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Cats + Parasites

  • Toxoplasma occurs worldwide. However, infection is uncommon in pet cats that do little or no hunting and primarily or exclusively eat commercial cat foods. Despite the high number of cats infected with T. gondii, very few show significant clinical signs. Humans are most commonly infected by eating contaminated food. Most people infected with this organism do not develop clinical disease. However, infection during pregnancy may be transmitted to the fetus and sometimes cause severe damage. Many pet cats will never be exposed to Toxoplasma and, therefore, cannot pass the infection on to humans.

  • Contenido en español actualizado.
    Translated from the original English article Toxoplasmosis

  • Tritrichomonas blagburni (also known as Tritrichomonas foetus) is a single-celled parasite. Cats are infected with tritrichomonas by accidentally ingesting the parasite when they drink contaminated water, groom an infected cat, or groom themselves after being contaminated with infected feces, litter, or bedding.

  • Adding a kitten to your family is exciting and also a big responsibility. It is important to work with your veterinarian to keep your kitten safe and healthy. This handout includes information about basic kitten care, including vaccinations, internal and external parasites, microchipping, and the importance of early spaying or neutering.

  • Von Willebrand's disease causes an inability for blood to clot resulting in excessive bleeding. If this disease is suspected, initial screening tests include a complete blood count (CBC), buccal mucosal bleeding time, and a coagulation profile. More advanced diagnostics include assays that assess the quantity and functionality of vWF. DNA testing is available and most commonly used to evaluate animals used in breeding programs.

  • Whipworms are intestinal parasites that can cause severe irritation to the intestines. Whipworm infection rarely affects cats. Large infestations of whipworm can cause watery diarrhea, weight loss, and general debilitation. Smaller infestations are likely to be asymptomatic.

  • Regular preventive health care for your cat can increase the length and quality of her life. Healthcare guidelines are established and kept up to date using the most recent evidence-based recommendations including the recommendation that all cats receive a complete veterinary examination at least once a year or more frequently, depending on their individual needs and health concerns.