Intestinal Parasites
Cats may be infected with several types of intestinal parasites. The most common include roundworm (ascarid), hookworm, tapeworm and Giardia. Kittens with mild infections may not show any clinical signs, but can develop a pot-bellied appearance, diarrhea, and vomiting. Because most intestinal parasites are not easy to see and infection may cause only mild disease, it is important to submit a fecal sample to your veterinarian once or twice a year for screening. If your cat does contract intestinal parasites, they can be easily eliminated through medication.
Fleas Can Transmit Tapeworm to Your Cat
Tapeworm is transmitted to cats via an intermediate vector such as insects or prey animals. Fleas, lice, crickets and many rodents are all intermediate hosts for certain species of tapeworm. Therefore, if at any time your cat contracts fleas, ingests insects, or hunts and consumes prey animals, he is at risk for tapeworm infection.
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