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Cat Parasites

Cat parasites can include both internal and external parasites. By definition, a parasite is an organism that lives on another organism; often the parasite benefits while the host organism suffers in some way. On cats, external parasites (also known as ectoparasites) are usually more common than internal ones (called endoparasites).

Some common ectoparasites, or external parasites, include fleas, ticks, and mites. Fleas and ticks are blood-sucking insects that feed on cats, as well as on humans, dogs, and other animals. Along with causing your cat discomfort, fleas and ticks can carry diseases such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Fleas are extremely small, usually only around 1/16th to 1/8th inch. They are wingless insects with dark reddish-brown bodies. Their bodies are hard, making them difficult to crush. They have three pairs of legs, and are excellent jumpers. Ticks are actually arachnids, not insects. They can be soft- or hard-shelled. Ticks are also wingless, and have three pairs of legs when immature and four pairs when mature. Specially treated collars or topical treatments can be effective at preventing flea and tick infestations.

Another common parasite to infest cats is the Cheyletiella mite, which is often also referred to as “walking dandruff.” These tiny mites can infest both cats and other pets, such as dogs or rabbits, and can be transmitted through a common living environment. These mites can be seen on the fur and skin of an infested cat. Because cats are also fastidious groomers, they sometimes swallow these mites. They are then excreted, undigested, in the cat’s feces. Most of the same products that kill fleas are effective at combating an infestation of these parasites.

Another external cat parasite is ear mites, or Otodectes cynotis, an extremely contagious parasite passed among cats. These same mites can be transmitted to and from dogs, rabbits, and other animals as well. Cats can get ear mites from exposure to cats or other animals who are infected. Avoid exposing your cat to any animal with ear mites. If you have more than one animal in the home and one is exposed, talk to your vet about treating all of the pets.

Internal cat parasites can include, among others, heartworms. While less common in cats than in dogs, heartworms are a serious cat parasite. These worms infest the right side of the heart and can block blood vessels that connect the heart and lungs. They are usually transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, and an adult heartworm can live in a host cat for up to a year or two. The best course of action against heartworms in prevention; oral and topical prevention products are readily available to treat cats against heartworm.

Cats that interact with other animals, especially potential stray animals, are at the greatest risk for infestation from cat parasites. Keeping your cat indoors, and keeping all pets guarded against preventable parasites such as fleas, ticks, and heartworms, helps ensure the health of your cat.

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