How Cats Can Transmit Infection

Feline Parasites

Probably the best known external parasite is the flea, others include mites and ticks. Internal parasites include round worms and tape worms. All animals at some time in their lives will get fleas, and the cat is no exception; I prefer to give my own cat the "Program" treatment. This is given once a month, mixed with the cat's food and prevents fleas from reproducing.

Ear mites cause a foul smelling discharge inside the cat's ear, but is easily treated by your veterinarian. Fur mites (mange) is easily confused with ringworm as it causes fur loss and scabby patches. Again, it should be correctly diagnosed and treated by a veterinarian. Ticks are more common in rural cats as they are often found on farm animals. They bury deep under the skin, and are difficult to remove, if part of the tick is left in the skin an abscess will develop causing more problems. The most effective way to remove a tick is to anaesthetize it with alcohol, it will then release its grip and can be removed in its entirety with a pair of tweezers.

Round worms and tape worms cause a cat to generally feel 'off colour'. Wear rubber gloves when changing the litter tray, and look for the signs of tape worm eggs in the faeces. They resemble grains of rice in appearance. Both types of worms can be treated by a course of tablets, but regular 'worming' would be a good preventative step to take.

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