Roundworm In Cats
TYPES OF ROUNDWORM IN CATS AND HOW THEY INFECT
By Tess Thomps
Roundworms are common feline parasites that can infect cats of all ages. During a lifetime practically all cats get infected at one time or another because roundworms can even transmit to kittens through the lactating mother.
There are two species of roundworm that predominantly infect cats.
Toxocara cati
Toxascaris leonina
Eggs of Toxocara cati pass through the feces of an infected cat. The embryonic worm in the microscopic egg needs a month in the open environment to reach its infective stage. Having reached the infective stage, Toxocara eggs can weather harsh conditions and survive for years.
This second stage larvae are ingested by a cat or by another animal. They hatch in the intestines. This is the primary host of the roundworm. The young roundworm then migrates and gets encysted in other body tissues of the host.
If the primary host is a cat, larvae get encysted in the cat’s liver. From here onwards the larvae can take two routes depending upon the condition of the host cat.
A trigger like stress can induce the larvae to move on to the lungs and the air passages. From here it can be coughed up. This third stage larva is generally swallowed and reaches the intestinal tract.
If the host cat is a nursing mother, larvae move on to the mammary glands instead of the lungs. From here it passes on to the young kittens through milk.
If the primary host is another animal like mice and rodents, the larvae remain encysted in the host till it is ingested by a cat.
Toxascaris leonina are a less migratory and the second stage larvae reach the intestines and start maturing. The species can mature in the primary host itself.
Symptoms of worms in dogs and cats are almost similar. Severe infestation can cause pneumonia when the second stage larvae reach the lungs. In the intestines roundworms can multiply faster than any other worms in dogs and cats and can therefore cause a blockage in the passage.
Like dog tapeworm, roundworms too pose a substantial threat to humans. The main source of infection is the soil where cats and dogs have defecated. Rather than barring children from playing in such areas, it is better to get the area cleared of animal feces. Adults who work in contaminated areas should take proper precaution against accidental ingestion.
References:
http://marvistavet.com/html/body_roundworms_in_cats___kittens.html
http://petsandparasites.org/cat-owners/roundworms.html
Is your pet suffering with an ailment or experiencing a condition like what we've discussed here? Check out PetAlive for terrific pet health tips and information as well as 100% safe, effective and unconditionally guaranteed pet health remedies!
More Articles
Natural Remedies For Tumors In Cats
SIGNS OF LIVER FAILURE IN CATS
Related Products
 DGP Dog Gone Pain Aches and pains reduce your dog's enjoyment of life and our enjoyment of th |
 Digestion Reliever™ For fast, safe relief of gas, cramping, pain and other abdominal discomfort |
 Digestive Blend ActiPet Digestive Blend contains prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria, |
 Digestive Support for Cats An effective formula for cats to support proper digestion and bowel health. |
More Articles
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF A BRAIN TUMOR IN CATS
... the accompanying edema and inflammation can cause: Irritability and Lethargy. Compulsive walking and walking in circles as if possessed. Pressing the head against hard surfaces. Loud meowing, mood swings and manic grooming. Before the advent of new imaging techniques like CT scan and MRI, brain tumors ...
... examination is necessary for an effective prevention regime. Intestinal parasites have a public health angle to them. Children are exposed to dog and cat feces in playgrounds and adults run the risk of accidentally eating contaminated food. Some simple methods of keeping the environment clean and adopting ...
... vascular growth on the surface of a mucous membrane that appears almost similar to a squamous cell tumor. The first step in diagnosis is to get a biopsy of the polyp and remove doubts regarding a cancerous growth. The most common treatment of an ear polyp is through surgical removal. Usually, the veterinarian ...
... start eating three times its normal diet or refuse to eat. As the disease progresses, it can lead to poor hair coat, liver disease and frequent secondary bacterial infections. Diabetes is a highly progressive disease and severe conditions may lead to diabetic neuropathy. It is caused by glucose toxicity ...
... anxiety. In most cases, they tend to follow their owners and indulge in self grooming. Sometimes the excessive licking and cleaning can cause psychogenic alopecia. It is unfortunate that a large majority of the cat separation anxiety cases are caused due to ignorance on the part of cat owners. People ...