What are intestinal parasites?
Intestinal parasites are parasites that live inside the guts of an animal, in this case, cats. They feed off the nutrients meant for the cat, depriving the body of what it needs.
How do intestinal parasites impact the health and well-being of your cat?
Intestinal parasites eat the nutrients that would otherwise nourish your cat. In some cases, they can cause damage to the intestinal lining, leading to other health issues. Primarily, they feed off nutrients that should be your cat's.
What preventative measures can be taken to ensure that my cat doesn't get worms or other parasites?
Routine fecal checks are essential preventative measures. Annual fecal checks are recommended regardless of whether a cat shows signs of internal parasites. If there are concerns like vomiting, repeated diarrhea, or visible worms in the stool, a fecal check should be done to identify the specific parasite.
What are some signs and symptoms of intestinal parasites in your cat?
Signs and symptoms can vary, but primarily include diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. In low-grade infections, cats may appear as "poor doers" with a potbelly, rough or thin hair coat, and generally look like they're not receiving adequate nutrients.
Can you see worms in your cat's stool?
It is possible to see worms in a cat's stool, but it depends on the type of parasite. Parasites aim to live inside the gut, so if they are passed through the stool, they either didn't complete their life cycle or are dead. Ideally, parasites remain in the gut and are not visible in stool samples.
How will a veterinarian diagnose intestinal parasites in your cat?
Veterinarians diagnose intestinal parasites through a fecal sample, which is sent to a lab. They look for parasite eggs and perform an antigen test to detect the body's response to parasites. This is crucial, as some parasites may not show up as eggs in the stool sample.
What are some possible conditions caused by intestinal parasites, and what are the treatments?
Intestinal parasites can cause conditions like diarrhea and vomiting. Treatment involves using anti-parasitic medications specific to the type of parasite, such as roundworms. Additional treatments may address symptoms like diarrhea or nausea, but resolving the parasitic infection is essential for full recovery.
Why is early detection and diagnosis of intestinal parasites so important?
Early detection and diagnosis are crucial because they prevent parasites from causing extensive damage to the body. By catching the infection early, we can stop the parasite from depleting the body's nutrients, ultimately improving the pet's quality of life.
When should my cat see a veterinarian for deworming?
It's recommended to perform the first fecal check during the first kitten visit, typically around six to eight weeks of age, followed by annual testing if everything is normal. However, if signs like diarrhea, upset stomach, or worms in the stool appear, a stool sample should be taken sooner.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (480) 233-7276, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram
Cat Parasites - FAQs 1
How is my cat tested for worms?
We test cats for worms by collecting a fecal sample and sending it to the lab. The lab checks for actual eggs in the stool sample and also for something called antigen, which is an exposure test. This allows us to determine if the cat was exposed to that parasite.
What medication is used for deworming?
The medication used for deworming depends on the specific parasite present. There are many different parasites, and only certain medications cover specific ones. We prefer to identify the exact parasite and then treat it with a targeted medication.
Can I deworm my cat at home?
You can deworm your cat at home; however, we recommend using a veterinary-licensed product or something from a reputable veterinary pharmacy to treat the parasites. It's essential to have the right medication for the specific parasite.
How often should my cat be dewormed?
We only recommend deworming cats if we know they have a parasite. Routine deworming on a set schedule isn't necessary. If testing shows parasites, we treat them, but that's our approach here at Phoenix Mobile.
What happens when my cat is dewormed?
When a cat is dewormed, we treat them for a specific parasite. The goal is to kill the parasite, which the cat then passes through its stool. For example, with a roundworm infection, after treatment, you will likely see the parasites passed in the stool within a day or two.
Is deworming necessary for cats?
Deworming is necessary if a cat has a parasitic infection. If there is no parasite present, deworming isn't required.
What would happen if my cat isn't dewormed?
If your cat isn't dewormed and has a parasite, it may be deprived of essential nutrients. If there is no parasite, then not deworming won't cause any harm. This is why it's important to have them checked for parasites.
If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (480) 233-7276, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram