Worms in a cat: symptoms, types and features of treatment

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Deworming is a fairly common problem in cats and dogs. Sometimes it is difficult to cope with the disease, because the parasites are very tenacious and can survive in extreme conditions. All breeders need to know if cats have worms. Symptoms to watch out for:

• poor appetite;
• the animal eats everything, but at the same time loses weight;
• apathy and fatigue for no apparent reason;
• constantly licking genitals and riding in the back.

However, not only pets who have access to the street are at risk of infection. Sometimes pet owners are very surprised when a veterinarian diagnoses their pet with parasites. You can bring them into the house on outdoor shoes, so no animal is safe from infection.

Categories of helminths

Specialists divide all parasites into categories depending on the methods of reproduction, shape, size and nutritional characteristics:

• tape;
• flukes;
• roundworms.

Types of worms

A cat can catch parasitesthrough various sources. In this case, parasites are localized in different internal organs and cause he alth problems. Consider the main types of worms that can parasitize in the body of a cat, the method of infection and symptoms.

Lung parasites

Attentive owner will immediately suspect a problem and see signs of worms in cats. Symptoms when affected by different types of worms are generally similar, but there are some differences.

Pulmonary worms can get into the body of an animal if it drinks water from a dirty river or lake. There is also a risk when a cat eats crustaceans. The danger lies in the fact that the parasites cause the formation of cysts in the lungs, which contributes to the destruction of the structure of the lungs.

Many unpleasant moments are caused by pulmonary worms in cats. Symptoms and treatment depend on the degree of infection. The main features are:

• lack of appetite;
• high body temperature;
• wheezing is heard in the chest, the cat is coughing;
• fever;
• weakness;
• vomit.

If worms multiply in the lungs of cats, symptoms appear very quickly. But the main difference is that the animal begins to wheeze and cough. Many breeders confuse pathology with a cold and choose the appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is so important to show the pet regularly to the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. After all, if pulmonary worms are found in cats, the symptoms can easily be confused with manifestations of acute respiratory infections and make a mistake in treatment.

Liver fluke

From the name it is clear that this parasite is localized in the liver cells. The danger is that the parasite can infect the gallbladder and pancreas. Experts consider raw fish to be the main cause of infection.

Any caring breeder should know the signs of worms in cats. Symptoms of liver fluke infection have a pronounced clinical picture:

• cat has constant diarrhea;
• vomit opens with a yellowish tinge;
• weakness and complete breakdown;
• sometimes, in case of a large accumulation of parasites, the temperature rises.

Unfortunately, this type of worm is difficult to treat. Conventional drugs do not cope with their elimination, so it is important to consult a veterinarian. The doctor prescribes a complete examination of the cat and complex treatment.

Cucumber tapeworm

The parasite affects not only the animal body, but also humans. Therefore, it is so important to carry out prevention in order to avoid infection. The danger is that the worm infects and destroys the walls of the intestine. He begins to bleed, secondary infections join. It is important to understand that the carriers are small parasites that live in the animal's fur - fleas or withers. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the cat and take action if fleas are found.

Worms in cats are a big danger. Symptoms of a cucumber tapeworm infection can include:

• constant rumbling in the animal's stomach;
• diarrhea and vomiting;
• weight loss;
• the cat becomes nervous and irritable.

There are cases when a worm in the human body grew up to 1.5 meters. But in the body of a pet, it can only reach 30 cm, which is a lot with the growth of a cat.

Alveococcosis pathogens

In this case, the parasite does not reach a size of more than 5 mm and does not pose a danger to the cat. Animals can live peacefully in harmony with the worm, lead a full life and not show any signs of ill he alth.

But the problem is that these worms are transmitted from cats to humans. The symptoms are vague. A person complains of pain in the gastrointestinal tract, general intoxication of the body. It is important to understand that the disease is deadly for humans. If the disease is not diagnosed in time and proper treatment is not carried out, then a fatal outcome is possible. This can happen for several reasons:

• tumor of the liver and nearby organs;
• metastases in internal organs;
• damage to brain cells.

