Here is a list of gastrointestinal cat parasites and the conditions and diseases they cause:
- Roundworms, which live in the small intestines, cause diarrhea, vomiting and stunted growth, also migrating to the lungs and liver, causing pneumonia. Cats contact roundworms through nursing and eating infected prey, such as mice, birds and insects. Treatment consists of deworming using multiple doses of drugs like pyrantel pamoate.
- Tapeworms, which grow to several feet long in ribbon clusters in the small intestines, cause malnutrition and inflammation of the intestines. Cats contract tapeworms when they ingest fleas while grooming. Treatment consists of deworming using drugs like praziquantel and epsiprantel.
- Hookworms, which live in the small intestines, cause bloody stools, anemia, weight loss and fatigue. Cats contract hookworms by ingesting infected feces and rodents. Treatment consists of deworming using multiple doses of drugs like pyrantel pamoate.
Stomach worms cause gastritis, chronic vomiting and loss of appetite. Cats contract stomach worms when they come in contact with the vomit of infected cats. Treatment consists of deworming using drugs like levamisole and fenbendazole.
Toxoplasma gondii one-celled parasites, which live in the small intestine, eventually spreading throughout the body, cause toxoplasmosis, with symptoms including fever, inability to eat, loss of appetite, lethargy, pneumonia, blindness, lack of coordination, twitching and seizures. Cats contract T. gondii through contact with infected feces, and by ingesting infected prey. Treatment consists of sulfanimide antibiotics.
Giardia intestinal parasites cause diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite and dehydration. Cats contract giardia through contact with infected feces, food and water. Treatment consists of drugs like metronidazole, albendazole and fenbendazole.
Tritrichomonas foetus, a single-celled flagellated protozoan parasite, which lives in the large intestine, causing colitis, diarrhea, inflammation, corrugation of the large bowel and lymphadenopathy. Cats contract T. foetus through close contact with infected cats. There is no single drug treatment that has proven effective for T. foetus.
Carefully Supervise Your Cat to Prevent Parasitic Infections
Your cat may contract parasites from what he eats. Cat-to-cat contact with bodily fluids and excrement may also cause parasitic infections. Keeping a close watch over your cat's habits and whereabouts helps prevent parasitic infections. Each type of infection requires a specific treatment regimen, prescribed and overseen by your vet. Never leave a parasitic infection in your cat untreated, which could put the health of your entire household in jeopardy.