Common Parasites in Cats

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 cat’s fur and then wiping the comb on white, damp paper. If there are small dark spots that dissolve to red-brown stains (flea faeces), the cat is probably infested by fleas. Apart from combing the fleas out of the fur and cleaning the home multiple times, the veterinarian will check the cat for flea-allergies, which can occur after multiple flea infestations . The veterinarian may then prescribe an anti-flea remedy .

Ticks : Ticks are arachnids (an arthropod group that also includes spiders or mites) that are usually active between March and November. They are easy to detect, especially when they are already filled with blood and easy to remove with the help of tick tweezers . However, it is crucial to regularly check the cat for them and remove them, because they can transfer viral or bacterial diseases such as borreliosis.

Chewing lice : Chewing lice (insects of the order Phthiraptera) make cats nervous and can cause hair loss and dermatitis. The cat is treated with an anti-flea remedy that is applied for at least six weeks.

Flatworms: Fleas are the main carriers of tapeworms . These are endoparasites belonging to the Plathelminthes. Mice can also be a source of infectious larvae and eggs. Then, the infested cat exudes infectious particles with its faeces. Most cats do not show symptoms when these worms infest the intestine . However, if they do, they look emaciated, have diarrhoea, or show dull fur . Some worms make their way from the intestine to other organs such as the lungs and cause coughing , sneezing and rhinorrhoea . Also, the eyes and stomach can be infested by tapeworms. The veterinarian diagnoses a worm infestation by analysing the stool. There are many anthelmintics that are effective against different types of worms.

Giardia: Young and immunodeficient cats are most at risk of suffering from giardiasis, which is caused by protists that live in the small intestine, Giardia . Outside its host, they survive for several months, especially in a moist environment. They pass into the cat through faecal matter or contaminated water. When they have infested the cat’s small intestine, they cause bleeding, malabsorp-tion and enteritis which leads to diarrhoea, tummy bugs and general exhaustion . Cats that are older and not immunodeficient do not show symptoms. However, they still pass the parasite on to other cats and even humans through their faeces. The veterinarian can diagnose the parasite by detecting eosinophil granulocytes (immunocompetent cells that are increasingly produced in the case of parasite infestations ) and a lower concentration of erythrocytes in the blood or by checking for antigens. The cat is treated by administering anthelmintics .

Which symptoms should we generally look out for and what can we do to prevent a parasite infestation? It is possible to detect some ectoparasites like ticks with our eyes. However, mites and fleas are too small to see. In these cases we should look out for excessive scratching or incrustations that indicate scratching or skin reactions to the parasite.

There is no way we can see endoparasites except if they are already visible in the faeces (such as tapeworms) or vomit which is why we have to be alarmed when the stool of the cat varies or it changes its behaviour. In addition, constant fatigue can be a sign for endoparasitic infestations.

To prevent parasite infestation, repellents (for example, on a collar ) deter a lot of ectoparasites. Also, regularly check for ticks and protect the cat against mosquitoes. Dirty shoes can carry parasites, thus, stow them in a cupboard, unreachable for the cat. The cat litter box should be cleaned daily. Raw fish and meat should be avoided. To avoid zoonosis, wash your hands regularly after having contact with your cat, especially before eating.

Since there is no full protection against parasites (especially for outdoor cats) always check for symptoms to be able to act as soon as possible. Regularly have your veterinarian check for parasites and conduct preventative deworming treatments.

EXERCISE: 1. If cats have flatworms, they emaciate , have diarrhoea, or show dull fur.

a) true b) false

2. What signs does a cat show in case of an ecto- or endoparasitic infestation?

a) excessive scratching b) incrustation c) constant fatigue d) liveliness die Lebhaftigkeit e) hair loss

3. Older cats are most at risk of suffering from giardiasis.

a) true b) false

You’ll find the answer on the next page

BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Beck W, Pantchev N: Praktische Parasitologie bei Heimtieren: Kleinsäuger – Vögel – Reptilien – Bienen. Schlütersche 2012. 2. http://dict.leo.org. 3. www.dict.cc. 4. ww.webster-dictionary.org.

CARMEN LOBITZ Carmen Lobitz ist freie Trainerin, Lehrerin und MTA. Sie gründete 1998 in Berlin lobitz seminare, die unter anderem Englischseminare für Health Professionals anbieten. Kontakt: mail@lobitz-seminare.de www.lobitz-seminare.de

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Lösung für Exercise: 1. A 2. A + B + C 3. B

Common Parasites in Cats

Which parasites infest cats?

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Common Parasites in Cats

Which parasites infest cats?

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