While they are on (ectoparasite) or in their host (endoparasite) they can deteriorate organ functions, destroy cells or withdraw nutrition. The better they are adapted to their host, the lower the risk of the host dieing. There are micro- and macroparasites. Examples of microparasites are fungi and protists; examples of macroparasites are nematodes, insects, or arachnids. In this article, I will focus on cats as hosts for parasites.
Which parasites infest cats?
Fleas: Fleas are 2 to 3 millimetre insects (order: siphonaptera) that feed on the blood of other animals. About 20 % of cats are hosts to these parasites, the most prominent being Ctenocephalides felis (the cat flea). They can leap onto humans and cause itching and diseases. The easiest method of detection is combing through the…
Dann nutzen Sie jetzt unser Probe-Abonnement mit 3 Ausgaben zum Kennenlernpreis von € 19,90.
Jetzt Abonnent werden