A Short Guide To Common Parasites In Cats

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: February 13th, 2015

a short guide to common parasites in cats

What’s going on with your kitty’s health? Here’s our need-to-know list of common parasites in cats.

Both external and internal parasites can affect a cat of any age. And when a pet has a large parasitic burden, he can experience other health complications, such as digestive upset and anemia. Therefore, it’s imperative that you target a parasitic infection and get your cat treatment as soon as possible. With the right veterinary exams and tests, you can rest assured that your kitty is free of all parasites, including the ones that can be transferred to humans.

Below are just a few of the many common parasites in cats.

Giardia

Giardia are microscopic one-celled organisms that attack the small intestine of felines, but they can also infect humans and canines. Ingestion of contaminated water or the contaminated feces of another animal with giardia are common modes of transmission. Once infected, a cat may experience digestive issues that include intermittent or continuous diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Sometimes, however, no symptoms are present. Without the right medication and a hygienic environment, giardia can be difficult to eliminate and your animal can become reinfected or infect other pets in the household. An ELISA fecal exam is a good way to diagnose giardia because it does not always shed in the feces and, therefore, may be missed by regular fecal exams.

Roundworms

Roundworms are the most common parasites in cats, and kittens often become infected through their mother’s milk. When a cat is infected with a large number of roundworms, serious complications can occur because these worms steal vital nutrients from the host and can even cause a blockage. Kittens, in particular, are vulnerable to these complications. Symptoms of infection include diarrhea and vomiting, and worms that look like spaghetti may be passed from the body. Bringing a stool sample to your vet for testing will determine whether or not your cat is infected.

Ear Mites

Ear mites survive by eating the wax and oils produced by your cat’s ears. There are different types of ear mites that can infect felines, but they will all produce a characteristic discharge that looks like coffee grounds. These parasites will also result in inflammation and irritation, so you may notice your cat scratching his ears or shaking his head excessively. Odor emanating from the ears, as well as scabs or obstructions in the ears, are also signs of infestation. When left untreated, these parasites can cause even more serious infections, hearing loss, and aural hematomas. Have your cat’s ears examined by your vet to determine if ear mites are a problem and to get appropriate medicine to get rid of them promptly.

Tapeworms

Yet another intestinal parasite that steals nutrients from its host is the tapeworm. The difference between tapeworms and roundworms, though, is the fact that tapeworms will actually attach themselves to the intestinal wall. These parasites are usually transferred via ingestion of fleas, so making sure your cat doesn’t come into contact with fleas is an important preventative step. Severe infections can lead to malnutrition, and these worms can also cause anal irritation and itching. When passed through the stool, they look like grains of rice that may attach to the fur around the anus. Tapeworms are more dangerous to kittens than adult cats, but they should be eliminated with the right medications no matter what.

Fleas

Fleas are external parasites that bite their hosts to feast on blood. An infestation is even more dangerous to a small kitten, who can quickly become anemic. Kittens who have a lot of fleas, therefore, are at risk of dying from the loss of blood. In addition, fleas can transmit other infections and parasites, so getting rid of them quickly is important, no matter how old your cat is. To determine if your cat has fleas, you can use a flea comb to catch live fleas or to look for flea dirt. In the event that your pet is infected, there are a variety of medications you can use, from oral to topical treatments, that will kill the parasites. But you also need to be sure you thoroughly clean your cat’s environment to prevent reinfection.

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Just As Gross As Is Sounds: The Low-Down On Roundworms In Dogs

We’ve got the poop-scoop on roundworms in dogs – and it ain’t a pretty sight! While understandably high on the “yuck” meter for pet owners, worms are one of the most common ailments experienced by dogs and are often one of the most easily treated. Found in even the best kennels, roundworms are an intestinal parasite that is contracted by ingesting the roundworm eggs found in animal feces or in similarly contaminated soil. The parasite is considered “zoonotic” meaning it can in fact be passed to humans and certainly reinforces the importance of diligence in hand washing following outdoor activities. What Causes Roundworms in Dogs? Roundworms, or ascarids, are parasites that thrive inside your pet’s intestinal tract. While not uncommon in adult dogs, puppies run the highest risk of becoming sick as the parasite can be transferred from an infected mother either prior to birth or through her milk. Related: 5 Reasons Why You Should Always Pick Up Dog Poop For adult animals it can be contracted by eating the roundworm eggs – found in animal feces or small infected rodents – which then hatch and turn into larvae. The larvae then spread to your pet’s liver and up to his windpipe, where they are coughed up, swallowed and move back down into the intestine. Once settled, they grow into adult worms, lay eggs which present in your pet’s feces and the cycle continues. Symptoms & Diagnosis of Roundworms in Dogs Not all dogs exhibit symptoms however pet parents should be on the watch for bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, dull coat, loss of appetite or weakness. And of course the clincher is finding the actual roundworms – typically a couple inches long and resembling spaghetti – in Rover’s feces or vomit! Related: A Short Guide To Common Parasites In Cats If any of these symptoms or obvious signs present, it’s time to bring your pet to the vet where tests, a proper diagnosis and treatments can begin. Left untreated, roundworms can cause serious infections in dogs and puppies as they live off the food consumed by the host. To confirm it is in fact roundworms, a stool sample will be taken and a test called fecal flotation conducted. Through this, the eggs can be detected under a microscope with the actual species being determined and a treatment plan put in place. Treatment Options Once diagnosed there are a variety of safe, effective de-worming medications on the market and your vet can guide you to the best option for your dog. Taken orally, the initial dose kills the adult worms with subsequent doses – typically in two week intervals – killing the new worms as the larvae mature. How many visits or treatments are required will depend on the age of your pet and the severity of the situation. Because the life cycle of roundworms is four weeks from larvae to adult, it cannot be formally diagnosed in young pups and as a result many vets will automatically deworm at two to three week s of age as a preventative measure. For pet parents not using a monthly medication designed for parasite control, your vet may recommend a regular deworming to keep on top of roundworms in dogs. For puppies, that would be two to four times a year, and for dogs older than one year, its one to two times a year.

