Parasite prevention and parasitological testing in cats
The role of preventive healthcare in animal care cannot be overstated, and when properly implemented, these measures can help prevent many health problems.When it comes to cats, preventive measures include protecting them from parasites.What exactly does this look like, and what should you keep in mind??
Types of cat parasites
In the wild, cats are attacked by two types of parasites: external (ectoparasites) and internal (endoparasites).The first group includes intestinal parasites such as nematodes, tapeworms, hookworms, trichuris, and Giardia—which is particularly difficult to treat—as well as extraintestinal parasites: pulmonary, cardiac, and subcutaneous nematodes.The second category includes insects (fleas, midges, flies, lice, and chiggers) and arthropods (ticks, ear mites, skin mites, and demodex mites).
Despite the wide variety of antiparasitic products available on the market, it is still difficult to find a one-size-fits-all solution.Therefore, in order to effectively address a parasite problem and rid your pet of disease, treatment is necessary, combined with follow-up testing to definitively determine whether the therapy has achieved the desired results.
The same applies to prevention.Here, too, we must pay close attention to the product’s spectrum of activity, as it may turn out that the product we choose will not protect our pet from a particular type of parasite it happens to come into contact with.
Does every cat need parasite prevention??
Many cat owners believe that if their cats don’t go outside, they don’t need this kind of protection.Unfortunately, that's not true, especially when it comes to internal parasites.It turns out that our pet can become infected through us—we thus become a vector for transmission, whether directly (e.g., via our shoes or clothing) or indirectly (e.g., via objects we bring into the home).
When it comes to protection against external parasites, it should first and foremost be provided for those animals that actually leave the proverbial “four walls” — whether during walks on a leash and in a harness, or when using aviaries or appropriately secured gardens.
It also happens that a cat may pick up uninvited guests if it shares its home with another pet, such as a dog—this is particularly true of ticks, which can move from the dog to the cat and vice versa.That is why we should be especially vigilant in households with dogs and cats.
How to protect your cat from internal parasites?
When it comes to protecting cats from internal parasites, there is still a lot of conflicting information out there.Until recently, many veterinarians recommended deworming all pets every three months.However, it is important to realize that deworming medications do have an effect on the body, which is why a second trend has emerged: to base deworming on the results of a parasitological stool test.
This test makes it possible to determine, based on specific results, whether the pet is suffering from a parasitic infestation or is free of it.The problem, however, is that for some parasites, the shedding of eggs, oocysts, or segments occurs periodically, which means that the timing of the test may not coincide with the appropriate stage of the parasite’s life cycle, and thus the infection may go undetected.
According to the guidelines of the Advisory Council on.According to the European Society for the Control of Parasites in Companion Animals (ESSCAP), cats are divided into two groups: those that stay indoors and those that roam freely outdoors.
For the first group, the risk of internal parasite infestation was assessed as low, due to the low likelihood that the animals would consume rodents infected with parasites.Therefore, it is recommended to perform a fecal exam 1–2 times a year and decide whether to deworm based on the results, or to deworm for nematodes no more than 1–2 times a year.
Conversely, for cats that explore their surroundings, the risk of internal parasite infestation was considered high, due to their hunting behavior and consumption of rodents infected with parasites.Therefore, it is recommended that these animals undergo parasitological stool testing at least four times a year, with treatment decisions based on the results; alternatively, preventive deworming once every three months is permitted, particularly for roundworms and tapeworms..
The worlds of external and internal parasites can overlap, and fleas—which serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms—are a perfect example of this.Therefore, if a cat becomes infested with this external parasite, it is necessary to take remedial action.
How to prepare for a stool test for your cat?
This is a test worth performing before a scheduled deworming, but also if your cat begins to show any abnormalities in digestion and nutrient absorption (such as diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, blood and mucus in the stool, foul-smelling feces, and other.).For parasite testing, stool samples are typically collected over three consecutive days, whereas for bacterial testing or digestibility testing, the sample must be fresh.That is why it is important to discuss with your veterinarian what kind of test will be performed so that you can prepare for it properly.
This is important because if the sample is not properly prepared, the test may yield an incorrect result.That is why it is important to know the procedure.
The three most common stool testing methods used to diagnose the presence of internal parasites in the body are:
- flotation – used primarily for the detection of eggs, cysts, and oocysts,
- sedimentation – most commonly used to search for mussels and clams,
- antigen tests – a rapid test with very high accuracy, recommended particularly for the diagnosis of giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and entamoebiasis.The accuracy of antigen tests is clearly demonstrated by the example of Giardia, which can be detected with this method at a rate of 97–98%, whereas the effectiveness of the flotation test ranges from only about 60–80%.
The problem of ectoparasites
The presence of external parasites is usually associated with symptoms such as itchy skin or ears, persistent scratching, and changes in the skin and hair.The presence of specific parasites can usually be determined fairly quickly through microscopic examination of the skin, hair, or, for example, ear discharge (even if the parasites themselves are not found, eggs, feces, or bite marks may be visible).
In the case of ectoparasites, outdoor cats or those living in large rotating groups are also more susceptible to infestation.However, this does not mean that a house cat will never get fleas.That's why it's also important to keep an eye on indoor cats.
It also happens that infestations with external parasites lead to additional health problems.One such example is Allergic Flea Dermatitis (AFD), which occurs in some cats and causes symptoms such as extremely intense itching, which can be triggered by literally a single bite.
Among ectoparasites, ticks also deserve special attention; unfortunately, they are very common in our climate zone and remain active for a long time—it is currently accepted that “tick season” in Poland begins in February and ends in November.
Unfortunately, ticks carry several dangerous diseases, including babesiosis, bartonellosis, and hemobartonellosis, which are particularly dangerous for cats.Therefore, if you notice a tick bite, you should closely monitor your pet in the days that follow, and if any concerning symptoms appear, consult a veterinary clinic immediately.
How to protect cats from external parasites?
First and foremost, we should not choose medications on our own: both because of their composition and because the dosage is usually calculated based on the patient’s body weight.It is also important to note that protective products are designed for specific species and should not be used indiscriminately.If we do this, we could put the cat in grave danger—even risking its life—for example, if the cat comes into contact with Permethrin, which is extremely toxic to cats but safe for dogs.
It is important to remember that the substances administered to animals are not harmless to their bodies—they may.in.put a strain on the liver.Each product must therefore be carefully selected to meet the cat’s needs, its condition, and the feasibility of administering it to the animal.The most common antiparasitic treatments come in the form of tablets, spot-on solutions applied to the back of the neck, or injections.However, it is important to remember that regardless of the method of administration, it is best to discuss the use of the medication, its type, and dosage with your veterinarian.
