Many parasites can reside in a cat's digestive system, causing disease. Most parasites are ingested. Cats may catch these parasites from other infected cats.
-
Roundworms
-
Roundworms are very common in a cat's intestines. These are transferred through the cat's feces or by the ingestion of the eggs. Roundworms can become fatal if the amount is so much that it causes an intestinal block. Treatment is available.
Hookworms
-
Hookworms are parasites that live in the cat's intestines. These parasites are small and slender and will not be visible in the cat's feces. Cats become infected when the eggs are on the cat's skin or are ingested. The parasites can cause blood loss in the intestines where they are attached. Symptoms include black feces. The cat can be treated, but diagnosis isn't easy.
Tapeworms
-
Tapeworms look like ribbons. The cat can be diagnosed with tapeworm because parts of the tape worm are visible through the cat's rectum or in its feces. Most tapeworms are transferred through eating an infected rodent. This is treatable, but can be passed to humans.
Stomach Worms
-
Stomach worms are parasites that reside in the cat's stomach. Outdoor cats are more susceptible to getting stomach worms. Symptoms include vomiting and weight loss. Cats are infected by ingesting the vomit of an infected cat. Treatment is available.
Whipworms
-
Whipworms are parasites that live in your cat's large intestine. They do not cause serious damage. Whipworms are not common in the United States.
-