How To Administer Medications To Your Cat

Have you ever tried to give a cat medicine? Here’s how to do it safely and effectively. No one ever said that giving a cat medication would be easy, but with the right tricks up your sleeve, you can get the job done quickly and correctly so that your kitty can be on the road to better health in no time. When Not to Give Your Cat Medication You should only ever medicate your cat when he is fully conscious. A pet should not be given medicine when he is lying down, vomiting, experiencing difficulty breathing, behaving aggressively, or having a seizure. Also, you should never give your cat any medications that have not been prescribed by your veterinarian. Capsules and Pills Your vet may have prescribed a pill or capsule for your cat to take for an acute or chronic condition. If you really do not want to go through the trouble of getting the pill directly into your cat’s mouth, you can attempt hiding it in your pet’s food, making sure the pill is not spit back out and that it is, indeed, swallowed as your cat eats. However, never put a pill into your cat’s food if he is experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. Related: A Short Guide To Common Parasites In Cats Commercial pill guns are also available. These are basic plastic tubes that hold the pill so that you can get it into the back of your cat’s mouth without having to use your hands. If, however, you need to take a more traditional approach to giving your cat his pill, start by holding your kitty’s upper jaw and pointing it towards the ceiling with one hand. The lower jaw should automatically begin to drop open. Use your other hand to then pull down gently on the front portion of the lower jaw. Take the pill and place it in the center of the back of the tongue. Get it as far back onto the tongue as you safely can. Once the pill is in the right spot, close the mouth and hold it closed until your cat swallows or until he licks his nose. You may need to rub the throat gently or even blow on his nose gently in order to stimulate your cat to swallow. Liquid Medications Liquids are sometimes easier to administer than pills. Your vet will probably supply you with an eyedropper or baby dosing syringe so that you can measure out the medication appropriately. Related: Ear Mites In Cats Lead To Serious Scratching To start, put the end of the syringe or eyedropper on the side of your pet’s mouth. Look for the spot just behind the canines so that you can point the medicine at the area of the mouth where the teeth are flat and short. Position the eyedropper or syringe above the lower teeth to prevent your kitty from spitting out most of the medicine. Then start pushing the liquid into your cat’s mouth slowly, allowing him to swallow as the medicine is administered. Eye Medication To administer eye medications, avoid poking the tube of medicine into your cat’s eye by resting the side of your hand on the bone above the cat’s upper eyelid. Tilt your pet’s head backwards just a bit with the palm of the other hand, which should be placed under your cat’s chin so that the head is supported. Using the hand that is holding the chin, pull the upper eyelid up gently. Place the drops or eye ointment into the eye while being certain you don’t touch the tip of the dispenser to the eye. Ear Medication To give your kitty ear medications, you should stand on the side of the ear you will be medicating. You can also stand behind your cat if this is more comfortable. Look for the middle of the opening of the ear and place the ointment or drops there. Then massage the base of the ear to get the medicine to drop deeper into the ear. Medicating a cat can be really tough at first. Over time and with practice, you’ll establish the technique that works best for you and your pet.

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The US National Park Service is Being Sued Over Stray Cats

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How To Tell if a Cat Is Cold

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Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

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Watch This Brave Cat Save Her Dog Sibling from a Coyote Attack

Who said that there is no love between cats and dogs? This touching story proves that some bonds between a cat and a dog are so strong that one would risk their life for the other! The event took place in Edmond, Oklahoma, where a tiny pooch was miraculously saved from a vicious coyote attack– by none other than a feisty cat. At first glance, Oakley, a white Havanese dog, and Binx, a black cat, seem to belong to completely different worlds. But even so, they are family. Lane Dyer, the owner of the two, explains for Oklahoma News how the attack - and the daring rescue - came to be.“I was kind of inspired by it, quite frankly,” she said. The event occurred on November 30th, when the 6-year-old Havanese dog, Oakley, was let outside to go to the bathroom. “Out of nowhere she was attacked by a coyote,” said Dyer. Soon enough, another coyote came rushing.

