Parasite Protection for Cats

Fleas

Fleas are the most common external parasite in cats. These insects feed on the blood of animals and can transmit several diseases, including tapeworms, cat scratch fever, and the plague! In addition to spreading disease, they can cause itching and allergic reactions in cats. Keep in mind that you may never see a live flea on your cat as they are fastidious groomers. You may notice the following signs if your cat has fleas:

• Scratching

• Excessive grooming or biting at the skin

• Flea dirt (flea waste) on the cat or where they lay 

• Skin infections

Adult fleas spend the majority of their lives on the pet, although recently-emerged adults can also be found on the floor and in the pets’  bedding. Fleas lay eggs that hatch into larvae. After a week or two, the larvae spin a cocoon and enter the pupal stage, which is very hardy and can last for up to several months. The pupae then develop into adults and the cycle repeats.

Ticks

Like most blood sucking parasites, ticks are capable of spreading diseases. Ticks are most commonly associated with the transmission of Lyme Disease, which cats are unlikely to contract since they are very resistant to the causative bacteria. However, they can also spread hemobartonellosis or cytauxzoonosis, which are potentially lethal to cats. While indoor cats are less likely to come into contact with ticks as they are not wandering through grassy fields, ticks can come indoors on your own clothing! 

Mites 

There are several types of mites that can be found on cats. Ear mites live in a cat’s ears and cause ear infections, itching, and copious, dark, waxy debris in the ears. Skin mites such as Sarcoptes scabei cause intense itching as well as scabbing, fur loss, and skin inflammation.

Heartworms 

Heartworms are spread through the bites of infected mosquitoes and even indoor cats are at risk for heartworm infection. Heartworm infection is a life-threatening infection in cats with no effective treatment. The adult worms live in the heart and surrounding blood vessels. They can cause damage to the vasculature, the heart, and the lungs. Annual testing and year-round heartworm prevention is recommended for all cats no matter whether they are indoors or outdoors, and no matter where they live. Early signs of a heartworm infection can include:

• Coughing

• Trouble breathing

• Lethargy

• Vomiting 

• Weight loss

Cats are not a typical host for heartworms and may only have a few adult heartworms, making detecting heartworm infection more difficult. The best plan is to prevent any infection from occurring in the first place.

Roundworms 

Roundworms are a gastrointestinal parasite of cats that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss or failure to thrive in kittens. When there are many roundworms, cats can even experience intestinal blockages. Regular fecal examinations are important, especially in kittens, to check for roundworm eggs. Signs of roundworm infection include:

• A pot-bellied appearance

• Diarrhea

• Vomiting

• Long, round worms in the stool

Roundworms are a zoonotic parasite and can cause several health conditions in people. 

Hookworms 

Hookworms are a gastrointestinal parasite of cats that attach to the intestinal walls and feed on a cat’s blood supply. Hookworms are more common in kittens than in adult cats. Signs include:

• Diarrhea

• Pale gums

• Weakness

• Dark, tarry stools

A heavy burden of hookworms can lead to severe anemia, necessitating hospitalization and potential blood transfusions. Hookworms are a zoonotic parasite that can also cause multiple health conditions, and can be transmitted to humans through ingestion, or penetration of the skin via contaminated soil.

Tapeworms 

Tapeworms are a gastrointestinal parasite of cats spread by fleas and other hosts. When cats have flea infestations, they groom themselves to relieve itching and, in the process, often consume fleas and the immature tapeworms they contain. Adult tapeworms live in the intestines and attach to the intestinal wall. The most common sign of tapeworm infection is finding small, rice-like tapeworm segments around the tail or anal area, or in the stool. Tapeworms are another zoonotic parasite.