Cat Parasites

All animals are susceptible to catching parasites every now and then and cats are certainly no exception. In order to protect your cat or help identify some of the parasites that are out there, learn about the most common parasites that cats and kittens are in danger of getting.

Feline Parasites

There are many different types of cat and kitten parasites that they may have to deal with at some point in their lives, which is why knowing about the most common cat parasites can help you identify problems and symptoms before they become serious.

Types of Cat Parasites and Cat Parasites Symptoms

Fleas

One of the most common problems that pet owners have to deal with is fleas. They are small irritating pests that live on the skin and in the fur of animals like cats. They irritate the animals skin and leave them open to causing serious damage from scratching or spreading to humans in the household.

Otodectes Cynotis (Ear Mites)

Another common problem that cats and dogs have to deal with is ear mites. They are small mites that mainly live out their lives within the ear canal and cause a great deal of discomfort, irritation and itchiness that should be dealt with as soon as possible.

Ticks

Cat Ticks and ticks in general mainly live in heavily wooded areas and tall brush and wait for animals or humans to attach themselves to. They cause itchiness and irritation to the skin and can swap hosts (from animal to human) at any time.

Cat Stomach Parasite

There are a few cat stomach parasites, also known as cat worms that affect cats and kittens in different ways. While some may not seem very serious nor do they show parasitic symptoms, regular check-ups should be conducted in order to prevent any problems in the future. If there are any suspicious symptoms that do begin to show, immediate attention and treatment should be followed to help protect the cats and kittens before any serious damage occurs.

Hookworm

Hookworms are small worms that measure approximately 4cm or less in length. They have small teeth that allow them to firmly attach to the intestinal walls and feed on either the blood or the tissues, which then create ulcers.

Whipworm

Though mainly found in dogs, there have been cases where cats were affected by whipworm. They are small parasites that measure approximately 5cm in length and they feed on blood by attaching themselves to the large intestine.

Giardia

Another parasite that lives in the intestinal tract of cats, in some cases it will not cause any symptoms while other pets will have nausea, bloating and even diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms, it`s important to see a vet as soon as possible for proper treatment

Always keep an eye out for parasites that may have been introduced to your cat or kitten. To get a better idea of the common signs and symptoms, it`s recommended to look at cat parasite images to clearly see the affected areas compared to normal ones.