Cats can get both internal and external parasites. Common internal parasites that affect the digestive tract include roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, which can be passed through droppings or from mother to kittens. External parasites that are found on the skin and coat include fleas and ticks. Tiny single-celled organisms (protozoa), as well as heartworms, also can infect cats.
To keep your cat safe from parasites:
Regularly check your cat’s droppings and have them tested for worms once a year or more, especially if you have kittens or outdoor cats that may be exposed to parasites when they go outside.
Clean litter boxes frequently and wash your hands after handling cat waste.
Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations for parasite prevention and treatment.
Common Parasites of Cats
Parasite | Transmission | Effect on Health |
|---|---|---|
Roundworms & hookworms | Eating parasite eggs in droppings or swallowing in mother’s milk | Damage to the digestive tract and nutrient loss |
Tapeworms | Eating infected fleas or prey animals | Nutrient loss |
Flukes or lungworms | Eating infected aquatic hosts (like snails) | Damage to lungs, liver, or intestines |
Intestinal protozoa | Eating parasite eggs in droppings or infected prey | Damage to the digestive tract; can affect pregnant women |
Heartworms | Being bitten by infected mosquitoes | Damage to lungs and heart |
Fleas, ticks & mites | Direct contact with infected animals | Skin damage, itching, and potential infections |
Cuterebra (a type of bot fly) | Contact with fly larvae near rodent or rabbit holes | Swelling under the skin, possible infections |
Parasite control is especially important because some parasites can cause disease in people. For example, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis can pass into cats' droppings. People can be exposed to it when they clean an infected cat's litter box. People particularly at risk for infection include pregnant women, young children, and anyone with a weakened immune system, like people with HIV infections or patients receiving chemotherapy for cancer. Talk to your veterinarian for more information.