It should be understood that worms do not manifest themselves in any way while in the body of a cat. There are usually no visible signs. The main source of infection is considered to be small rodents that the animal eats.

Hookworms

They are small worms, reaching 1 cm in length. They live mainly in the intestines and feed on blood from its walls. An animal can become infected through food, where there are eggs of parasites. But the larvae can penetrate the body even through the skincovers.

When worms appear in cats, the symptoms may be as follows:

• loss of appetite;
• vomit;
• diarrhea mixed with blood;
• lethargy and irritation.

Treatment involves taking antiparasitic drugs.

Danger to humans

Worms in an animal are a danger not only to his he alth. Some types of worms can be transmitted to humans and cause serious he alth problems, including death.

It is important to understand that there are pathogens, for example, alveococcosis, which is transmitted from a cat to a person, but is not dangerous for other animals. Remember that most of the parasites are dangerous for any living creature.

Let's consider what types of worms are dangerous for humans and what are the consequences of their infection.

Types of parasites dangerous to humans

Cucumber tapeworm is a great danger, especially for children. It is often diagnosed in people who have cats at home. The parasite does not always cause serious he alth deviations, but it adds a lot of unpleasant minutes. If a person is infected, they may experience the following symptoms:

• headache;
• appetite disorders;
• indigestion.

It is quite likely to catch echinococcus from a cat. The human body does not tolerate such a "neighborhood" very well, and death is not uncommon. The danger lies in the fact that the worms colonize the liver and completely disrupt its normal functioning. The flow of bile is blocked, the blood in the vesselsmoves slowly, hitting all internal organs.

Cats are more likely to infect roundworms, which often affect children. Worms inhabit the gastrointestinal tract and affect its mucous membranes.

The danger is that the worms produce toxic substances that are strong allergens. Parasites have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract and mechanically damage the mucous membranes, which leads to secondary infections.

How to understand that a cat has worms? Symptoms

It is important for any conscientious breeder to know the causes of parasites and the signs of their presence in animals. Only timely treatment will help to completely get rid of the problem and guarantee the safety of all other family members.

If a cat has worms, what symptoms should I look for? The answer to this question depends on the degree of damage, the type of attacking worms and the characteristics of the pet's he alth.

As soon as the worms enter the cat's body, their presence does not cause much discomfort, so the symptoms are mild. But a little later, the following problems begin to appear:

• bloating;
• mucus and blood in stools;
• discharges mixed with pus may appear from the eyes and nose;
• wool fades and begins to fall out;
• due to constant itching, the cat licks the anus and rides on the priest;
• whites of eyes may become yellowish;
• disordersgastrointestinal tract;
• unexplained bouts of coughing and wheezing;
• weight loss;
• general intoxication;
• kittens have a developmental delay;
• A blood test can show the development of anemia.

Symptoms of infection with worms in cats may be sluggish and unexpressed at first, but as the organism settles, the clinical picture becomes clearer. Signs can be confused with other diseases, so it is better to examine the cat by a veterinarian.

Important

The symptoms of worms in domestic cats are confused by owners with manifestations of viral or infectious diseases. If this is true, then deworming is contraindicated. Otherwise, such measures will only worsen the well-being of the pet and harm his he alth. It is very important to show your pet to a doctor if you suspect any disease. After the laboratory tests, the specialist will find out the cause of the ailment and prescribe the necessary treatment.

Treatment measures

Unfortunately, this is a fairly common occurrence - worms in cats. Symptoms and treatment will depend on the category of the parasite and the extent of the infection. At the first signs, deworming is mandatory. For this, it is necessary to use drugs that are designed specifically for cats. It is unacceptable to use funds that are intended for the treatment of humans. If you do not follow this advice, then the consequences can be the saddest.

If worms are found in cats, the symptoms will help the veterinarian to putcorrect diagnosis and identify the type of pathogen. Based on this, appropriate drugs are selected. There are a lot of them in the veterinary pharmacy, and the price category is also different. Any breeder, even tight on funds, will be able to find a remedy for treatment and prevention.

