Must Know Information about Cat Parasites
Every cat owner should educate themselves about common cat parasites to make sure that they can stay alert to an attack of parasites and intervene in the early stages. Since most cat parasites are not likely to endanger a cat’s life, prompt attention will in most cases make the problem much easier to manage. A cat’s good health depends on regular vet visits and a good diet and physical and mental stimulation. Cat parasites can however derail even a well-established regimen and so it is a good idea to set up as many defenses against these as possible. And educating yourself about cat parasites is the best first line of defense.
Here are some of the most common parasites that can affect a cat:
Fleas – Fleas are the bane of many a household pet. Dogs are more famously susceptible to fleas but cats get their fair share too. These tiny insects can cause discomfort that can range from mild to extreme and this is because they feed on the blood of the host animal. If a pet in attempting to itch or clean itself ends up swallowing a flea it can lead to tapeworm transmission. Fleas trigger aggressive itching and so this is often the earliest indication for you to check your cat’s fur and skin. If you find fleas, there are many products in pet stores which are fairly effective in tackling the problem. Use a cleaning product that seems appropriate and rid the cat of all fleas and eggs. Additionally tackle the cat’s bedding, toys it plays with, carpets and furniture to make sure that you do not have any fleas left in the vicinity or environment. You have to be relentless about this because it only takes a few uncaught eggs to trigger another infestation.
Ear Mites – As the name indicates, these parasites are likely to find a home in a cat’s ear. They tend to feed on the ear tissues and can trigger bacterial infections in the ear. If the ear mite is not caught promptly, it can progressively lead to deafness in the cat. If you see your cat pawing her ear often or if there is excessive wax from the ear, these can be indications of the ear mite. It is important to take your cat to the vet at the earliest possible if you suspect an ear mite attack.
Giardia – This parasite is manifested in symptoms such as excessively smelly cat poop. The stool may also contain mucus. This parasite is fairly common and as one of its symptoms is loss of appetite and progressive weight loss, you should take your pet to the doctor as soon as you see these behavior patterns. The best way to prevent Giardia is to frequently clean out the cat’s litter box. The vet will make appropriate recommendations for treatment for this parasite.
Ticks – Ticks can be carriers of diseases such as Lyme and they also tend to suck a cat’s blood. Since ticks vary much in terms of coloration and size, it is important to stay vigilant and to check your pet frequently. This is particularly true if your cat is allowed to wander outside the house. If you find a tick on your cat’s body, you should carefully remove it with a tweezers. Remove the whole organism and do not leave the head or mouth behind. A cat affected by Lyme can show signs such as fever and arthritis. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is another possible outcome, triggers diarrhea and vomiting and there can also be fever and loss of hunger.
Lice – Lice are well known parasites in many living creatures. They use their strong claws to latch on to the hose and suck blood. They can lead to anemia. Given that they cause itching, lice can also lead to injury in cats if they end up itching themselves too aggressively. Lice are also known to provoke changes in temperament and cause loss of appetite. Fortunately, the very fame of this parasite means that there are several products to deal with the problem in pets from sprays and shampoos to dips and creams. You should pick a reputable product or talk to your vet and choose a product. Make it a point to follow directions and follow the course of treatment for the entire period recommended. Very often owners choose to discontinue a treatment when it shows signs of working and this leaves the cat in an unprotected and unguarded situation.
Always stay alert to the possibility of an attack by these creatures and be pro-active in taking steps to prevent an attack of any of these parasites. By catching them early or preventing them, you will be doing your cat a big service! And we all know how much cats appreciate that!