INTESTINAL PARASITES

Internal Parasites
Parasites that infect the intestinal tract of cats can be worm-like organisms (e.g., roundworms, hookworms or tapeworms) or microscopic organisms called protozoa (e.g., Isospora, Toxoplasma, Giardia) Most intestinal parasites deprive the infected cat of important nutrition, causing weakness and susceptibility to viral or bacterial infections. Although initially infecting the intestinal tract, Toxoplasma organisms usually cause disease in other parts of the body. Therefore, keeping your cat free of parasites is important for its long-term health.

Intestinal parasites can usually be diagnosed when your veterinarian analyzes a fecal sample. Occasionally, an owner may see an intestinal parasite in vomit or in feces that resembles a white, threadlike worm, or the parasite may resemble a rice grain near the cat's tail. If your cat is infected, proper medication should be obtained from your veterinarian. A fecal sample should be checked after treatment to ensure that the parasites have been eliminated. Because some intestinal parasites can also cause disease in human beings, have your cat checked at least annually for intestinal parasites.

Heartworm disease is often thought of as a problem in dogs only, but the internal parasite, Dirofilaria immitis, can infect cats as well. If you reside in an area where dogs are infected, cats living in the area are at risk of infection too. Dirofilaria immitis is carried by mosquitoes, so both indoor and outdoor cats are at risk. Although infection can be serious or even deadly, it is easily avoided by monthly administration of preventative medication.