Cats can get many types of parasites. These tiny creatures live on or inside your cat. They steal nutrients and can make your cat sick. Some parasites even spread to humans. As a cat owner, you need to know about these pests.
There are two main kinds of cat parasites. External parasites live on the skin. Internal parasites live inside the body. Both types cause health problems. Your cat may scratch a lot or have diarrhea. Some parasites are visible. Others are too small to see.
Parasites are common in cats. Even indoor cats can get them. The good news? Most parasites are treatable. With proper care, you can keep your cat parasite-free.
Common External Parasites in Cats
Fleas
Fleas are small jumping insects. They bite your cat and drink blood. A single flea can lay 50 eggs per day. Soon, your home may have hundreds of fleas.
Signs your cat has fleas:
- Constant scratching
- Small black dots in fur (flea dirt)
- Red, irritated skin
- Hair loss in some areas
Fleas can cause anemia in kittens. They also spread tapeworms. Some cats are allergic to flea saliva. This makes their skin very itchy.
Ticks
Ticks attach to your cat’s skin. They swell as they fill with blood. Ticks carry serious diseases. These include Lyme disease and cytauxzoonosis.
Check for ticks after outdoor time. Look especially around:
- Ears
- Neck
- Between toes
- Under legs
Never pull a tick off roughly. Use tweezers to grab it near the skin. Twist gently to remove the whole tick.
Ear Mites
These tiny creatures live in ear canals. They cause intense itching. Your cat may shake its head or scratch its ears.
Signs of ear mites:
- Black, crusty ear discharge
- Strong odor from ears
- Scratches around ears
- Head tilting
Ear mites spread easily between cats. Treat all pets in your home if one has mites.
Common Internal Parasites in Cats
Roundworms
These are the most common cat worms. They look like spaghetti. Kittens often get them from their mother’s milk.
Roundworm symptoms:
- Pot-bellied appearance
- Dull coat
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting worms
- Slow growth in kittens
Humans can get roundworms too. Always wash hands after handling cat feces.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are long, flat worms. Cats get them from eating fleas or rodents. You may see rice-like segments near your cat’s rear.
Tapeworm signs:
- Scooting on floor
- Visible worm segments
- Increased appetite with weight loss
- Licking anal area often
Hookworms
These small worms attach to intestinal walls. They feed on blood. Hookworms are dangerous for kittens.
Hookworm symptoms:
- Pale gums (anemia)
- Bloody diarrhea
- Weakness
- Weight loss
Hookworm larvae can burrow into human skin. Wear gloves when gardening.
Heartworms
Mosquitoes spread heartworms. The worms live in heart and lungs. Heartworm disease is serious and sometimes fatal.
Signs of heartworm:
- Coughing
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Sudden collapse
Prevention is key. Once infected, treatment is risky.
Over-the-Counter Parasite Treatments
Many parasite treatments are available without prescription. These can work for mild cases. Always check with your vet first.
Flea and Tick Products
Topical treatments: These liquids go on your cat’s neck. They kill fleas and ticks for a month. Look for products with:
- Fipronil
- Imidacloprid
- Selamectin
Flea collars: Some collars repel pests for months. Choose ones with:
- Flumethrin
- Imidacloprid
- Seresto (a popular brand)
Flea shampoos: These kill fleas on contact. They don’t provide long protection. Use only cat-safe formulas.
Flea sprays: Good for treating your home. Spray carpets and furniture. Let dry before cats return.
Worm Treatments
Deworming medications: These come as tablets or pastes. They treat roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Common ingredients:
- Pyrantel pamoate
- Praziquantel
- Fenbendazole
Natural remedies: Some owners try:
- Diatomaceous earth (food grade)
- Pumpkin seeds
- Carrots
These may help but aren’t as reliable as medications.
Prescription Parasite Treatments
For severe infestations, see your vet. They can prescribe stronger treatments.
Prescription Flea Control
Oral medications: Pills that kill fleas quickly. Some last a month. Common ones:
- Nitenpyram (fast-acting)
- Spinosad (monthly)
- Lufenuron (stops flea reproduction)
Injectable flea control: Rarely used now. Older forms had side effects.
Prescription Dewormers
Broad-spectrum dewormers: Treat multiple worm types. Examples:
- Drontal (praziquantel + pyrantel)
- Profender (topical dewormer)
- Milbemax (milbemycin + praziquantel)
Heartworm preventatives: Given monthly. Stop larvae from maturing. Common brands:
- Heartgard
- Revolution
- Interceptor
Natural Parasite Prevention
Some owners prefer natural methods. These can help but may not cure infestations.
Dietary Additives
Pumpkin seeds: Contain cucurbitacin. May paralyze worms. Grind seeds and mix with food.
Carrots: Fiber may help remove worms. Grate raw carrots into meals.
Apple cider vinegar: Makes skin less appealing to fleas. Add a little to water.
Herbal Remedies
Diatomaceous earth: Food-grade powder. Kills fleas by drying them out. Dust lightly on fur.
Neem oil: Natural insect repellent. Dilute before using on cats.
Garlic: Small amounts may repel fleas. Too much is toxic. Ask your vet first.
Environmental Control
Frequent vacuuming: Removes flea eggs from carpets. Empty vacuum after use.
Wash bedding: Use hot water to kill flea stages.
Diatomaceous earth: Sprinkle on carpets. Leave for hours before vacuuming.
When to See the Vet
Some parasite problems need professional help. Contact your vet if:
- Your cat is very young, old, or sick
- Over-the-counter treatments fail
- You see blood in stool or vomit
- Your cat stops eating or becomes weak
- Skin problems don’t improve
- You suspect heartworms
- Your cat has seizures (rare with parasites)
Vets can run tests to identify parasites. They may prescribe special medications. Some need just one dose. Others require repeat treatments.
Preventing Future Parasite Problems
Prevention is easier than treatment. Follow these tips:
Monthly preventatives: Use vet-recommended flea and heartworm products year-round.
Clean litter boxes daily: This reduces worm egg exposure.
Keep cats indoors: Limits contact with parasites.
Control rodents: Mice carry fleas and worms.
Groom regularly: Check for fleas and ticks often.
Wash hands: Especially after cleaning litter or gardening.
Quarantine new pets: Keep them separate until dewormed.
Vet check-ups: Annual exams catch problems early.
Common Questions About Cat Parasites
Can I use dog flea medicineon my cat?
No! Dog products often contain permethrin. This is toxic to cats. Always use cat-specific treatments.
How often should I deworm my cat?
Indoor cats: Every 3-6 months. Outdoor cats: Every 1-3 months. Kittens need more frequent deworming.
Are home remedies safe?
Some can help but aren’t always effective. Never use essential oils on cats. Many are toxic.
Can indoor cats get parasites?
Yes! Fleas hitchhike on clothes. Mosquitoes come inside. Worm eggs stick to shoes.
Is diarrhea always from worms?
No. Many things cause diarrhea. See your vet for persistent cases.
Conclusion
Parasites are a common cat health issue. The good news? We have many treatment options. From over-the-counter to prescription, choices exist for every situation.
Watch for signs like scratching, diarrhea, or weight loss. Treat problems early. Prevention is always best. Monthly preventatives save money and stress.
When in doubt, ask your vet. They can recommend the safest, most effective treatments for your cat. With proper care, your feline friend can stay happy and parasite-free.
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