Cat Intestinal Parasites

The Crucial Role of Deworming

Did you know that a staggering 95% of kittens are born with intestinal worms? These pesky parasites can wreak havoc on your furry friend, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, stunted growth, and in severe cases, even death. What’s more alarming is that certain types, such as roundworms, can also be transmitted to humans.

In the United States alone, there are approximately 10,000 cases annually where animal parasites cause disease in children. Diagnosis of internal parasites involves examining a fresh stool sample under a microscope, typically performed by a Certified Veterinary Technician at the veterinary hospital.

To safeguard your cat’s health, it’s essential to include stool sample analysis as part of their health examination, especially for new kittens or cats. Additionally, annual stool tests during your cat’s health check-ups and vaccinations are recommended. Remember to collect the freshest sample possible and refrigerate it until your visit. Stool samples can remain viable for up to 24 hours if kept cool, without freezing, and the presence of litter does not affect testing.

Understanding the Common Culprits: Let’s delve into the five most prevalent types of internal parasites:

1. Roundworms: These are the most prevalent and can reach lengths of 2-3 inches, resembling spaghetti strands. They reside in the small intestine, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Transmission often occurs through contact with infected stools or from mother cats to their kittens, posing a risk to human health.
2. Hookworms: These small worms attach to the intestinal walls, feeding on blood and causing severe diarrhea and anemia, particularly in young cats. Transmission typically occurs through contact with infected stools or through maternal transmission, and they can affect humans through skin contact.
3. Tapeworms: Found in the small intestine, tapeworms attach to the intestinal wall and produce segmented chains containing eggs. Transmission commonly occurs through the ingestion of fleas or infected rodents, necessitating flea control for prevention.
4. Coccidia: These single-celled parasites are more akin to bacteria and are acquired by kittens from their mothers or through ingestion of wildlife droppings. Treatment involves antibiotics.
5. Giardia: Also protozoans, Giardia are challenging to detect through regular stool tests. They cause vomiting and diarrhea in both humans and pets and are contagious. Treatment typically involves antibiotics or specific wormers.

Deworming Protocol: If a stool sample tests positive for parasites, your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate dewormer and establish a deworming schedule. Typically, deworming is recommended twice, two weeks apart, although this may vary depending on the parasite. It’s crucial to weigh your pet before administering any dewormer to ensure the correct dosage.

Additionally, rechecking stool samples 4 to 8 weeks later, and possibly again in 3 months, helps ensure that your pet isn’t being reinfested. Regular cleaning of the litter box is also essential. Even if initial fecal testing is negative, the Center for Disease Control recommends deworming all puppies and kittens at least twice due to the prevalence of intestinal parasites in young animals and the potential for human transmission.