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Cats + Parasites

  • Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a skin condition caused by an allergic reaction to the proteins in flea saliva. Cats usually experience only minor skin irritation in response to flea bites, but in cats with flea allergies, the antigens in flea saliva cause an intensely itchy response. Strict flea control is essential for treatment and prevention.

  • Fleas are the most common nuisance and parasite affecting cats, and an infestation can lead to serious health problems. Homes with carpets and central heating provide ideal conditions for the year-round growth of fleas. This handout outlines flea control options for your cat and your home.

  • Fluralaner (brand name Bravecto®) is given by mouth or applied topically to treat and prevent flea and tick infestations in dogs and cats. It is sometimes used off label to treat sarcoptic mange, demodectic mange, or ear mites in dogs and cats. It is also sometimes used for skin and ear mites in rabbits and hedgehogs.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Giardia in Cats

  • Giardia is a microscopic, parasitic organism that causes an intestinal infection in humans and animals called giardiasis. It is relatively rare in healthy adult cats and more commonly seen in kittens and debilitated adult cats, often occurring in densely populated groups such as catteries or animal shelters. Infected cats may have no signs.

  • Harvest mites, also known as red bugs, trombiculid mites, scrub-itch mites, berry bugs or, in their larval stage, as chiggers, are mites commonly found in forests and grasslands. Larval stages affect warm-blooded animals and cause a very itchy skin reaction.

  • Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are blood-borne parasites that reside in the heart or nearby large blood vessels of infected animals. Veterinarians now strongly recommend that all cats receive year-round monthly heartworm preventives.

  • Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite that typically affects dogs but can occasionally occur in cats. Heartworm is usually diagnosed with a simple blood test. Unlike in dogs, treatment options are limited in cats. Heartworm preventives are available for cats. Your veterinarian can advise you on the best prevention program for your cat.

  • There is no drug approved for treating heartworms in cats and surgical removal is generally the best option. Veterinarians now strongly recommend that all cats receive heartworm preventative.

  • Hookworm is a parasitic infection of the gastrointestinal tract. The parasites have hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. This handout outlines clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.