Both indoor and outdoor cats can develop intestinal parasites, organisms that live in the feline's intestines. These parasites can include worms such as roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms, as well as giardia and coccidia, which are microscopic, single-celled parasites.
Worms are caused by a feline eating the worm larvae when it is in its infectious stage. Tapeworm infections are usually caused when a cat eats a flea infected with the larvae. Felines can develop roundworms by eating small animals such as mice that have a worm infestation. A hookworm infection can be caused both by eating another infected animal or when the worm's larvae penetrate the feline's skin. A parasitic infection involving giardia or coccidia is usually the result of a cat eating feces contaminated with the parasites.
Worm larvae can also be transmitted to kittens through the mother's milk. If a kitten shows signs of a worm infestation, you will want to rapidly handle the problem. Worms in kittens are more serious due to their age and size.
Some of the symptoms of a cat with intestinal parasites include vomiting, bloody stool, anal itching, diarrhea, a pot-bellied appearance and coughing. Worm infestations can also result in anemia. Cats with intestinal parasite can also show no symptoms at all. Most intestinal parasite infections are not dangerous, but a severe worm infestation can cause intestinal blockage, and should be treated right away.
Your veterinarian can conduct a fecal test to find out if your feline has intestinal parasites. With some tapeworm infestations, you can see pieces of the worm in the cat's feces or areas where your feline sleeps. Roundworm larvae can occasionally be seen in the feces as well.
The products used to treat intestinal parasites will depend on the type of infestation. They include tablets, liquid topical solutions and powders. Some over-the-counter medication can be effective if the infestation isn't severe. A repeat treatment may be necessary. If your cat has tapeworms, you will also want to treat your feline and home for fleas.
You can minimize the possibility of intestinal parasites by keeping the cat's litter box and surrounding area clean, and washing out food and water bowls on a regular basis. You will also want to eliminate any mice or rats from your environment. Occasionally humans can contract worms from cats. Children in particular can become infected with roundworms if they play outdoors in areas with cat feces. Good hygiene can help reduce the risk of an infestation.
Worms are caused by a feline eating the worm larvae when it is in its infectious stage. Tapeworm infections are usually caused when a cat eats a flea infected with the larvae. Felines can develop roundworms by eating small animals such as mice that have a worm infestation. A hookworm infection can be caused both by eating another infected animal or when the worm's larvae penetrate the feline's skin. A parasitic infection involving giardia or coccidia is usually the result of a cat eating feces contaminated with the parasites.
Worm larvae can also be transmitted to kittens through the mother's milk. If a kitten shows signs of a worm infestation, you will want to rapidly handle the problem. Worms in kittens are more serious due to their age and size.
Some of the symptoms of a cat with intestinal parasites include vomiting, bloody stool, anal itching, diarrhea, a pot-bellied appearance and coughing. Worm infestations can also result in anemia. Cats with intestinal parasite can also show no symptoms at all. Most intestinal parasite infections are not dangerous, but a severe worm infestation can cause intestinal blockage, and should be treated right away.
Your veterinarian can conduct a fecal test to find out if your feline has intestinal parasites. With some tapeworm infestations, you can see pieces of the worm in the cat's feces or areas where your feline sleeps. Roundworm larvae can occasionally be seen in the feces as well.
The products used to treat intestinal parasites will depend on the type of infestation. They include tablets, liquid topical solutions and powders. Some over-the-counter medication can be effective if the infestation isn't severe. A repeat treatment may be necessary. If your cat has tapeworms, you will also want to treat your feline and home for fleas.
You can minimize the possibility of intestinal parasites by keeping the cat's litter box and surrounding area clean, and washing out food and water bowls on a regular basis. You will also want to eliminate any mice or rats from your environment. Occasionally humans can contract worms from cats. Children in particular can become infected with roundworms if they play outdoors in areas with cat feces. Good hygiene can help reduce the risk of an infestation.
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