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Discovering your cat has a parasite might worry you, but don't panic! Most parasites in cats can be treated easily.
Your vet can recommend various treatments, such as dewormers, flea medications, or other medicines. Talk with them; they'll help you decide what's best for your pet.
Types Of Parasitic
Cats are susceptible to many parasites that can originate from their immediate environment. Common Parasites Found in Cat's Environments
Fleas
Fleas are the top skin parasites that cats often encounter. You can easily spot fleas as small black bugs near your cat's skin, though they might sometimes hide.
These pesky critters feed on your cat's blood, leading to itching and other discomforts.
Numerous prescription products are available to tackle fleas on cats.
Tackling fleas in cats involves a multi-step process because they reside on the cat's body and surroundings. To effectively control fleas, all pets in the household must receive year-round preventative treatment.
Ticks
With their eight legs, ticks are bloodthirsty external pests worldwide. Some varieties pierce dogs to sate their hunger for blood. Ticks thrive in moist and warm habitats, and certain species are exclusive to certain U.S. regions. Global warming has intensified tick populations, territorial expansion, and the spread of tick-induced ailments.
While not all ticks are carriers of diseases, certain ones can host multiple pathogens. When a tick-infested with bacteria feeds for a prolonged period, it can transfer that bacteria through its saliva into a pet, resulting in a tick-related illness.
The list of diseases that can be transmitted through tick bites includes:
- Lyme Disease
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Ehrlichiosis
- Anaplasmosis
- Babesiosis
- Tularemia
- Bartonella
- Tick Paralysis
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are one of the most common types of parasites that can affect cats. These intestinal worms live in the small intestine and feed on the nutrients in your cat's food. While they are generally not life-threatening, tapeworms can cause discomfort, irritation, and other health problems for your feline friend. This article will discuss the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of cat tapeworms.
Hookworms
Hookworms are tiny parasites that live inside your cat's body. They're called "hookworms" because of their hook-like teeth, which they use to attach themselves to the intestine's lining and feed on your cat's blood. Cats can get hookworms by swallowing them, through their skin, or even from their mother before birth. After entering the body, the larvae travel to the lungs and settle in the intestines, where they grow into adult worms. Hookworms are particularly harmful because they can cause bleeding in the intestines. Luckily, they're not as common in cats as other worms. You might not see hookworms with your eyes, but if your cat has them, you might notice symptoms like pale gums or nose and a lack of energy.
Roundworms
Roundworms are the most common parasites found in a cat's intestines; you can see them without special equipment. They're about three to five inches long and resemble spaghetti noodles. These worms take away nutrients from your cat's food. Afterward, they lay eggs, which your cat removes when they go to the bathroom. Sometimes, you might even spot the roundworms wriggling around in your cat's poop or vomit.
Whipworms
Whipworms are a severe issue for cats, but they're uncommon in North America. Cats can get these parasites by eating things with their eggs in them, like food, water, soil, or infected poop, or by consuming infected animal flesh. Whipworm eggs can last in the environment for about five years. It takes about 11 weeks for them to grow inside a cat's body, and they can stay in the cat for up to 16 months. Cats with whipworms might lose weight, have digestive or intestine problems, and even bloody diarrhea.
Parasite Treatment For Cats
Below are several treatment options aimed at preventing and controlling parasites in cats. However, it's essential to consult with a veterinarian before initiating any treatment to ensure it aligns with the specific needs of our pets.
Tropical Or Spot-on
Topical or spot-on treatments consist of liquid solutions applied to the cat's back, specifically between its shoulder blades.
Flea Collars
Flea collars are designed as neck bands infused with active ingredients to combat flea and tick infestations. While some collars effectively treat and eliminate these pests, others are repellents against fleas and ticks.
Sprays
Sprays serve as topical treatments that aid in the elimination of biting insects such as fleas, ticks, and lice, offering effective control against these pests.
Treatment Chart
|
Treatment
|
Protects From
|
Treatment Type
|
Dosage Frequency
|
 |
Fleas, Heartworms, Intestinal Worms
|
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Fleas
Ticks |
Spot-On
|
3 Months
|
 |
Flea
Ticks
Intestinal Worms Mites |
Spot-On
|
2 Months
|
 |
Fleas
Ticks
Intestinal Worms |
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Tapeworm
|
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Fleas
Ticks |
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Intestinal Worms
|
Spot-On
|
3 Months
|
 |
Fleas
Ticks
Intestinal Worms Mites |
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Intestinal Worms
|
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Intestinal Worms
Mites |
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Fleas
Ticks
Intestinal Worms Mites |
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Intestinal Worms
Mites |
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Fleas
Ticks
Intestinal Worms Mites |
Spot-On
|
1 Month
|
 |
Fleas
Ticks |
Collar
|
8 Months
|
The Bottom Line
