Infection with worms 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 that should alert:
- poor appetite;
- the animal eats everything, but at the same time loses weight;
- apathy and fatigue for no apparent reason;
- constant licking of the genitals and riding in the back seat.
However, not only pets that have access to the street are at risk of infection. Sometimes owners of pets are very surprised when a veterinarian diagnoses the presence of parasites in their pet. You can bring them into the house on street shoes, so no animal is safe from infection.
Helminth categories
Specialists divide all parasites into categories depending on the methods of reproduction, shape, size and nutritional characteristics:
Types of Worms
A cat can catch parasites through various sources. In this case, parasites are localized in various internal organs and cause health problems. Consider the main types of worms that can parasitize in the cat's body, the method of infection and symptoms.
Pulmonary parasites
An attentive host will immediately suspect a problem and see signs of worms in cats. Symptoms in the defeat of different types of worms are generally similar, but there are some differences.
Pulmonary worms can enter 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 is that parasites cause the formation of cysts in the lungs, which contributes to the destruction of the structure of the lungs.
Many unpleasant minutes are delivered by pulmonary worms in cats. Symptoms and treatment depend on the degree of infection. The main features are:
- lack of appetite;
- fever;
- wheezing is heard in the chest, the cat coughs;
- fever;
- weakness;
- vomiting
If the worms in the lungs of cats multiply, the symptoms appear very quickly. But the main difference is that the animal begins to wheeze and cough. Many breeders confuse pathology with colds and choose the appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is so important to show the pet regularly to the veterinarian to make an accurate diagnosis. After all, if pulmonary worms are found in cats, the symptoms can be easily 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 affect the gallbladder and pancreas. The main cause of infection, experts consider raw fish.
Any caring breeder should know the signs of worms in cats. Symptoms of infection by the hepatic trematode have a pronounced clinical picture:
- the cat constantly has diarrhea;
- vomiting with a yellowish tint opens;
- weakness and complete breakdown;
- sometimes, in the case of a large accumulation of parasites, the temperature rises.
Unfortunately, this type of worm is difficult to treat. Conventional drugs can not cope with their removal, so it is important to consult a veterinarian. The doctor prescribes a full examination of the cat and a comprehensive treatment.
Cucumber tapeworm
The parasite affects not only the body of the animal, but also the person. Therefore, it is so important to carry out prophylaxis to avoid infection. The danger is that the worm infects and destroys the intestinal wall. He begins to bleed, secondary infections join. It is important to understand that carriers are small parasites that live in animal hair - fleas or lice-eaters. It is necessary to carefully monitor the condition of the cat and take measures when detecting fleas.
Worms in cats are of great danger. Symptoms of cucumber tap infection can be as follows:
- constant rumbling in the stomach of the animal;
- diarrhea and vomiting;
- weight loss;
- the cat becomes nervous and irritable.
There are cases when the worm in the human body grew to 1.5 meters. But in the body of a pet, he can only reach 30 cm, which is very much with the growth of a cat.
The causative agents of alveococcosis
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 poor health.
But the problem is that these worms are transmitted from cats to humans. Symptoms are blurry. A person complains of pain in the gastrointestinal tract, general intoxication of the body. It is important to understand that the disease is deadly to humans. If you do not diagnose the disease in time and do not conduct competent treatment, then a fatal outcome is possible. This can happen for several reasons:
- swelling of the liver and nearby organs;
- metastases in internal organs;
- damage to brain cells.
It should be understood that the worms do not manifest themselves in any way, being in the body of a cat. There are usually no visible signs. The main source of infection are small rodents that the animal eats.
Hookworms
They are small worms reaching 1 cm in length. They live mainly in the intestine 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 skin.
With the appearance of worms in cats, the symptoms may be as follows:
- loss of appetite;
- vomiting
- bloody diarrhea;
- lethargy and irritation.
Treatment involves taking antiparasitic drugs.
Danger to humans
Worms in an animal pose a danger not only to its health. Some types of worms can be transmitted to humans and cause serious health 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 parasites are dangerous to any living creature.
Consider what types of worms are dangerous to humans and what are the consequences of their infection.
Types of parasites dangerous to humans
Great danger, especially for children, is cucumber tapeworm. Often it is diagnosed in people who have cats at home. The parasite does not always cause serious health deviations, but adds many unpleasant minutes. If a person becomes infected, then he may experience the following symptoms:
- headache;
- impaired appetite;
- indigestion.
It is likely that the cat will become infected with echinococcus. The human body does not tolerate such a “neighborhood” very well; deaths are not uncommon. The danger lies in the fact that the worms populate the liver and completely disrupt its normal functioning. The flow of bile is blocked, the blood in the vessels moves slowly, all internal organs fall under the blow.
It is more likely that cats can become infected with roundworms, which children often suffer from. Worms populate the gastrointestinal tract and affect its mucous membranes.
The danger is that worms produce toxic substances that are powerful allergens. Parasites have a negative effect on the gastrointestinal tract and mechanically damage the mucous membranes, which leads to the appearance of 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 on time treatment started will help completely get rid of the problem and guarantee safety to 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 health status.
