Roundworms in Cats
One of the more undesirable aspects of pet ownership is the tendency for your furry companions to become infected with a parasite. Worms are a common variety of unwelcomed guest, with roundworms leading the pack as one of the leading intestinal parasites. The most common species found in domestic cats is Toxocara cati. These worms set up camp in the intestines and feed upon its contents, stealing nutrients from the host.
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Infestation
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There are three possible ways for a cat to become infected with roundworms--through infected milk, via infected prey animals and ingesting the eggs directly, usually through grooming. Eggs can remain infective for months or even years, depending on the environmental conditions. The interesting thing about roundworm eggs is that they will remain dormant inside any animal that is not a cat. Once they have been ingested by a cat, however, they continue their life cycle.
Symptoms
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The severity of symptoms can depend on the level of infection. Some cats may show absolutely no signs of the worms, whereas others might vomit or have a pot bellied appearance. A heavy infestation can lead to intestinal or bowel blockages, or pneumonia. Worms may even be present in your cat's vomit if the infestation is severe enough. Roundworms are usually about 3 to 5 inches long and have a spaghetti-like appearance.
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Diagnosis
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Diagnosing roundworms can be a fairly simple matter. If your cat has vomited up a worm, or if there is one in his feces, you've probably got a worm infestation. Aside from these more obvious signs, however, a fecal exam will detect any roundworm eggs present in his stool, as this is how the worms are spread from one cat to another. If you suspect your cat is suffering from these unwanted guests, call your vet for a test.
Treatment
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There are many effective deworming medications available for ridding your pet of his infestation, available both over-the-counter and with a prescription. Medications work by anesthetizing the adult worms, making them release their grip on the host's intestine and passing with the stool. These medications do not work on the larvae still in the body, so multiple deworming cycles are necessary to completely rid the cat of all roundworms that may be present.
Prevention/Solution
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Preventing roundworms is surprisingly simple. Give your cat regular worming medication to prevent an infestation before it starts. Since cats can ingest the dormant eggs from infected prey, discourage hunting behavior if your cat spends time outside. Roundworm eggs require about a month to develop in feces, so regular cleaning of your cat's litter box will minimize the possibility of further contamination and infestation. Remove any waste found outside as well.
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