Parasite Protection for Cats

Feline Parasite Control

Parasitic infections are a common health concern for both cats and their owners. Many pet parasites are zoonotic, having the potential to infect humans as well. Year-round preventive medications are recommended for all cats no matter where they live in the U.S. This holds true even for exclusively indoor cats since some parasites can be tracked in on dirty footwear, enter the house through open doors and windows, or be brought in by other pets in the household. Year-round prevention just makes good sense.

External Parasites in Cats

Learn more about the most common external parasites in 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.

Internal Parasites in Cats

Learn more about the most common internal parasites in cats and how to identify the signs of infection. 

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.

Treatment 

Management of parasites in cats involves preventing and treating infections. 

Prevention 

  • Regular deworming: Kittens need regular deworming, as several parasites are passed from the mother to her kitten, even if the mother has no signs of parasitic infections. Adult cats should have regular fecal tests and physical examinations as directed by their veterinarian. These examinations and tests can screen for parasite infection.

  • Use preventive medications: Cats should receive regular ectoparasite and heartworm prevention. Even cats that are strictly indoors are at risk for exposure to parasitic infections. There are several preventive products available including monthly topical products such as Selarid® (selamectin) Topical Parasiticide for Cats and Midamox® (imidacloprid + moxidectin) for Cats and longer-acting topical and oral products. Your veterinarian can help direct you to the best option for your pet. Preventive products also reduce overall environmental contamination and potential for zoonotic disease.

  • Clean up feces: Clean the litterbox daily, and if your cat has outdoor access, remove feces from your yard promptly as well. Be sure to wash your hands after cleaning up after your cat.

  • Decrease exposure: Keep your cat indoors, control rodents or discourage your cat from hunting, ensure window screens are intact, and remove your shoes at the door to decrease tracking of parasite eggs into your home.

Treatment 

If you see any signs of a parasite infection in your cat, please visit your veterinarian. Treatment of parasites in cats requires an accurate diagnosis and the care of your veterinarian. Tests such as fecal examination, heartworm test, or a skin scrape may be required. Treatment may be as simple as administering a topical product such as Selarid® or Midamox®, or may require administration of an oral or injectable medication.

Preventing and Treating Parasites in Cats

Norbrook® offers Selarid® and Midamox® to help prevent and treat several different parasitic infections in cats.

 

 

Preventing and Treating Parasites in Cats

Norbrook® offers a number of brands in a range of dosage volumes and sizes to accommodate various weights of cats.

Safety Information 

Selarid® (selamectin) Topical Parasiticide for Cats

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Do not use SELARID on sick, weak or underweight cats. Use only on cats 8 weeks and older. Side Effects may include digestive upset and temporary hair loss at application site with possible inflammation. In people, SELARID may be irritating to skin and eyes. Wash hands after use. See Brief Summary for full Prescribing Information. See product labeling here for full product information.

 

Midamox® (imidacloprid + moxidectin) for Cats

CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. WARNINGS: Do not use on sick or debilitated cats or ferrets. Do not use on underweight cats (see ADVERSE REACTIONS). Do not use on cats less than 9 weeks of age or less than 2 lbs. body weight. Do not use on ferrets less than 2 lbs. body weight. PRECAUTIONS: Avoid oral ingestion. HUMAN WARNINGS: Children should not come in contact with the application site for 30 minutes after application. See product labeling here for full product information.

 

The Norbrook logo, Selarid and Midamox are registered trademarks of Norbrook Laboratories Limited.

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