External Parasites in Cat

Cats have been petted since as early as 3500 BC. Egyptians domesticated wild cats from Africa. These wildcats then became the most treasured pets. Cats have fascinated the literary stalwarts like T. S. Eliot who wrote a collection of poems called “Id Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”. This collection was about feline psychology and sociology. Considering the fascination for cats that we humans have, we also need to take care of them as we pet them. Cats need to be taken care of though it is a known fact that they are very hygienic. Cat care and cat health is of utmost importance if you have a pet cat. From a young age, cats get infested with external parasites. Most common of them are ticks on cats, lice, fleas, or cat mites. This infestation causes skin irritation. It is also a reason for cat illnesses.

Cat Care

There are many safe anti-parasitic treatments that can be used on a long-term basis to protect your pet cat from the external parasites. Parasites are organisms that feed on other creatures to survive. Generally, among cats they live on and feed on cat’s blood. Detecting internal ones are difficult. But, when you have a close look at the skin and fur you can detect and uncover their traces like ear mites and fleas. 

Worms are internal parasites in cats.

Ear mites:

They take residence in the cat’s ear canals. As they feed on them, they create an intense itching. It scratches behind her ears and violently shakes her head regularly. When you peep inside her ears, you will see dark flecks that look like coffee grounds; these are actually mites’ droppings. If you suspect ear mites in cats, contact a veterinarian.

Coccidia:

Coccidia are microscopic parasites. They live within the lining of the intestines in the cells. When they are left untreated, cats become weak and dehydrated. Coccidiosis is treatable. But, drugs do not kill these parasites, but inhibit their reproduction. Elimination of these parasites from the intestine is very slow.

Ringworm:

It is not a worm in the true sense, but rather the name for a type of fungus. This fungus is related to the fungus that causes athlete’s foot in humans. It causes discomfort, but is very contagious to cats and humans too. When left untreated, it weakens the immune system. It leaves your cat to other diseases too.

fleas in cats

Fleas:

They are the most infamous external parasites in cats. They eat no more than a drop of blood each. A flea can cause anemia and even death in cats. It sucks the life from the cat and the fleas transmit tapeworms. Just a few cat fleas can cause discomfort in cats, especially if she is allergic to fleabites. The best way is to prevent fleas before they attack your cat.