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As the years go by, health issues tend to pile up, even in canines. Old age can bring a range of problems – some doggos have troubles with arthritis and limited mobility, while others suffer from cognitive decline and experience issues such as dementia. That’s right, even dogs can suffer from dementia, which is also known as canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD). This illness can bring about some troubling changes in your pet’s behavior, and it would be wise to be familiar with all the symptoms of dementia, especially if you are a senior dog owner. Let’s go over them and get familiar with the challenges of canine dementia.Doggy Dementia: Symptoms and What To ExpectAs your pet reaches their golden years, some issues are bound to pop up, including dementia. Known as canine cognitive dysfunction, it has similar symptoms to Alzheimer's disease in humans. The main cause is the aging of the dog’s brain, which results in many troubling issues. Of course, CCD doesn’t happen to all old dogs. Latest studies revealed that it only happens to roughly 50% of dogs that are over 11 years old. Of course, if you own a senior doggo, it is wise to get to know the symptoms of dog dementia. Here are some of the most common ones:Confusion and Disorientation:As dementia sets in, your pet might seem suddenly disoriented and awfully confused. They could get lost in spaces that should be all too familiar to them (the house for example), or could just stand and stare blankly into space. Major Sleep Pattern Changes:Dogs tend to have a solid sleep routine. But with dementia, this can suddenly change. They could experience alterations in their sleep-wake cycle, sleep a lot during the day, and become restless and sleepless throughout the entire night.Loss of Interest:Your dog, with dementia, could suddenly become a totally different pet. They could lose all interest in common interactions. They could have zero interest in playing with you or interacting with the family members. The same goes for interacting with other pets, or playing with toys - even if they were their favorites. Forgetting Housetraining:

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How Do I Make a DIY Nail Board for My Dog?

Maintaining your dog’s nails is essential to their overall health and well-being, but it can be challenging if your dog is uncomfortable with the nail clippers and other standard tools. While you could pay to bring your dog to the veterinarian each time a trim is needed, there are other options.Our pup Lucifer is nervous anytime someone touches his paws as a result of injuries to his front legs as a young rescue pup. This means that nail trims are a source of extreme anxiety.While we continue working on counterconditioning and helping him overcome his fears, we knew we needed to find a solution for the here and now. Enter the DIY nail board – a simple, budget-friendly alternative to that dreaded nail trim. The board is an oversized nail file that you then train your dog to use at their own pace. It’s a great way to build your dog’s confidence and strengthen your bond while keeping their nails in shape.Can I Use a Regular Nail File on My Dog’s Nails?While you could use a regular human nail file on your dog’s nails, it likely isn’t going to do the job. A dog’s nails are far stronger than our fingernails. Most emery boards and standard nail files will fail to make a dent in their surface, with many falling apart from the wear. If you want a nail file that can be used on your pet, I recommend purchasing a product specifically for dogs, like the Coastal Pet Safari Dog Diamond Nail File.What is a Scratch Board for Dogs?A scratch board is like a nail file; it provides a coarse surface that will help wear your dog’s nails down. The difference is that it is larger in size. Rather than bringing the file to a dog’s nails, the dog is trained to paw at the board and file their nails down. This means they are in complete control over when their nails touch the surface, which is much more comfortable for dogs that may suffer from stress or anxiety. It also means no one will need to handle their paws during nail care.Do Scratch Boards Work for Dog Nails?Yes! If your dog is taught to use a scratch board, they are a highly effective way of filing down their nails. This works much like how their ancestor’s nails would be worn down in the wild. As a dog runs and walks on rough surfaces or digs through coarse dirt, the tiny particles of dirt and stone wear away at the nail.Domesticated dogs may spend some time outdoors running around or digging, but many don’t engage in these behaviors as much as they would in the wild. They aren’t foraging for food daily or running to avoid predators and hunt down prey. This is why domestic dogs need regular nail maintenance, but wild dogs like wolves and coyotes function fine without this additional level of care.As your dog digs at or scratches the board, their nails run along the coarse surface. This allows you to fast-track the wear and tear they would naturally experience.Where Do I Get a Dog Scratch Board?You can purchase a nail board online or at your local pet store, depending on your preferences and budget. You can also DIY your own nail board. Some of the unique commercially made scratch boards you may want to consider for your dog include: Skuun Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: This is a veterinarian-approved board with an anti-slip surface and treat pocket. Zenly Paws Dog Nail File Toy: It combines a scratch pad with a food puzzle toy to make training your dog to file their nails easier and more enjoyable. LovIntry M-Shaped Dog Scratch Pad for Nails: The unique M-shaped design makes it easier to file the nails further back on your dog’s paws if they only file their front nails on a flat board.

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