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Parasites |
External parasites
Certain creatures such as fleas, ticks, lice and mites may be tiny but can cause your cat - and you! - big headaches. Read on to find out how to recognize signs of unwelcome visitors and what to do about it.
Fleas
Fleas are visible to the naked eye. A cat can have fleas even if it isn't scratching. Cats that are itchy are often allergic to the flea's saliva. As a result, each flea bite causes intense itching, redness of the skin and small red bumps. Just a few bites on a highly allergic animal may cause a severe reaction. The problem is much worse in the summer and autumn in areas where the winters are cold. In warm climates, it is a year-round problem. Fleas reproduce in the animal's environment, i.e. at home during the winter. If your cat has fleas, don't just treat him - treat all the other animals in the house and the surrounding environment. There are a number of dips, sprays, or shampoos to use for treatment against fleas. Check with you local pet supply store.
Ticks
Ticks are also visible to the naked eye. To remove a tick, grasp it near the cat's skin with tweezers. Apply gentle traction to remove the entire head and mouth parts. Do not twist. Be careful not to puncture or crush the body to avoid releasing the eggs into the surroundings. In addition, check your cat's environment and treat accordingly.
Mites
You should also be aware of mites, which can only be detected through a microscope.
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live on the surface of the skin lining in the ear canal. They pierce the skin surface to feed, causing inflammation and discomfort. If left untreated, bacterial infections and loss of hearing may result.
It's a problem both cats and dogs experience, and these are the warning signs:
- excessive and persistent scratching around the ears;
- head shaking;
- restless behaviour;
- the ears are painful to the touch and the pet may cry out in pain;
- brown material present in the ears;
- a foul smelling odour.
Internal parasites
In cats, the primary sites inhabited by internal parasites are the gastrointestinal tract, the lungs, the pancreas, and the liver. Low numbers of parasites often are not detected because the cat does not show any clinical signs of infection. Infections typically become pathogenic when there are large numbers of worms present, when they interfere with the normal functioning of the organ that they inhabit, or when the cat is malnourished or immuno-compromised.
Parasites of the digestive system
Stomach or intestinal parasites can be transmitted in the mother's womb, through direct contact with an infected animal or by eating a parasitized substance. Parasites can cause diarrhea, vomiting or developmental delays. A twice-yearly stool examination performed by your veterinarian can detect parasites and quickly remedy the situation.
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