Parasites in Cats: Worms, Mites, Ticks, & Fleas
- You can’t treat heartworms in your cat, you can only prevent them
- Ear mites are highly contagious and can move from cat to cat
- Some internal parasites can be transmitted to humans
The Truth about Parasites in Cats
Parasites are organisms that thrive by feeding off of other creatures. Cats can easily fall prey to both internal and external parasites, which pose different challenges when it comes to detection. A close inspection of your cat's skin might uncover traces of external parasites such as ear mites and fleas. But internal parasites, such as ringworms or coccidia, may require some tests to determine medication.
Discover Which Cat Parasite Risks Exist in Your Area
Use this Parasite Prevalence Maps by the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)* to get important information about your region’s parasite risk.
*Images courtesy of the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC)
Some infected cats have no symptoms. Although infrequent, sudden death is a reported occurrence in cats, as they hide very well more subtle symptoms. The only way to detect and properly treat internal parasites is through testing.
There are many parasites that can be harmful to your cat’s health. Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Worms in Cats
Heartworms
These tiny worms live inside the blood vessels, and travel to the cat’s lungs. Undetected, they can cause severe health problems and even
death. They are transmitted through mosquito bites which means even your indoor cat could be at risk.
Roundworms
Known to cause life-threatening problems in kittens, these large bodied worms average 3-6 inches in length. They do not attach to the wall of
the intestine, as some intestinal parasites do— instead they “swim” freely within the intestine. Known to cause abdominal discomfort and
vomiting, roundworms are easily treated if detected early enough.
Hookworms
The name “hookworm” is derived from the hook-like mouthparts these parasites use to anchor themselves on the lining of the intestinal wall.
So small, they are barely visible to the naked eye, but they feed on the tissue fluids and blood of their host.
Tapeworms
Cats commonly contract tapeworms via accidentally ingested fleas. Once the flea is digested by the cat’s intestine, the tapeworm is released
into the cat’s system. Eventually segments of the worm pass in the cat’s feces and are visible to the pet owner.
Skin Diseases and Parasites in Cats
Ringworm
Surprisingly, ringworm is not a true worm, but rather a type of fungus. Usually, it doesn’t cause discomfort but it can be easily transmitted
to other cats and even humans. Left untreated, it can weaken your cat’s immune system and make it easier for her to contract other, more serious, diseases.
Ticks
They are found in grassy or wooded areas and can attach themselves to you and your pet as you pass by. Although a tick’s bite does not itself
pose a direct threat to your pet’s health, it can transmit serious (and sometimes fatal) diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever.
Ear Mites
As these microscopic parasites feed in a cat’s ear canal, they cause intense itching. A cat suffering from ear mites may be seen repeatedly
scratching at her ears or violently shaking her head. If you see dark flecks resembling coffee grounds in your cat’s ears, these are the
mites' droppings. Contact your vet for ear drops.
Fleas
Fleas can make any cat’s life miserable (and their family’s)! These small, blood-sucking insects like to feed on your cat and live anywhere
your cat does. Fleas can quickly cause a long-lasting, major infestation in your home. Not only can fleabites cause discomfort,
itchiness and severe skin reactions, they can potentially transmit tapeworms if accidently ingested by your cat.
Other Internal Parasitic Cat Diseases
Coccidia
Coccidia are not parasitic intestinal worms. They are microscopic parasites that live within cells of the intestinal lining. Because they
live in the intestinal tract and commonly cause diarrhea, they are often confused with worms. In kittens and debilitated adult cats,
coccidiosis may cause severe, watery diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal distress, and vomiting.
Three Ways to Protect Against Parasites in Cats
Get your Cat Tested Regularly
While it’s fairly common for a cat to become infected with an internal or external parasite at some point, early treatment is crucial. A
harmless parasite left untreated could eventually cause a life-threatening illness for your cat and pose a health risk to your family.
Focus on Prevention First
Preventative medicine is much better option than treatment later. Getting your kitten or cat vaccinated and dewormed regularly allows
her immune system to thrive, which most likely translates to your cat needing less care later. Adult cats also benefit from fecal
examinations — which allow your vet to diagnose parasites not controlled by monthly medications.
Annual Checkup to Stay Healthy
Bringing your cat to the veterinarian for regular parasite checkups is one of the most important things you can do to keep your pet, and
your family, healthy. We offer different programs specifically designed for your cat’s stage of life. Schedule an appointment to find out more.
Learn More About How to Prevent and Treat Parasites »
