Parasites in Cats & Humans

Pinworms

• Pinworms most commonly affect humans, especially children, and make their home in the colon. They are tiny thread-like worms, sometimes known as threadworms. The pinworm lay its eggs outside of the body and is transmitted to other parts of the body through uncleanliness of hands, clothes and bed linens.

Roundworms

• Roundworm is the most common worm that affects cats. The roundworm is cream-colored, about three to five inches long and lives within the intestines of the cat. They are also very common in humans because of ingesting the worm eggs that can be found on fruits and vegetables. Cats also are at risk by eating worm eggs in feces, licking other infected animals or eating rodents.

Hookworms

• Hookworms in cats can appear as pinworms in humans as they too are tiny, thread-like worms. They live in the cat's intestines and feed off the blood, causing anemia in the felines. Humans can get this parasite through contaminated water, fruits and vegetables. They host themselves in the human intestines, feeding off the blood, as well, as this particular worm actually has teeth.

Tapeworms

• This worm is not very common in humans since it is caused by fleabites that are infected with tapeworm larvae. They are very hard to detect by the human eye, about one quarter inch in length, almost resembling a grain of rice. They also live within the intestines and are easily passed from cat to cat through feces, by ingesting infected fleas while grooming themselves or eating infected rodents. Humans can be in danger if the eggs are accidentally ingested, but good hygiene virtually eliminates any of these risks.

Liver Flukes

• This worm lives within the liver and gallbladder of the human or the cat that is infected, usually through eating raw fish, toads, snails or any other hosts that carries the larvae. They can also be passed on through contaminated feces, fruits, vegetables and even in the water you drink or swim in.

Prevention/Solution/Treatment

• In humans, it cannot be stressed enough the importance of cleanliness when handling anything that may be contaminated. Always wash your hands after using the restroom, handling your pet or cleaning up after them, after gardening and handling soil, or any other unsanitary condition. Be sure to thoroughly wash all produce before consuming it, clean your meats and cook them well. To prevent the chance of parasites in your cat, first keep their litter box and their other common play areas hygienic, monitor your cat and his environment if he must go outside, monitor as well what he eats and deter any chances of him catching a rodent, insects, birds or any other carriers of parasites. There are medications that can be given to cats, once monthly, to lessen any chances of being infected.

  Treatment of parasites in humans depends on the particular parasite involved and your reaction to that treatment. Some of the possible medications your doctor may prescribe are Mebendazole, Thiabendazole, Metronidazole or Nitazoxanide. Drug and medical treatment as prescribed by your own physician works faster with fewer side effects. Cats can also get the same type of medical treatment from your veterinarian by administering specific medications such as Drontal, Cestex or Inteceptor tablets to treat the particular parasite involved. It may be a challenge to get your cat to take the medication, though it is best advised to disguise the pill in your cat's favorite food or treat.

Tips/Warnings

• As humans, we usually know when we do not feel well, which signals a problem, such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, rashes and abdominal pain. Your cat cannot tell you if he is feeling unwell, although they may have many of the same symptoms. Be aware of changes in your cat's actions, behaviors and potty habits. Also get a stool sample tested every year or as directed by your vet as a precautionary measure.