Cat Parasites & Jaundice

A parasitic infection can cause a number of symptoms in cats. One of these is jaundice, which is a yellowing of bodily tissues, such as the gums. Jaundice itself is not a condition but a symptom of an underlying medical problem. These include liver problems or kidney failure, both of which are potentially life threatening. Owners that think their cat has jaundice should consult a veterinarian immediately.

  1. Identification

    • Jaundice is identifiable by the yellowish hue it causes in certain mucous membranes. In cats, this will show up in the whites of the eyes, the skin and the gums. According to Pets.ca, lethargy, weight loss, difficulty breathing and an increase in thirst might accompany jaundice. The cat might also have a swollen stomach. A veterinarian will conduct blood tests to confirm that the cat has a parasitic infection.

    Significance

    • Jaundice is a symptom rather than a disease in its own right, and an important indicator that the cat is suffering from a more serious illness. Parasites that affect the cat's red blood cells will cause jaundice and anemia could also occur, reports website PetMD. If left untreated, this condition will make the cat seriously ill and possibly be fatal.

    Causes

    • Blood parasites, including the Babesia parasite, can cause jaundice. As website PetMD explains, the parasite is transmitted through ticks or an animal bite. It affects the red blood cells, causing them to break down and release excess hemoglobin into the blood stream. In response, the body releases a substance called bilirubin. The cat's liver is unable to process the increased levels of bilirubin and this causes the yellow tinge in the eyes, gums and skin.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Several ways exist to prevent parasitic infections and jaundice. If an owner has an outdoor cat, he can take several precautions to avoid tick bites. These include cutting any long grass in the cat's territory and checking the cat every day for signs of ticks, especially between May and September when the tick population is highest. A veterinarian can prescribe medications to treat a cat's parasitic infection and jaundice. The veterinarian might also want to re-test the cat every few months to monitor its recovery.

    Considerations

    • Babesia parasites can enter a cat's bloodstream through a tick bite, a bite from an infected animal or an infected blood transfusion. An infected mother cat can pass Babesia parasites to its fetus. According to website PetMD, although it takes around two weeks for the parasite larvae to become adults, the symptoms of this parasitic infection can be so mild that it isn't diagnosed for months or even years after infection.