Cat Parasites -- 4 Feline Health Threats
Author: KurtSchmitt Total views: 9 Word Count: 444
Cat parasites are fairly common, and may cause severe health issues if left untreated. The good news is that infestations are not usually fatal.
Here we'll discuss some of the more common feline parasites and associated warning signs. In some cases, these creatures may weaken your cat and expose her to possible secondary infections that could be life threatening.
Ear Mites in Cats -- Feline ear mites are the most common cause of outer-ear inflammation in cats. Frequent scratching of the ears and head shaking are the most common symptoms. The most obvious sign is a build up of dry, black wax that resembles coffee grounds.
Ear mites need to be treated by a veterinarian since improper cleaning of the ear can make the condition worse and damage the ear. In more severe cases, these tiny crab like parasites can cause a rupture of the ear drum, and may lead to secondary infections, seizures and deafness.
Giardia -- Giardia is a single-celled parasite that causes an intestinal infection known as Giardiasis. Giardia is protected by an outer shell, so it can survive outside the body for a long period of time. Infection rates are relatively low in cats, but it can be difficult to diagnose and treat.
This condition may lead to vomiting, acute diarrhea, and bowel movements containing blood. Your veterinarian will prescribe anti-parasitic treatment along with methods to counteract the dehydration that goes along with it.
Worms in Cats -- Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whip worms are some of the more common worm-type parasites that affect cats. Worms generally either swim in the intestines or latch on to the intestinal wall. They either feed on tissue and blood, or rob your cat of nutrients.
Worms can lead to a number of symptoms, including excessive vomiting and diarrhea, weight loss, constipation, and anemia. Left untreated, worms can cause serious illness or death, especially in elderly cats and kittens.
Testing for worms should be done at least once per year via stool sample. Treatment may involve multiple applications in order to eliminate the worms.
Fleas -- Fleas feed on your cat's blood and may cause severe discomfort in some cats. Symptoms of flea infestation include itching along with excessive licking and scratching.
Fleas may ingest tapeworm eggs and your cat may swallow the flea, becoming infested. In order to control tapeworms, therefore, fleas must be eliminated.
In order to fully eradicate fleas, you have to treat both your cat and the environment. This includes eliminating any eggs.
Excessive vomiting and diarrhea are a side effect of some parasites, which leads to dehydration. Dehydration is highly dangerous and can cause death. If you suspect your cat has a parasite, contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.
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