Domestic cats are as susceptible to diseases as street pets. The appearance of worms (helminths) and fleas in pets is not uncommon. Therefore, domestic cats need proper care and attention.
Where do the worms come from
Worms are parasites that inhabit, multiply and feed in humans and animals. They can live not only in the intestines and stomach, but also in other organs: lungs, heart. The owners of purebred, domestic cats are often surprised when worms are found in their beloved pet. Even eating exclusively purchased feed does not save animals from parasites. Sometimes, already in the womb, the kitten becomes infected with worms, which will be longer in length than the newborn itself. There are a great many ways of infection. The owners take risks when they feed the pet with raw meat, liver and fish. It is in these products that invisible larvae can be contained. If the food was poorly cooked or insufficiently cooked, then the larvae may not die.
The person himself, without suspecting it, becomes a carrier of the disease. Worm eggs can be brought home on the soles of shoes, on clothes. Then the eggs fall on the floor, on which the animals walk. As you know, cats wash themselves with their tongues, and all the dirt enters the body.
A cat can become infected from neighboring pets when playing, mating or eating from a common bowl. Many insects are carriers of infection. Flies feed on trash bins and dumps, then fly into the apartment, where they are attacked by pets. Cats love to feast on their prey. After that, worms are found in the pet. It is necessary to remove fleas from cats. Fleas can cause infections.
Prevention against parasites
It will not be possible to completely protect the cat from parasites. It is necessary to give the pet anthelmintic drugs every three months. You should always pay attention to the behavior of the animal, examine the excretion products for the presence of parasites.
Symptoms of the disease include: lethargy, depression, weight loss, poor appetite, developmental delays, tousled hair, restlessness, mucus and blood in the feces. Cats can constantly lick their anus due to severe itching.
What to do if worms are found
If worms are found in a cat, it is necessary to immediately begin treatment, because the disease is dangerous for humans. There are a lot of varieties of parasites, and about 32 of them are dangerous for both cats and humans. During the period of illness, it is necessary to isolate the cat from the owners to avoid infection. Be sure to wash your hands after holding your pet. It is necessary to disinfect the house, wash the floors more often, change the litter and litter box for the cat, disinfect the bowls of food and prevent the food from rotting so that flies do not breed.
