The parasites capable of infesting the gastrointestinal tract of our cat are very numerous, but the most common are certainly the roundworms in catswith a prevalence ranging from 25% to 75%.
What does it mean? That out of 100 cats sampled, surely someone will be infected with these intestinal parasites. And not even a small percentage!
Roundworms in cats and other intestinal worms
Ascarids are round wormslong, whitish and with a cylindrical body, but they are obviously not the only helminths able to infest the cat: the Taenia for example, which is able to infest both humans and felines, it belongs to the class of Cestodes, which differ from the former for the crushed body (flat worms).
However, in this article we will go into detail on Ascaris in cats, due to their parasitological interest in felines and humans.
Ascaris of the cat: most common species
There are 3 species of Ascarids that commonly infest cats:
- How many toxocara?
- Toxocara canis
- Toxascaris Leonina
The first two can also infest humans.
In cats, the parasite’s larvae migrate to various organs before reaching the intestine, where they reach the adult stage, causing symptoms to appear.
How to tell if the cat has worms?
Very often the owner notices the worms in the cat by observing the cat’s feces long worms, similar to spaghetti. Ascarids are tapered, whitish in color, and of considerable size: the male can reach 30 cm in length.
However, it is not certain that if you do not find the parasite, the cat will not be affected.
They are often eliminated in the stool just the eggsinvisible to the naked eye.
Bad breath and a swollen belly are also typical symptoms of cat worms.
Symptoms of roundworms in cats
During the migration of larvae in the various organs of the host, the cat does not show any signs of malaise, except for rare cases of cough and increased respiratory rate.
When the worm reaches the adult stage and is localized in the intestine, i symptoms real from roundworms in cats:
Furthermore, parasites predispose to further diseases by weakening the immune system. His coat will also be duller.
How does the cat get worms?
The cat comes into contact with the parasite by ingesting the eggs containing the infecting larva Toxocara c.through:
- the feces,
- the terrain,
- from an infected animal (typically a rodent),
- from the mother.
In kittens that are born wild, the percentage of contracting the toxocara canis e cati is very high, in fact the transmission also occurs from an infected mother to the puppies:
- per via transplacentarewhen I am still in my womb,
- per via colostralfrom the mother’s milk.
Diagnosis
If you suspect your cat has worms, ask your veterinarian for advice: observation of clinical symptoms along with palpation of the abdomen they will be enough for him to suspect that the cat has intestinal parasites.
The doubt can be confirmed by thestool examination, in which the eggs will be searched; and / or vomiting.
Are cat roundworms transmitted to humans?
Among the Ascarids, the Toxocara canis e cati can be transmitted to humans, which is referred to as occasional guest. In fact, humans can accidentally ingest the eggs and infect them in turn.
The parasite in the human body does not reach the adult stage, but it can still survive for many months. Unlike the cat and the dog, in humans it is the larva that triggers the symptomatologywhich is very diversified according to the organs affected.
In the literature they are described two syndromes in humans:
- Larva migrans visceral: mainly affects children. Typically characterized by fever, anorexia, pneumonia, asthma symptoms,
- Larva migrans ocular: it can be asymptomatic or trigger ocular inflammation that can damage vision.
Cure for cat roundworms
So how to eliminate cat roundworms? There are special deworming drugs, based on
- pyrantel,
- mebendazolo,
- fenbendazolo,
- macrocyclic lactones.
The most common administration is for orallythrough a formulation in palatable pasta to put on the cat’s teeth and he will do the rest!
In addition to kittens, even adult cats, especially if they have access to the outside or to the garden, should follow careful prophylaxis, proceeding with regular treatments. Also there pregnant cat must be subjected to regular deworming: ask your veterinarian for advice.
How to get rid of roundworms at home?
It is a good idea to wash the environment as much as possible to avoid traces of Ascarids: the bleach and the steam they are great home remedies.
However, the eggs are very resistant and eliminating them on the outside is practically impossible. For this reason, good hygiene rules must always be observed and taught to children:
- Remove animal feces from the garden,
- Wash and disinfect your hands after handling the soil,
- Give your cat regular deworming.
Only with the right prevention can you avert the risk of re-infestation!