Roundworms (Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati) are the most common intestinal parasite of cats, with an estimated prevalence of 25% to 75%, and often higher in kittens. The adult roundworms are 3 to 5 inches long, cream-colored, and live in the cat's intestine.
What are some common internal parasites that occur in the cat?
There are several types of internal parasites that cause problems in cats. These include roundworms, such as Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina; heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis); tapeworms, such as Dipylidium caninum, Taenia species, and Echinococcus species; and hookworms, such as Ancylostoma species.
How do I know if my cat has internal parasites?
These parasites can be wormlike or one-celled protozoan organisms. They usually cause fairly nonspecific symptoms, such as a dull coat, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, mucousy or bloody feces, loss of appetite, pale mucous membranes, or a potbellied appearance.
What causes internal parasites in cats?
Internal parasites can be transmitted to a feline through a flea bite (tapeworms), mosquito bite (heartworms), ingestion of contaminated meat (tapeworm/roundworm), drinking contaminated water, coming into contact with contaminated feces or cleaning of the paws after being outdoors (whipworms).
What is a common internal parasite?
Most internal parasites are worms and single-celled organisms that can exist in the intestines of dogs or cats. The most common worms are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms. Common single-cell parasites are coccidia and Giardia.
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