As soon as the worms enter the cat's body, their presence does not cause much discomfort, so the symptoms are mild. But a bit later the following problems begin to appear:
- bloating;
- mucus and blood in the stool;
- discharge from the eyes and nose may appear mixed with pus;
- the coat grows dull and begins to fall out;
- due to constant itching, the cat licks the anus and rides on the pope;
- whites of the eyes may become yellowish;
- disorders of the gastrointestinal tract;
- unexplained 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 at first may be sluggish and unexpressed, but as the body is populated, the clinical picture becomes more distinct. Signs can be confused with other diseases, therefore it is better to examine a cat at the veterinarian.
Important
The symptoms of worms in domestic cats are confused by owners of viral or infectious diseases. If this is actually the case, then deworming is contraindicated. Otherwise, such measures will only worsen the well-being of the pet and harm its health. If you suspect a disease, it is very important to show your pet to a doctor. After laboratory tests, the specialist will find out the cause of the malaise and prescribe the necessary treatment.
Therapeutic measures
Unfortunately, this is a fairly common occurrence - worms in cats. Symptoms and treatment will depend on the category of parasite and the degree of damage. 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 to treat a person. If you do not follow this advice, then the consequences may be most sad.
If worms are found in cats, the symptoms will help the veterinarian make the correct diagnosis and identify the type of pathogen. Based on this, the appropriate drugs are selected. In the veterinary pharmacy there are a lot of them, and the price category is also different. Any breeder, even constrained in funds, will be able to choose a remedy for treatment and prevention.
You must understand that there are drugs that will help get rid of the problem in one application. But if the worms are very prolific, it will take several doses of pills. With some types of worms, complex therapy may be required.
Always, as soon as problems with the cat’s health begin, it is necessary to consult 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.
Fixed assets against worms
Among the drugs there are the most popular and effective. The following drugs received the most positive reviews.
The drug "Drontal"
Drontal. Veterinarians often prescribe this drug for its effectiveness, a positive result 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-born bitches, puppies from two weeks of age.
If diagnosed with worms in cats, treatment and medication should be recommended by a doctor. Drontal is effective against tapeworms and roundworms. But to find out exactly which parasite settled in the cat's body, a clinical analysis of feces and blood should be performed.
Integrated Milbemax
Milbemax. Refers to complex tools that have a wide range of effects. How to find out that a cat has worms? Symptoms that should be alerted were discussed above. But if there is no way to accurately diagnose and identify the pathogen, then this drug is recommended. It is somewhat different in composition from other known means. In addition to the usual active ingredient praziquantel, milbemycin oxine is present here. It is harmful against dirofilariae - heartworms in cats. Symptoms resemble diseases of the cardiovascular system and lead to serious health problems.
The drug not only kills parasites that live in the bloodstream. It is effective against intestinal worms. By the way, Milbemax kills not only adults, but also larvae.
The tool is very popular among veterinarians and professional breeders. This is due to its versatility. You can buy medicine designed for both adults and kittens. However, for pets under 6 weeks of age, the drug is not recommended. In the list of contraindications - pregnancy of a cat.
Breeders leave only positive reviews about the drug, but the price of the medicine is quite high.
Dirofen
Also refers to the category of complex drugs. You can buy in the form of tablets, pastes or suspensions. In fact, it is an analogue of the well-known Drontal, but pumpkin oil is present in the composition, which helps to heal wounds on the intestinal mucosa. After elimination of 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.
Indications for use are non-monododosis and cystodosis. The drug is suitable for adult cats and kittens. Depending on the form of release, the price may vary, but in any case not too high. The medicine has proven itself to be highly effective, safe and lasting therapeutic effect.
How to give a cat a worm pill
Sometimes it is difficult for a cat to feed the necessary pill. Animals sensitively feel the catch and may even refuse the proposed goodies. In order for everything to succeed, you can follow the instructions recommended by veterinarians:
- 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 offered treats. It is important that the cat is hungry.
- The cat can be seated on its lap, wrapped in its paws with a towel. Next, the tablet is placed in the mouth of the pet and the throat is stroked to cause a swallowing reflex.
- 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 particularly fastidious animals, you can buy drops or paste. There are drugs that come in the form of a pleasantly tasting suspension. It is noteworthy that the Drontal tablets taste like meat, so usually there are no problems with taking them.
It should be understood that drops have a small number of active ingredients in their composition, so they are used as a prophylaxis or for the treatment of worms in kittens. For full disposal of worms in adults, it is necessary to use tablets. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the pet.
Preventative measures
Deworming is necessary not only during infection, but also as a prophylaxis. To do this, give the cat a pill at least four times a year. For animals that walk on the street, the procedure is carried out more often.
A number of rules should be followed:
- Do not give the cat raw fish or uncooked raw meat;
- disinfect the cat tray regularly;
- if there are several pets in the house, then preparations for worms must be given at the same time.
Following precautions significantly reduces the risk of infection in both cats and humans.