You need to understand that there are drugs that will help get rid of the problem in one application. But if the worms are very prolific, several doses of tablets will be required. For some types of worms, complex therapy may be required.

Always, as soon as problems with the he alth of a cat begin, it is necessary to seek the advice of a specialist. He will not only make the correct diagnosis, but also prescribe the necessary treatment in accordance with the condition of the pet and its age.

Basic anti-worms

Among medicines there are the most popular and effective. The following drugs received the greatest number of positive reviews.

Drontal drug

"Drontal". Veterinarians often prescribe this drug for its effectiveness, positive results and the absence of contraindications. Breeders are satisfied with the price, which is quite acceptable for this segment of the drug. It can be given to pregnant and newly whelped bitches, puppies from two weeks of age.

If diagnosed with symptoms of worms in cats, treatment and drugs should be recommended by a doctor. "Drontal"effective against tapeworms and roundworms. But to find out which parasite has settled in the cat's body, you should conduct a clinical analysis of feces and blood.

Complex "Milbemax"

"Milbemax". Refers to complex tools that have a wide range of action. How do you know if a cat has worms? Symptoms that should alert have been discussed above. But if it is not possible to accurately diagnose and identify the pathogen, then this drug is recommended. It differs somewhat in its composition from other known means. In addition to the usual active ingredient praziquantel, milbemycin oxin is present here. It is fatal against dirofilaria - heartworms in cats. The symptoms resemble cardiovascular diseases and lead to serious he alth problems.

The drug not only kills parasites that live in the bloodstream. It is effective against worms that inhabit the intestines. By the way, "Milbemax" kills not only adults, but also larvae.

The remedy is very popular among veterinarians and professional breeders. This is due to its versatility. You can buy a medicine designed for both adults and kittens. However, the drug is not recommended for pets under 6 weeks of age. The list of contraindications includes pregnancy of a cat.

Reviews about the drug breeders leave only positive, but the price of the drug is quite high.

Dirofen

Also appliesto the category of complex preparations. You can buy it in the form of tablets, paste or suspension. In fact, it is an analogue of the well-known "Drontal", but pumpkin seed oil is present in the composition, which promotes the healing of wounds on the intestinal mucosa. After removing the parasites, it is necessary to restore the gastrointestinal tract. The drug successfully copes with this, and all thanks to the additional components included in it.

Indication for use is nemontodosis and cystodosis. The drug is suitable for adult cats and kittens. Depending on the form of release, the price also varies, but in any case, not too high. The drug has proven itself with high efficiency, safety and persistent therapeutic effect.

How to give a cat a deworming pill

Sometimes it is difficult for a cat to feed the required pill. Animals are sensitive to the catch and may even refuse the proposed treat. For everything to be successful, you can follow the instructions recommended by veterinarians:

1. The tablet can be finely crushed and mixed with wet food. It is advisable to choose the most favorite taste, then the pet will not refuse the proposed treat. It is important that the cat is hungry.
2. You can put a cat on your lap, wrap a towel around its paws. Next, the tablet is placed in the pet's mouth and the throat is stroked to induce a swallowing reflex.
3. The tablet can be crushed and dissolved in a small amount of water. Then, using a syringe without a needle, all the liquid is injected into the animal under the cheek.

For picky petsyou can buy drops or paste. There are drugs that are available in the form of a pleasant-tasting suspension. It is noteworthy that Drontal tablets have a taste of meat, so there are usually no problems with taking.

It should be understood that the drops contain a small amount of active ingredients, so they are used as a prophylaxis or for the treatment of worms in kittens. To fully get rid of worms in adults, it is necessary to use tablets. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the pet.

Preventive measures

Deworming should be carried out not only during infection, but also as a preventive measure. For this, tablets are given to the cat at least four times a year. Animals that walk outside are treated more often.

There are a number of rules to follow:

• do not give the cat raw fish and undercooked raw meat;
• disinfect the cat litter box regularly;
• if there are several pets in the house, then deworming drugs must be given at the same time.

Compliance with precautions significantly reduces the risk of infection for both cats and humans.