4 Cat Parasites to Watch Out For

By Kurt Schmitt

Cat parasites are a common occurrence, but usually not serious if treated in time. If left untreated, however, they may cause severe damage.

This article covers some of the more common feline parasites and associated signs and symptoms. In some cases, your cat may become susceptible to secondary bacterial and fungal infections, some of which could be severe.

Ear Mites — The most common symptoms of ear mites in cats are head shaking and frequent scratching of the ears. Mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in domestic cats. The most obvious sign is a build up of dry, black wax that often looks like coffee grounds.

Ear mites are tiny crab like parasites. They may lead to secondary infections, seizures, deafness, and can cause a rupture of the ear drum. Ear mites need to be treated by a veterinarian since improper cleaning of the ear can make the condition worse and damage the ear.

Giardia — Giardia is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection known as Giardiasis. Giardia is protected by an outer shell, so it can survive outside the body for a long period of time. Infection rates are relatively low in cats, but it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

This condition may lead to vomiting, acute diarrhea, and bowel movements containing blood. Your veterinarian will prescribe anti-parasitic treatment along with methods to counteract the dehydration that goes along with it.

Worms in Cats — Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whip worms are some of the more common worm-type parasites that affect cats. Worms generally either swim in the intestines or latch on to the intestinal wall. They either feed on tissue and blood, or rob your cat of nutrients.

Worms can lead to a variety of symptoms, including constipation, weight loss, anemia, excessive vomiting and diarrhea. Worms can cause serious illness or death if left untreated. For example, it’s possible for a severe roundworm infestation to form a blockage in the intestine of a kitten.

Testing should be done at least once a year at your cat’s annual check up. Multiple treatments may be required to eradicate the worms.

Fleas — Fleas feed on your cat’s blood and may cause severe discomfort in some cats. Symptoms of flea infestation include itching along with excessive licking and scratching.

Fleas may ingest tapeworm eggs and your cat may swallow the flea, becoming infested. In order to control tapeworms, therefore, fleas must be eliminated.

Eliminating fleas requires treating both your cat and the environment she lives in, including eliminating the eggs.

Excessive vomiting and diarrhea are a side effect of some parasites, which leads to dehydration. Dehydration is highly dangerous and can cause death. If you suspect your cat has a parasite, contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Kurt Schmitt has created an online cat health resource including information on cat parasite symptoms and signs and other feline health problems.

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