Mary Allen
There are various parasites that can affect cats. We’ve summarized what you should know about parasites in cats below.
Cat Parasites: Definitions Of Terms
The parasites in domestic animals are divided into internal (endoparasites, e.g. worms) and external (ectoparasites, e.g. ticks, mites). Parasites have one or more “hosts”, i.e. animals, or humans, on and in which they can live and reproduce. They are best adapted to the “definitive host” or “target host”, and “false hosts” are not so well suited for reproduction or are more severely damaged by the parasite. The definitive host is usually only moderately affected by the parasite. Intermediate hosts also serve as “vectors”, and the parasite uses them as transporters. For example, when a cat bites an infected tick, it can transmit a parasite that previously lived in the tick.
A certain amount of time elapses between infection with a parasite and the shedding of contagious (infectious) particles such as eggs. It varies in length and is relevant for later diagnostics: The cat may already be infected with parasites, but these are not yet excreting any eggs and cannot be detected in the feces, for example.
Cat Parasites: What Makes Them Problematic?
The consequences of a parasitic infection vary: anything is possible, from no or only slight symptoms to serious illnesses. The latter especially if the animal is already otherwise ill and thus weakened, if it is a puppy or very old animal. These cats need special protection.
Attention: Many parasites can infect different pets and us humans! The latter is referred to as “zoonosis”.
Cat Parasites: Which Ones Are There?
Here is a brief explanation of some important parasites in cats.
Endoparasites
Worms:
Cats can become infected with tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms that live in their intestines. There are also pinworms and tapeworms in cats. Often these parasites do not cause disease symptoms in otherwise healthy adult animals. Puppies, in particular, can suffer from this and then show, for example, diarrhea, emaciation, and a dull coat. Cats often ingest infectious larvae or eggs via prey such as mice. After some time, they themselves excrete infectious particles with the feces. In the case of the cat tapeworm, these can be tapeworm segments or eggs, and in the case of other worms, they can also be larvae.
Cat lungworms develop via small snails as intermediate hosts. These are eaten by e.g. birds or mice, which in turn become prey for the cat. The larvae burrow out of the cat’s intestines and migrate to the lungs. Therefore, they cause varying degrees of coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, and other possible respiratory symptoms. Larvae hatch from the eggs while still in the airways. These are coughed up, swallowed, and excreted with the feces.
On average, heartworms are a little less dangerous for cats than for dogs. However, they can also cause severe disease symptoms in cats. Depending on the form, these are very different and can range from respiratory to digestive to nervous disorders. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes and are currently more common in southern Europe. However, it is quite possible that they will also become native to our latitudes.
There are other worms that can infect the cat’s eye or stomach.
Unicellular organisms (protozoa):
There are many different unicellular cat parasites. These include toxoplasma, giardia, and many more. Most of them are rarely a problem for healthy adult cats, but kittens, in particular, can suffer greatly from them. They ingest the protozoa through the feed or in the environment, which leads to diarrhea and emaciation, for example. The excreted reproduction stages (similar to the worm eggs) show great resilience in the environment and are sometimes difficult to combat.
Many of these protozoa are zoonotic pathogens: Toxoplasmas can be particularly dangerous for pregnant women, for example, they can lead to premature birth and miscarriage or damage to the unborn child.
Leishmania and Babesia are still relatively rare. These parasites are mainly brought in from the Mediterranean region (via cats and dogs from animal protection projects or when traveling). With rising temperatures, however, they will also be at home in Germany, since the transmitting vectors (mosquitoes, ticks) are increasingly feeling at home here. Leishmania mainly causes skin changes, Babesia leads to anemia.
Ectoparasites
Cat ear mites particularly affect young, outdoor cats, contracting from other infected cats or their brushes and blankets. Cat ear mites live in the inner ear and the outer ear canal. They pierce the skin and feed on the secretions, which then come out. Mites in the cat’s ear also lay their eggs on the skin surface of the ears or in crusts that have already formed. Itching, increased ear wax formation and allergic reactions are usually the result. As a result, the cats often scratch vehemently, additional infections with yeast fungi or bacteria occur, and greasy crusts develop, which is why the cat with mites in the ear has an ear infection.
