Yes, is the answer to the question. Please read on. This is a complete page. The question asks whether a full-time indoor cat can become infested with parasitic worms which are called endoparasites. And the answer must be that they can but the chances of them becoming infested must be significantly lower than if they …
There is a specific health danger for ageing cats allowed outside: maggots. Skin disorders are more common in elderly cats. The skin is thinner and more easily damaged. From my personal experience – and the circumstances must vary – my then very elderly and sick tuxedo cat used to spend a lot of time in …
Water company comment on this In the UK, Collette Parker, Anglian Water customer engagement manager, said: This kind of animal waste should never be flushed down the loo. Although rare, dog and cat poo can carry Toxocara, which is one of the very few bacteria [they mean parasite] that we are unable to eliminate in …
Flushing cat litter down the loo can transmit Toxocara eggs to others and block sewers Read More »
I want to start this article with a personal experience. Many years ago, when my elderly female cat was dying of kidney disease at the age of 18, she spent a lot of time in the back garden, on the grass, snoozing. She was static for a long time and as a consequence she acquired …
This is a really excellent photograph, taken by a camera attached to a microscope, of a group of ear mites and some earwax. You can see their spider-like bodies. They look disgusting. In terms of the discomfort that they cause to cats they are disgusting. The photograph, in my view, is in the public domain …
Picture of cat ear mites (and details of ear mite anatomy and life cycle) Read More »
Cuterebra: bot fly larvae or warbles. I’ve seen one warble removed from the nose of a young kitten. The kitten was bloody pleased to have the operation done. They are normally passive and accepting as if they know that what is about to happen is going to be good and the discomfort (and pain?) is …
Video: vet techs remove 2 enormous warbles from a small kitten Read More »
If your cat is persistently pawing at their ear flaps (but not washing them), I believe you will need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Be aware that your cat is in discomfort, perhaps extreme discomfort due to itchiness and irritation, and as a responsible cat caregiver you need to remove the discomfort. …
In my opinion, there are three reasons why cats roll in dirt: To clean their fur Because it feels good (because the ground is uneven and it gently massages their back) To transmit chemical signals – pheromones – onto the ground as a way of marking territory. You won’t find an answer to the reason …
Flystrike in cats is particularly relevant right now, in the middle of the summer 2022, when there is the possibility of a record high temperature of 40°C in the UK (today) and across Europe there are very high temperatures specifically in Portugal, Spain and southern France. There is also a drought in northern Italy. This, …
The life-cycle of Toxoplasma gondii is complicated. People tend to oversimplify it. They see the domestic cat infecting humans with this protozoan parasite which is about the extent of general knowledge. It isn’t that simple; far from it. This article sets out to redress the balance and to mention an interesting study on a very …
Domestic cats overly criticised for their role as hosts of Toxoplasma gondii Read More »
Here are 16 tips on cat worms (endoparasites); one of the most unpleasant parasites to bug cats. Although a lot of cats tolerate worms because the most successful worm is the one who does not harm their cat host to the extent that they harm themselves. This is the fundamental principle of all parasites. Deworming …
A natural cure for cat’s ear infection can become an effective means to end the constant shaking of the head and scratching of the ear that accompanies this common ear problem. Or it may alleviate the condition. While your feline will most likely dislike any remedy that comes in contact with their ultra-sensitive ears, it …
Natural cure for cat’s ear infection – from pau d’ arco to Hepar Sulph Read More »
Food grade diatomaceous earth is a useful and natural way to control fleas in a multi-cat environment or, for example, for cat breeders. Diatomaceous Earth is dug from the ground as a soft rock and processed to be edible. It is regulated by a number of standards agencies such as the US Food and Drug …
Food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) – pluses and minuses Read More »
The hookworm life cycle is set out below in a chart. I also have a page on deworming cat treatments and a page on cat parasites. Several species of hookworm can infect domestic cats. They are blood sucking endoparasites and one species, the most common in the USA can cause serious blood loss in young …
Hookworm life cycle – 2 charts and background information Read More »
Introduction This page has been checked, added-to, and republished as at January 27, 2022. It was first published about 13 years ago. Nowadays I don’t write about feline medical matters or if I do it is usually with great caution because this is veterinary work. However, knowledge of feline health is important for a cat …
