Parasite Treatment for Cats
Cats can suffer from a variety of parasites. Some are only mildly irritating, while others can be dangerous and induce fatal conditions. Parasites are typically divided into two categories: internal and external. Internal parasites tend to live longer and be more dangerous to cats, while external parasites tend to be only annoying or may cause skin damage.
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Worms
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There are several varieties of parasitic worms that can attack cats, and some can even be carried over to people. Roundworms, for instance, infect the intestine and can be passed on to young children. Hookworms and tapeworms can also infect cats. Hookworms can draw off healthy blood and leave the cat anemic, while tapeworms can grow to large sizes and absorb valuable nutrients from the cat's intestines. Pills and gels are available for these parasites. Pills are crushed up and placed in the cat's food, while gels are fed directly to the cat. Compounds like praziquantel and piperazine citrate are popular options, but pet owners should always get medications prescribed by the vet.
Protozoa
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Protozoa are small stomach parasites; they are single-celled organisms but still capable of damage. Isospora is a common protozoa that almost all cats get eventually, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. It lives in the stomach and typically only causes damage to kittens, but is treated with simple medications that cleanse the kitten's digestive system. Giardia are parasites that live in the small intestine, along with the usually harmless toxoplasma gondii, which can sometimes create fevers or respiratory problems. These protozoa must be treated with a course of antibiotics usually taken over the period of a few weeks.
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Fleas
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Fleas can be indentified by the red dots they leave on sensitive skin (homeowners can spread apart the hair to examine the skin), and their often damp, reddish droppings which are left behind even when the fleas cannot be seen. Flea combs, shampoos, and insecticide topical treatments are all options for removing fleas and can be purchased in stores or in severe cases prescribed by vets. Sprays are used to kill fleas in bedding and other areas the cat frequents. Nontoxic alternatives like diatomaceous earth can also be used. The earth is spread over the cat's bedding and dusting onto the hair, where it cuts fleas that try to crawl through it.
Ticks
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Ticks typically only infect a cat that spends at least some time outdoors, where the tick can catch onto the cat's fur and burrow its way into the skin. Topical treatments should kill ticks, and a light brushing of diatomaceous earth may keep ticks from staying on the cat, but the most effective remedy is immediate removal with tweezers. Carefully pull the tick straight out of the skin without squeezing it or breaking off the body and leaving the head embedded. Examine the bite mark and sterilize it with an antiseptic to ensure no infection will result.
Symptoms
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Cats suffering from external parasites will have hair problems or an itchy area that they scratch. Ticks, when swollen with blood, should be visible around the cat's neck, stomach or haunches. Internal parasites are more difficult to diagnose, but the cat could show symptoms of overall weakness, with dulling hair and loss of appetite. Your cat may also throw up, or the feces may be bloody or show evacuated worms. Coughing and frequent hairballs are also signs.
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- Photo Credit the cat image by Andrzej Dziedzic from Fotolia.com
