Parasites in Cats: an Overview of Pests

Most cat owners have come across them: Parasites. But what kind of animals are they and what species are there? And can parasites be dangerous in cats? Read more about this in the overview below.

What are Parasites?

The word parasite comes from Greek and means nothing more than a parasite. And actually, this word describes the nature of the little pests very aptly. Because parasites live in or on cats. They feed on their host and even reproduce with its help.

The pests are roughly divided into two categories: The endoparasites live inside the cat, while the ectoparasites are on the surface of the body.

Parasites in Cats: How Dangerous are They?

Most parasites are more of a nuisance than dangerous to healthy cats. However, there are a number of reasons why you should treat your cat with parasites:

• Especially in young or immunocompromised cats, the parasites can trigger severe symptoms. Itching and hair loss are very uncomfortable and lead to excessive scratching. In the worst case, diarrhea is life-threatening for the cat.
• Excessive licking and scratching can sometimes injure the skin. If the wounds come into contact with bacteria or fungi, additional diseases (secondary infections) are possible.
• Parasites are often carriers of pathogens. Mostly these are bacteria that can cause serious illnesses.
• Many types of parasites are zoonoses. This means that humans and cats can infect each other.
• Some parasites feed on the cat’s blood. Depending on the severity of the infestation, anemia can occur in the cat.

Be sure to see your cat to a veterinarian if you are concerned about a parasite infestation. After determining the type of parasite, the doctor can initiate appropriate treatment. The problem is then usually solved quickly.

Endoparasites: Nuisances Inside the Body

The habitat of endoparasites is inside the body of cats. Depending on the type, they affect different organs. They feed on their host and also use their “habitation” for reproduction. Both of these lead to symptoms of the disease in infected cats.

In cats, endoparasites can be divided into two groups:

Single-cell parasites in cats

Single cells (protozoa) only consist of a single cell. The species found in cats live in the cat’s intestines and are therefore also called intestinal protozoa. Intestinal means: concerning the intestine. These parasites in cats include:

• Giardia
• Tritrichomonas fetus
• Coccidia (Isospora felis, I. rivolta)
• Cryptosporidium felis
• Toxoplasma (Toxoplasma gondii)
• Hammond Dhanmondi

Cat worms

In addition to protozoa, worms are the next large group of parasites in cats. Veterinarians recommend either regular deworming or a fecal check-up every three months. In this way, a possible infestation can be quickly identified and treated. Because cats often show no symptoms or only unspecific symptoms.

The different types of worms in cats are:

• Intestinal worms: roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms
• Heartworms
• Lungworms

Ectoparasites: Pests on the Skin

In contrast to the endoparasites, ectoparasites live on the body surface of cats. There they either feed on skin particles or the cat’s blood.

The most common parasites in cats that live on the skin or in the fur are:

• Mites, especially ear mites
• Ticks
• Fleas

All these types of parasites in cats have one thing in common: They usually cause itching. Because cats scratch themselves violently, this, in turn, can lead to skin problems.

In addition, many ectoparasites pose further danger. Because they can transmit diseases. Fortunately, this does not happen as often with cats as it does with dogs. Even so, such an infection is always possible. Ticks in particular pose a great danger here. But fleas can also carry tapeworm larvae that they can transmit to the cat.

Mostly seasonal occurrence

Since most ectoparasites occur in the warm summer months – i.e. seasonally – you should always keep the little pests in the back of your mind during this time.

If an infestation does occur, you should treat it as soon as possible. But effective and regular prophylaxis is even better. A whole range of means against vermin is available for this purpose.