All owners of four-legged pets periodically face the problem of infestation with their parasitic worms - helminths. These parasites are called worms in everyday life.
Veterinarians recommend deworming cats twice a year - in autumn and spring. And now, in October, it's time for a cat to germinate.
But first a little bit of information. You should understand what helminthiasis is and that it can cause serious damage to cats' health, up to and including the death of the animal.
However, with timely diagnosis and proper treatment of worms, it is easy enough to get rid of them.
HELMINTHES THAT PARASITIZE CATS
Worm-shaped parasites of cats belong to two classes - flat (tapeworms and suckers) and round (nematodes).
Most often, the worms parasitize in the intestines of fluffy pets. But there are known species that can live in the liver, blood vessels, lungs, brain, and even cat hearts.
They feed on animal tissues and blood cells, while releasing toxic products.
SOURCES OF INFECTION
The breeding cycle of most helminths occurs with a change of hosts. Cats are residual hosts, and their bodies are home to an adult worm. Its larvae usually develop in the body of the intermediate host (mouse, rat, fish, some insects, and shellfish). They are the main source of infection.
Eating their prey raw, cats "settle" a parasite larva in their intestines. The larvae develop into adults who attach themselves to the walls of the digestive canal or migrate to other organs (depending on the type of helminths).
Other types of worms develop in cats from eggs. They get into the animal's body during walks, from the owner's hands or shoes, because in the external environment helminth eggs are everywhere.
A sick cat can become a source of infection for its host.
SIGNS OF WORM INFECTION IN CATS
Attentive loving hosts will soon notice signs of helminth infestation of pets.
- Cat hair dulling,
- Appetite drops, but there may be a thirst,
- After feeding cats, they vomit with foam,
- Diarrhea or constipation occurs, which cannot be explained by the composition of the food,
- The animal's high appetite is accompanied by weight loss,
- The parasites come out of the body with vomit or feces,
- The animal suffers from anemia, shortness of breath,
- The cat's getting thinner, but her stomach's going to explode.
HOW TO GET RID OF WORMS
Modern veterinary science has a huge arsenal of means to withdraw helminths in a few days. Anti-clay preparations are produced in the form of tablets, injectable solutions, droplets and suspensions.
Some of them are effective in combating a certain type of parasites, others have a wide range of actions. A doctor or a pharmacy worker will help you to choose the right drug.
A good result can be obtained by using folk remedies, but they are more difficult to introduce to animals.
PREVENTION OF HELMINTHIASIS
Given the ways in which cats are infected with parasitic worms, some rules should be followed to prevent disease:
- Meat and fish should be given only after heat treatment.
- Periodically treat your cat for fleas and helminths.
- Clean the room as often as possible, wash the trays and feeding bowls with disinfectants.
- When coming from the street, wash your shoes thoroughly with soapy water and keep them out of the reach of your pets.
- Wash your cat's hands with soap and water before and after handling her.