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There are numerous types of internal and external parasites that infect cats. Internal parasites enter the body of the feline and select one of the feline’s internal organs. An internal parasite can live in the heart, lungs, liver, intestine, or stomach, whereas an external parasite retires to the skin and hair of a feline. A parasitic infection can cause the feline to lose weight, develop skin conditions, lose hair, become resistant to physical activity, cough, lose blood and even die suddenly due to the parasites taking over the body. Some cats do not show signs of a parasitic infection, which is why a veterinary evaluation is required.
A parasitic infection in cats is characterized by one or more parasites using the feline as a host. Parasites are organisms that need a host or other living organism to carry out their life cycle. A parasite can live on or inside a feline’s body, causing numerous health problems that can be life-threatening. Parasites live in the environment and use intermediate hosts as transportation to their permanent host. A cat can infect herself with a parasite by drinking contaminated water, eating contaminated food, coming in contact with an infected animal, being bitten by a mosquito, being bitten by a tick, or from cleaning her paws after being outside. Other parasites can latch onto the cat’s fur, crawl into the ears and even burrow into the skin or hair follicle.
Parasitic Infection Average Cost
From 512 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
Symptoms of a parasitic infection in a cat could be numerous or non-existent, depending on the severity of the infestation and the type of parasite infecting the cat. Some parasites, such as tapeworms, fleas or ticks, are large enough to spot on the feline or within the fecal matter. Other parasitic infections can be spotted through a feline’s symptoms including:
Types
Internal Parasitic infection
External
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The exact cause of a parasitic infection in cats depends on the type of parasite the feline is infected with. External and internal parasites can infect any feline, however, cats with poor immunity, that live outdoors, are very old or very young, or live in poor conditions are more prone to an infestation.
External parasites usually infect a feline during the warmer parts of the year, when the eggs hatch in the environment. Fleas, ticks, mites, and lice latch onto the cat when she goes walks through tall grass, climbs a tree, or comes into contact with another infected feline.
Internal parasites can be transmitted to a feline through a flea bite (tapeworms), mosquito bite (heartworms), ingestion of contaminated meat (tapeworm/roundworm), drinking contaminated water, coming into contact with contaminated feces or cleaning of the paws after being outdoors (whipworms).
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The diagnosis of a parasitic infection can be done through an examination of the blood, feces or urine of a feline. The exact diagnostic test depends on the type of parasite the feline is infected with, but your veterinarian may choose to perform:
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An external parasitic infection in cats may be treated orally or topically, depending on the severity of the infestation. Ask your veterinarian about the appropriate flea, tick, mite, or lice treatment product for your cat and her condition. Internal parasites are always treated with oral medication and most are sold commercially. However, heartworms are extremely difficult to treat and your cat may require inpatient hospitalization. Also, if your cat has developed anemia, the veterinarian may advise a blood transfusion in addition to drug therapy.
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The prognosis for a parasitic infection in cats depends on the parasite and the age and overall health of the feline before the infection occurred. Fleas, ticks, mites, lice, tapeworms, roundworm and whipworms are all very treatable, with most patients making a complete recovery. The treatment for heartworms, however, can be difficult for the cat and not all felines make it through the course of treatment. The key to avoidng any parasitic infection is preventing the parasite from taking over your cat’s body. Talk to your veterinarian about steps you can take to prevent a parasitic infection in your cat.
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Parasitic Infection Average Cost
From 512 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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Ask a Vet
Mutt
Seven Years
Unknown severity
0 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
My cat is so skinny and she sheds a lot. I look at her poop and don't see any worms. The test the vet wants to do is a couple hundred dollars, which I can't afford. She seems twitchy along her spine. She doesn't necessarily have a noisy breathing, but rather heavy breathing. Thanks
Sept. 25, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay in my reply, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. With out being able to see her, unfortunately, I have a hard time shedding any light on what might be going on with her. It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get any testing or treatment taken care of that might be needed. Most veterinary clinics take Care Credit and Scratch Pay as forms of payment for unexpected expenses, and that may be something that you can do.
Oct. 19, 2020
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Emcee
Siamese mix
5 Months
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
My kitten was fixed a week ago. Her poop smells very bad and she often gives off that odor. Also, the poop is still in that place. Her stool looks a bit runny. She doesn’t have flea/tick prevention yet, but she is an inside cat.
Sept. 11, 2018
Emcee's Owner
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Lucky
not known
8 Years
Moderate severity
0 found helpful
Moderate severity
Has Symptoms
We had a kitten stay with us a couple days and it turns out the kitten had a parasite. My cat had blood work done that showed elevated levels that could show that a parasite is present. He constantly scratches himself in the neck area and leaves scabs.
Aug. 14, 2018
Lucky's Owner
0 Recommendations
The specific parasite should be identified and treated accordingly, also you should be giving any cats in your home regular anthelmintics and flea & tick prevention. Speak with the Veterinarian to determine the parasite and ask for a prescription for treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 14, 2018
My cat has yellow skin and yellow gums. She is eating but throwing up every 3 days. I take her in Wednesday. Any meds I can give her?
Sept. 2, 2018
John W.
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Lucy
Persian
9 Weeks
Critical severity
0 found helpful
Critical severity
Has Symptoms
My cat is 9 weeks and not vaccinated. She had diarrhea and took her to Vet. They hospitalized her for 3 days. Once I visited her today, was weaker than the other days. And they told me she was collapse earlier because of low blood sugar. I want to know is it related to parasite or she has another issues as well?
Parasitic Infection Average Cost
From 512 quotes ranging from $200 - $500
Average Cost
$250
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