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Some parasites cause little or no harm to its host and may even benefit the host in some way. A good example is the microorganisms that live inside the gut of cows and break down cellulose (carbohydrate in plant cells) so that the cow can digest it. Many parasites do cause harm however, which can range from mild irritation to serious disease.Cat parasite symptoms can vary depending on the parasite in question and there are several types, some living on the skin or surface of the cat (ectoparasites) and others that live inside the cat’s body (endoparasites). Parasites feed off their host, deriving nourishment from the cat’s body tissues or fluids.
Cat Parasite Symptoms – Ectoparasites
Ectoparasites live on the outside of their host, feeding on blood and sometimes burrowing beneath the skin. Some common ectoparasites in cats include:
Fleas – Adult fleas bite their cat host to feed on their blood. Fleas can cause:
- Irritation
- Itchiness
- Anemia (in cases of serious infestation)
- Allergic reaction in cats that are sensitive to flea saliva (flea allergic dermatitis)
- Bald patches (especially near the rump)
- Flakiness
- Redness of the skin
- Lesions
Mites – Mites are categorized into two groups; burrowing mites and surface mites. Burrowing mites live in small tunnels they create under the surface of the skin causing dermatitis. Surface mites live inside the ear canal and often cause a mucky brown discharge from the ears. Depending on the mite, cat parasite symptoms of mites can include:
- Itchiness
- Hair loss
- Inflamed areas of the skin
- Lesions
- Trauma to ears due to head shaking and ear rubbing
- Aural haematoma (swelling filled with blood in the ear flap)
Lice – Lice attach themselves to the hair shaft of their host and are categorized into two types based on the way they feed. There are sucking lice and biting lice. Cat parasite symptoms from lice can include:
- Intense irritation
- Self inflicted injury (biting, licking etc)
- Anemia (in serious infestation)
Ticks – Ticks are commonly found on livestock but can be seen on cats also, though not usually in large numbers. Ticks attach to the skin with their mouthparts and feed on blood and can cause anemia in severe infestations. Along the east coast of Australia lives a tick known as the paralysis tick. Cat parasite symptoms caused by the paralysis tick can include:
- Paralysis of muscles
- Loss of voice box control (owners may hear a ‘funny’ meow)
- Hind leg weakness/paralysis
- Labored breathing
- Death (especially young kittens or small cats)
Cat Parasite Symptoms – Endoparasites
Endoparasites live inside the host’s body in places such as the heart, lungs and intestines. Some common endoparasites in cats include:
Intestinal Worms – Intestinal worms that affect cats include roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, flea tapeworm and hydatid tapeworm.Cat parasite symptoms of intestinal worms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Weightloss
- Coughing
- Scooting
- Chewing/licking at rear
Heartworm – As the name suggests, heartworm lives in the heart and pulmonary arteries of their host. Heartworm is more common in dogs, but it is also seen in cats and is very serious. Heartworms block blood flow causing damage to the cat’s heart, liver and lungs and may even travel to the spinal cord and the brain. Cat parasite symptoms of heartworm may include coughing and shortness of breath, however cats with heartworm disease often die suddenly, so owners may not notice symptoms at all.
Giardia – Giardia lives in the small intestine of their host and cat parasite symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting (possibly)
- Off food (due to nausea)
Lungworm – Though not so common, cats can become infected with lungworm from eating snails and slugs that are infected with lungworm larvae. In general, cat parasite symptoms from lungworm include coughing and wheezing as the parasite lives in the cat’s lungs.
Cat Parasite Symptoms – Prevention
The prevention of most ectoparasites is by using a topical product such as Advocate®, which prevents fleas, mites, lice, most intestinal worms and heartworm. A tablet to prevent tapeworm would still be required for cats on Advocate®. For cats that live in tick infested areas, or travel to these areas, Frontline Plus® is a good product as it prevents both fleas and ticks. Revoultion® treats fleas, some intestinal worms, heartworm and mites and Advantage® prevents fleas.The prevention of endoparasites is by tablet or topical treatment. Heartworm prevention is available in a monthly tablet form for example Heartguard Plus® or as a spot on treatment such us those discussed earlier. Prevention of intestinal worms is by giving a worming tablet every 3 months (for an adults cat), or a spot on treatment.Prevention of lungworm is basically to prevent cats from eating snails and slugs, however as lungworm is not common, it is not a concern for most owners.It is also treatable with medications. There is no real preventative treatment for Giardia. A vaccine is available but its efficacy is questioned and it is not given routinely. Practicing strict hygiene is advisable as a preventative measure as Giardia is spread via the fecal-oral-route. Treatment is available for cats with clinical symptoms. So whether cat parasite symptoms are present or not, it is advisable for owners to treat their cats with veterinary recommended products to prevent these endoparasites and ectoparasites. Speak to your veterinarian about the most suitable and cost effective products for your cat so you don’t ‘double up’ on preventatives.