Feline Intestinal Parasites
Find information about cat health problems that have to do with feline intestinal parasites.
Most cats are infested at one time or another with Feline Intestinal Parasites. Some are born with them and others acquire them later in life. When they recover they develop a certain amount of immunity. Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms are common feline intestinal parasites.
Round worms (Ascarids) are very common feline intestinal parasites. They occur in nearly all kittens and in 25 percent or more of all adults. The adult round worms live in the stomach and intestine and attain lengths up to five inches. They are 
extremely hardy and can live for years in soil. Cats acquire the disease through contact with soil containing the eggs or by eating a host such as a beetle or rodent which has the round worm larvae in its tissues. The larvae are released in the cat’s digestive tract. Round worms usually do not produce a heavy infestation in adult cats. In kittens a large infestation can result in severe illness or even death. Both cats and dogs can be infested by roundworms. They acquire them by ingesting soil/feces contaminated by eggs and larvae or by eating infected rodents, birds and insects. Puppies and kittens are often infected by the mother 
while still in the uterus. They can also be infected while nursing. Diagnosis can be made by finding eggs by microscopic exam of the feces or by seeing adult worms voided in the feces or vomit. Larval forms can migrate through the lungs and cause a condition known as verminous pneumonia. Adult roundworms live in the small intestines and can form in large enough numbers to cause intestinal blockage and death. They can also be transmitted to people and cause a serious illness known as visceral larval migrans and blindness caused by ocular larval migrans.
Tapeworm "Cestoda (Pintado Worm)" is the most common feline intestinal parasites in adult cats where they live in the small intestine. The head of the parasite fastens itself to the wall of the gut by hooks and suckers. The parasite body is composed of segments containing the egg packets. Tapeworms vary in length from less than an inch to several feet. To eliminate tapeworm 
infection the head must be destroyed otherwise the worm will regenerate. There are two common tapeworm species in cats. Both are transmitted via an intermediate host. One is acquired from fleas or lice that have immature tapeworms in their intestines. The cat must bite or swallow the insect. The other is acquired by eating uncooked meat, raw freshwater fish or discarded animal parts. Cat tapeworms do not present a hazard to human health.
Hookworms (Ancylostoma) is another of the feline intestinal parasites. There are four species of hookworms that afflict the cat. They are most prevalent in areas of high temperature and humidity. Hookworms are small thin worms about one-fourth to one-half inch long. They fasten to the wall of the small 
intestine and draw blood from the host. The cat acquires the disease by ingesting infected larvae in the soil or feces, or by direct penetration of the skin through the pads of the feet. The typical signs of hookworm infestation are anemia and diarrhea. Chronic infection is a more common problem in adult cats than it is in kittens.
For wonderful items for your pet go to The Kitty Cat Store
Signs of all of the above feline intestinal parasites should be referred to your Veterinarian. Kittens with acute signs and symptoms of feline intestinal parasites require intensive veterinary management.
THERE IS NOT ONE DEWORMER THAT WILL CONTROL ALL INTESTINAL PARASITES. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE STOOL SAMPLES BE CHECKED FREQUENTLY AND THAT YOU CONSULT WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN ON THE BEST TREATMENT FOR YOUR PET.
Return_to_top