A parasite is an organisn that livesand feeds on another to the detriment of the host. Both outdoor and indoor cats are at risk from infection.

 

How do I tell if my cat has parasites?

You should not assume that a cat showing no signs of infection is parasite free. In many cases, infections only become apparent when the number of parasites is too great for the cat to sustain comfortably.

 

How do I treat parasites?

Veterinary products are highly effective and safe, but essentail to follow product instructions carefully. Some products are potentially toxic to both cats and other animals (especially fish) and all products must be allowed to dry before handling the animal. Cats have no imunity to parasites so reinfection is possible if treatment is irregular.

 

External parasites:

Fleas:

Fleas are the most common skin parasite of the cat. They are not fussy about which species of animal they live on. The most common flea found on cats and dogs is the cat flea.

 

Flea lifecycle:

Adult fleas live permanently on their animal host and the female flea produces eggs at a rate of 50 a day. The eggs fall off the cat and hatch into larve in 2-16 days. They then change into immobile pupae in a cocoon. An adult flea develops in the cocoon and awaits signals suggesting the presence of a host, such as heat, carbon dioxide and vibrations. The flea can emerge and attach to the host i seconds. If no host is present, the fleacan wait in the cocoon for upto 2 years! In the right conditions, eg warm and humid, the whole cycle can be completed quickly. Centrally heated homes with fitted carpets provide ideal conditions for fleas to develop all year round.