Did you know that cats are easy targets for parasites?

Unfortunately it’s the truth, so planning ahead can be your best bet to keeping your cat safe from parasites. No matter what the season, our furry friends are being targeted by unwanted and undesirable parasites. Luckily parasite infestations are easy to prevent and Brook Farm’s team of experienced professionals are here to help!

Planning Ahead

At your cats annual wellness exam we will discuss the best treatments to use to fight off parasites. Don’t worry, these are affordable options that treat various potential diseases that can be transmitted to your cat. At Brook Farm Veterinary Center we will base your pet’s dosage off of your pet’s age, weight, and lifestyle to make sure we get the best results possible. 

It’s important that pet parents are aware that all cats, indoor and outdoor, be treated for potential parasites. 

Externally

These external parasites tend to find themselves attaching to your cat’s hair or skin: 

1. Fleas

These small jumping parasites will suck the blood of any mammal, including humans. Fleas cause the skin to become itchy and can become very dangerous if they transmit internal parasites, tapeworms, and pathogens into the bloodstream. 

2. Ticks

Typically found in wooded and grassy areas, ticks attach themselves to our cats limbs or the stomach region. If your cat is an indoor cat, ticks can still be a worry as they can travel into the home on your clothes or shoes.  Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain fever are commonly associated with tick bites and can become very serious if gone untreated.

3. Mites

Mites tend to live on our cats skin and can cause pain, irritation, hair loss, and sometimes even bacterial infections. Ear mites are known to feed on our cat’s auditory canal. One way to recognize that your cat may have ear mites is if you notice them shaking their head or scratching at their head and ears excessively. 

Internally

These internal parasites can get inside of your cat’s organs and become dangerous to their overall health:

1. Roundworms - Often found in water and soil these roundworms roam inside their hosts until they  reach the intestines, where they then grow to about six inches long, and cause serious discomfort and severe vomiting. 
2. Tapeworms - If your cat eats prey that it’s found, like a mouse in the garage or something that happens to have been infected by tapeworms, your cat will likely lose weight and appear fatigued.
3. Hookworms - Microscopic in size, and nearly impossible to see female hookworms pass hundreds of eggs into our cats stool. Hookworms are most commonly found in areas that are warm and moist, however we see it very often that a cat will develop a hookworm infestation from grooming their own feet. Signs of infestation include, weight loss, anemia, blood in their stool, and a dull coat of fur. 
4. Coccidia - Cats can pick these up from eating birds or mice, or if they come into contact with the stool of an infected animal. Coccidia causes diarrhea and lives in our cats intestinal lining. 
5. Heartworm - One bite from a mosquito can be life threatening and can lead to heartworm disease. Unfortunately in cats, heartworm is untreatable, which is why our team at Brook Farm Veterinary Center is so committed to year round prevention for your pets.

Year round prevention is essential for our pets. Parasites can try to take over our pets, both internally and externally, but with prevention we’ll have the upper leg in the battle against parasites.. Being proactive with your pet’s health by getting them tested at least once per year is a great way to show them that you care. Protect your loved ones from potential infections and infestations with prevention. Talk to your Veterinarian to see what prevention method is best for you and your pet!

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