Symptoms of Parasites in Cats: What to Look Out For

Part 1: 6 Telltale Signs of Internal Parasite Infection in Cats

1. Dry and Dull Fur

Healthy cats typically have smooth and shiny coats. However, if your cat's fur starts to look rough, tangled, and lackluster without any changes in its skin, diet, or living environment, it might be a sign of internal parasites. These parasites can cause dehydration and nutrient loss, leading to a lack of nourishment for the fur, resulting in dry and brittle hair.

2. Increased Abdominal Girth

Domestic cats usually maintain a balanced or slightly plump figure. If your cat is eating normally or even more, yet it's not gaining weight and its belly is getting bigger, it could be a sign of tapeworms or other internal parasites.

3. Abnormal Stool

Observe your cat's stool for signs of soft, loose, black, or bloody feces, or blood in the stool. These symptoms could indicate an infestation of hookworms, roundworms, or tapeworms, which irritate the digestive system. It's crucial to deworm your cat promptly.

4. Pale Gums and Eyelids

Internal parasites can consume a cat's blood, damaging organs. When the infestation is severe and the cat frequently bleeds, it can lead to anemia, causing pale mucous membranes in the mouth and around the eyes. This condition requires immediate veterinary attention for deworming, blood transfusions, and nutritional support.

5. Aggressive Behavior

Cats may become irritable when infected with internal parasites due to discomfort. If your cat suddenly exhibits aggressive behavior, it could be a sign of internal parasites, especially when other causes like environmental changes or heat have been ruled out.

6. Frequent Coughing

If your cat is not suffering from a cold, flu, or other respiratory diseases but is frequently coughing or has difficulty breathing after minimal exercise, it might be infected with heartworms or toxoplasmosis. Pet owners should take their cats to the vet immediately, as heartworms can be fatal if left untreated.

Part 2: What to Do If Your Cat Has Internal Parasites?

It's essential to take your cat to a vet for examination and treatment if it's infected with internal parasites. If the infestation is severe, follow the vet's recommended treatment plan. Regular deworming is also crucial; common medications like praziquantel and pyrantel pamoate can be effective. Since indoor cats have a low risk of heartworm infection, routine preventive medication is generally not necessary. However, if your cat is infected with heartworms, your vet may prescribe levamisole hydrochloride for followup prevention.

Never underestimate the threat of parasites on your cat's health. Even a small infestation can be lifethreatening. Puppies can suffer from loss of appetite, poor growth, and even intestinal obstruction or prolapse. In severe cases, infection can lead to death. Additionally, adult cats may not show symptoms in the early stages, so regular deworming is still important, even if you don't see worms in your cat's feces.