Cat predatory mites feed on dander and other products but are also capable of damaging the top layer of skin. They glue their eggs in bundles to the cat’s hair. A cat becomes infected through direct contact with another animal. If the infestation is small, the mite will hardly be noticeable, but young cats with a lot of mites on their skin can show symptoms of mange: itching, dandruff, hairless areas, etc.
Another type of mite causes the so-called “head mange”, which can also spread to the whole body and is very contagious for other cats.
Ticks are a concern for all outdoor cats; peak times for infestation are May/June and September/October. Ticks can be found in grass and bushes as well as in the forest in the undergrowth. It is mostly adult ticks that are found on the cat, rarely the transitional stages (so-called larvae and nymphs). As long as the cat only has a few ticks, this is usually not a problem, the saturated tick will fall off on its own after a few days. Sometimes the puncture becomes infected and inflammation forms. But: Ticks transmit other diseases, e.g. Lyme disease, to their host. Therefore, they should be removed as soon as they are found.
Biting lice in cats are mainly found on young and poorly cared for animals. In addition to the itching and dandruff, the infestation is usually mild, but can also lead to hair loss and severe skin inflammation. Biting lice survive in the environment without their host for up to 2 weeks.
Fleas “jump” from cat to cat or are transmitted through the environment. Fleas need to suck blood before laying eggs. The stings can cause itching and if the infestation is low, the symptoms of the disease are usually rather minor. However, the saliva of the fleas can trigger a flea sting allergy, which is then reflected in more severe skin changes.
Cat Parasites: Diagnosis
There are clear signs of some parasitic infections. But: An otherwise healthy, adult cat tends to be less affected by most parasites so they are often overlooked!
To diagnose parasites in cats, the following further examinations are carried out:
Examination of feces: Provides information about unwanted residents in the gastrointestinal tract.
Skin examination: A thorough examination of the skin and fur with a magnifying glass and a fine comb is necessary if ectoparasites are suspected. Scraping with a scalpel is also used more frequently (removal of skin cells). Living mites and fleas can be seen under a magnifying glass, with the nit comb you can find flea excrement (blood that has not been completely digested) or larvae and eggs.
- Adhesive film preparation: A piece of the adhesive film is dabbed onto an area of skin and the adhering material is examined under the microscope.
- Blood test: If you suspect e.g. Babesia and to clarify whether certain symptoms are due to parasites or another problem.
Further examinations, such as biopsies or smears, may be necessary.
Cat Parasites: Treatment
The treatment of an existing parasitosis (infection with parasites) varies in complexity. There are effective remedies against the most common parasites in Central Europe, e.g. for the treatment of gastrointestinal worm infections, fleas, and cat ear mites. These are available as pastes, tablets, or spot-on (liquid for spotting).
However, some lodgers can be very stubborn: Giardia and other protozoa cause chronic diarrhea, especially in young kittens. Leishmania requires intensive chemotherapy and is still dangerous for the animal. And fleas that have already taken over the apartment must be eliminated with radical methods. Therefore, early treatment and deterrence (see below) of cat parasites are always worthwhile!
Cat Parasites: Prophylaxis
Regular treatment against parasites is much easier than treating existing diseases. In addition, you save the cat suffering and yourself from unpleasant findings and side effects.
Infestation with ectoparasites can be prevented with deterrents, so-called “repellents” (spot-on, collars). Regular collection of ticks and protection against mosquitoes in appropriate areas also serve the health of the cat. Endoparasites, on the other hand, have to be killed off regularly, and their intake cannot be prevented, especially in the case of outdoor cats.
Talk to your vet about which method is best for your cat and how often it should be used!
By the way: Even cats that only live in the apartment can become infected, for example, through dirty street shoes. Store them in the closet or leave them in front of the apartment door. Also, clean the litter box daily. And avoid raw meat and fish for food, it can also carry parasites.
To avoid becoming a target of the parasites yourself, it is helpful to wash your hands thoroughly after every contact with a cat and in any case before eating. Bring this home to all children who have to do with the house tiger at an early stage.
Parasite Cat: Conclusion
There are many different parasites in cats with varying degrees of severity. However, there are good preventive measures against most of them. Protect yourself and your cat from parasites and talk to your vet about prevention options!