Worms, or intestinal parasites, can affect all kittens and cats. Intestinal parasitism is one of the most common conditions in clinical veterinary practice and is frequently identified in outdoor cats.

Types of Parasites

Many types of parasites infect cats. The most common feline intestinal parasites in the United States are roundworms (Toxocara cati or Toxascaris leonina) and tapeworms (Taenia taeniaeformis, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus multilocularis), followed by hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Ancylostoma braziliense). Some intestinal parasites can infect kittens through lactation from an infected mother, and this is why it is important to treat kittens with de-worming medications throughout kittenhood.

How are cats infected with parasites?

Cats can also become infected with roundworms and hookworms through ingestion of eggs or larvae from soil or the environment and by ingestion of infected prey animals such as mice and squirrels. Cats can become infected with tapeworms through ingestion of proglottids (infectious tapeworm segments full of eggs that look like pieces of rice) or by eating the intestines or tissues of prey animals. Cats may also ingest infected fleas and become infected, and all cats with tapeworms should be carefully examined for the presence of fleas.

To continue reading, please visit CatHealth.com