Protecting Cats: 2 Strategies for Parasite-Free Felines

Parasites don't just infest cats; humans can also be carriers. Therefore, it's crucial to take the issue of cat parasites seriously, as neglecting it could lead to indirect transmission to ourselves.

When cats are infected with parasites, mild symptoms may only cause itching on the skin's surface, resulting in small, itchy spots.

At the initial stage of infection, it's easy to confuse the symptoms of parasites with those of other diseases. We need to be vigilant and differentiate them. Here are two aspects to consider for observation and judgment.

I. How to Identify Cat Parasite Infections

Method 1: Observe Parasite Symptoms

Firstly, check if the cat shows common signs of parasitic infection, such as unhealthy fur, pale gums, drowsiness, and decreased appetite.

More obvious symptoms include bloody stools, diarrhea, vomiting, a bloated abdomen, or the cat licking its anus or rubbing its bottom on the floor. Often, kittens are born with hookworms from their mother's womb, which are invisible to the naked eye and can only be identified under a microscope. Symptoms in kittens may include pale skin, weight loss, and anemia.

Method 2: Inspect for Parasites

1. Look for noodlelike objects in the cat's feces or vomit, which are usually white or brown and indicate roundworms.

2. When inspecting the cat's feces, wear gloves and use tools. Move the feces around to find grainlike objects resembling sesame seeds. These are typically tapeworms, which may be stationary or moving.

3. Check the cat's anus. If there are small, grainlike worms around the cat's anus, it's a clear sign of tapeworms.

4. Inspect your cat's bedding or sleeping areas for parasites. Tapeworms, in particular, can crawl from the cat's anus to bed linens. Tapeworms and roundworms can be either moving or already dried out.

II. How to Prevent and Treat Parasites

Firstly, avoid letting cats roam freely, as this can expose them to numerous dangers, such as accidents, infections, and getting lost. Among these, infections are the most common and severe.

Cats are prone to picking up fleas while playing in the grass, and fleas can transmit tapeworms. Not only that, but they can also contract toxoplasmosis through the soil, which is particularly harmful to pregnant cats, potentially leading to miscarriage.

When keeping cats, it's essential to maintain a clean home environment. Avoid piling up unused items, as this can create a breeding ground for fleas. Remove carpets to prevent flea eggs. Regularly clean and disinfect furniture, sofas, bedding, and fabrics to maintain hygiene. Don't forget about the walls to prevent bed bugs.

In addition to these measures, diet prevention is also crucial. Provide your cat with balanced and nutritious cat food to boost its immune system.

Administer external deworming medication every three months. Topical dewormers, such as drops, are the most effective, as they penetrate the skin's sebaceous glands to act on the entire body. It's important to apply the drops directly to the skin, as they won't be effective if applied to the fur.