and tapeworms, while Giardia is a protozoan. These parasites migrate to a cat's digestive system, residing in the small intestine.
Roundworms, commonly known as ascarids, are the most prevalent cat intestinal parasites. They are roughly 2 to 3 inches long and are contracted through eating soil or feces contaminated with roundworm eggs. Transmission can also take place from mother to unborn kittens or through nursing. Roundworms can multiply to the point of causing intestinal blockage in some cases.
Hookworm larvae burrow through a cat's skin and can also be transmitted through the mother's womb, during nursing, or by eating infected rodents. These parasites use their sharp mouthparts to attach to the small intestinal wall and suck the host's blood.
Tapeworms are commonly obtained by eating infected fleas. Eating infected prey, such as rodents and birds, can also cause tapeworm infestations in cats. Tapeworm segments resembling white grains of rice are visible when these worms pass in a cat's feces. Like roundworms, tapeworms can multiply and block the intestines if their numbers become excessive.
Giardia is a protozoan transmitted through contaminated food and water. Although many cats show no symptoms, infections with this parasite can go undetected, making it challenging to determine if a cat is affected.
Roundworms, hookworms, and giardia are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans. Roundworm infections in humans can lead to tissue or nerve damage, or even ocular larva migrans, potentially causing irreversible blindness.
Symptoms of intestinal parasites in cats include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, poor growth, coughing, pale gums, and a pot-bellied appearance. Although these symptoms can be associated with various other diseases, they are frequently indicative of intestinal parasites, particularly in young kittens.
If you suspect your cat has an intestinal parasite, consult your veterinarian for examination and diagnostic testing. A fecal exam is the primary method for diagnosing intestinal parasites; a fresh fecal sample within 24 hours of collection is ideal. Treatment for intestinal worms involves dewormer medication, with the most appropriate medication prescribed by your veterinarian based on the type of parasite infecting the cat.
To prevent intestinal parasites in cats, deworming young kittens is essential. Kittens should be dewormed every two weeks from 3 to 4 weeks of age for about three months, followed by monthly deworming until six months of age. In addition to deworming, keep your cat indoors, schedule regular fecal exams, administer year-round broad-spectrum parasite prevention, and prevent fleas to ensure continuous protection.
Consider a broad-spectrum product like NexGard COMBO or Revolution Plus for protection against various parasites. These topical solutions kill fleas, ticks, and treat and control roundworms, hookworms, as well as offer tapeworm coverage in the case of NexGard COMBO. Administering one dose monthly provides effective protection for your cat against intestinal parasites.
To minimize the risk of zoonotic transmission, promptly dispose of feces, avoid contaminated food and water, and wash your hands after handling cat feces. Take these precautions to protect young children who are at high risk of infection.
In conclusion, cats can suffer from several intestinal parasites, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and Giardia. Symptoms of these parasites range from gastrointestinal discomfort to more severe complications. Using monthly parasite preventatives like NexGard COMBO or Revolution Plus helps eradicate existing infections and prevent new ones, leading to better digestive health for cats and reducing the risk of zoonosis for humans. Regular veterinary checks and proper hygiene practices are crucial components of intestinal parasite prevention for cats.
- Cats being prone to intestinal parasites, it's essential to understand the types and symptoms associated with these conditions.
- In the digestive health category, intestinal parasites can be categorized as worms or protozoans.
- Common worm examples include roundworms and tapeworms, with Giardia being a significant protozoan.
- Roundworms, commonly known as ascarids, are the most widespread cat intestinal parasites.
- Transmission of roundworms usually occurs through eating soil or feces contaminated with roundworm eggs.
- Hookworm larvae can burrow through a cat's skin, and transmission can also happen through the mother's womb, during nursing, or by eating infected rodents.
- Tapeworm segments resembling white grains of rice are visible in a cat's feces when these parasites pass.
- Giardia is a protozoan transmitted through contaminated food and water.
- Roundworms, hookworms, and giardia are all zoonotic, meaning they can be passed to humans.
- Symptoms of intestinal parasites in cats include diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, poor growth, coughing, pale gums, and a pot-bellied appearance.
- If you suspect your cat has an intestinal parasite, always consult your veterinarian for examination and diagnostic testing.
- A fecal exam is the primary method for diagnosing intestinal parasites; a fresh fecal sample within 24 hours of collection is ideal.
- Treatment for intestinal worms involves dewormer medication, with the most appropriate medication prescribed by your veterinarian based on the type of parasite infecting the cat.
- Deworming young kittens is crucial for preventing intestinal parasites; kittens should be dewormed every two weeks from 3 to 4 weeks of age for about three months.
- In addition to deworming, keeping your cat indoors, scheduling regular fecal exams, administering year-round broad-spectrum parasite prevention, and preventing fleas can ensure continuous protection.
- Consider a broad-spectrum product like NexGard COMBO or Revolution Plus for protection against various parasites.
- NexGard COMBO and Revolution Plus are topical solutions that kill fleas, ticks, and treat and control roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms (in the case of NexGard COMBO).
- Administering one dose monthly provides effective protection for your cat against intestinal parasites.
- To minimize the risk of zoonotic transmission, promptly dispose of feces, avoid contaminated food and water, and wash your hands after handling cat feces.
- Protect young children who are at high risk of infection by taking these precautions.
- Cats can suffer from severe complications if intestinal parasites are not treated promptly and appropriately.
- Regular veterinary checks and proper hygiene practices are crucial components of intestinal parasite prevention for cats.
- In addition to maintaining your cat's digestive health, focusing on health and wellness, fitness and exercise, mental health, skin care, and overall lifestyle improvements can enhance your pet's quality of life.
- A healthy lifestyle may include nutrition, therapies, and treatments tailored to your cat's specific needs.
- Skin conditions and eye health, when addressed with the right care, can improve your cat's overall health dramatically.
- Making informed decisions about your cat's health involves understanding their unique needs and seeking out reliable medical advice from a trusted veterinarian.
- By investing in your cat's health, you're not only ensuring a longer, happier life for your pet but also protecting your family, especially young children, from potential zoonotic transmission.
