Common Internal Parasites in Cats: A Comprehensive List

Heartworms

Heartworms are primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito injects the infective microfilariae (the thirdstage larvae of heartworms) into a cat, these larvae travel through the bloodstream, continuously developing until they reach sexual maturity. At this point, they settle in the pulmonary artery or heart.

As the number of heartworms increases significantly, they often lead to blockages in the blood vessels and inflammation, posing a severe threat to the cat's health.

Characteristics: Heartworms do not present with specific symptoms, but cats may exhibit coughing, intermittent vomiting, wheezing, rapid breathing, weight loss, and loss of appetite.

Diagnosis: Test kits, ultrasound, and Xrays.

Treatment: Revolution, Advocate, Bayer's Interceptor.

Prevention: Regular deworming and mosquito control!

Roundworms

Roundworms are thin, long, resembling rice noodles and are the most common intestinal parasites. They primarily reside in the small intestine, robbing the body of nutrients and are mainly transmitted orally. They are more common in kittens and stray cats.

Characteristics: Vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with visible worms in the feces. In severe cases, worms may be regurgitated. Kittens may exhibit an enlarged abdomen when infected.

Diagnosis:肉眼观察到排出虫体，或粪便检查.

Treatment: Revolution, Advocate, Bayer's Interceptor, Drontal, and others.

Prevention: Regular deworming! Conduct a thorough health check on stray cats before adoption.

Hookworms

Hookworms are bloodsucking parasites that attach to the intestinal wall to feed on a cat's blood, damaging the small intestinal lining and causing bleeding. This results in severe symptoms, particularly harmful to kittens.

Characteristics: Darkcolored stools, diarrhea, anemia, and lethargy.

Diagnosis: Fecal examination.

Treatment: Revolution, Advocate, Drontal, and Bayer's Interceptor.

Prevention: Regular deworming! Maintain a clean living environment.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are typically transmitted orally or indirectly through fleas. They are often discovered by pet owners when they find tapeworm segments on a cat's fur or body, leading to diagnosis. While symptoms may be mild, they should not be overlooked, especially in kittens and stray cats.

Characteristics: Possible diarrhea, tapeworm segments in feces, around the anus, or in the fur, resembling grains of rice and moving slightly.

Diagnosis: Identification of tapeworm segments or fecal examination.

Treatment: Drontal and Bayer's Interceptor.

Prevention: Regular deworming! Maintain a clean living environment.

Coccidia

Coccidia reproduce in the small intestine, causing vomiting or diarrhea, and in severe cases, bloody or mucoid stools, which can even lead to death in kittens.

Characteristics: Mucoid or bloody stools, malnutrition, dehydration, and even shock, especially in kittens.

Diagnosis: Fecal examination reveals coccidian oocysts.

Treatment: Happy Sugar, Badi D800 deworming medication.

Prevention: No prophylactic deworming drugs. Pay attention to environmental hygiene and pest control. Enhance the immunity of kittens, especially those with lower immunity.

Flagellates and Trichomonads

Orally transmitted intestinal protozoa, they are more prevalent in densely populated cat shelters or in kittens with weakened immunity. Some cases may resolve on their own.

Characteristics: Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration.

Diagnosis: Multiple fecal examinations are required when suspicion arises due to the relatively low detection rate.

Treatment: Metronidazole, Fenbendazole, and others, as prescribed by a veterinarian.

Prevention: No prophylactic medications. Focus on environmental hygiene, and boost the immunity of cats, particularly kittens.

In summary, internal parasites are more common in kittens, which can significantly impact their health. Since kittens have an incomplete immune system compared to adult cats, the risks are greater. However, adult cats that are not dewormed regularly may also be at risk. It is highly recommended to deworm regularly, starting from a young age, to ensure the wellbeing of our feline companions.