Cat parasites

Overview

• Some of the most common cat parasites include fleas, ticks, ear mites and worms.
• Most cat parasites are preventable with anti-parasitic (flea and worming) treatments.
• Contact your vet if you think your cat has a parasite problem. The sooner the problem is treated, the better.

What parasites can cats get?

Fleas

Fleas are very common, and most cats will get them once or twice in their lifetime. Left untreated fleas can cause uncomfortable and painful skin problems. In kittens, a severe flea infestation can even cause anaemia (low numbers of red blood cells) and death.

Ticks

Ticks are small, round parasites which are usually black, pink, purple or grey. They are often mistaken for skin tags and lumps. They attach onto the skin and suck blood. Ticks need to be removed very carefully, otherwise their head can get left behind which can cause infection.

Ear mites

Ear mites cause intensely itchy ears, and often result in an ear infection. You might notice your cat head shaking or rubbing their face or head against furniture. Ear mites can affect cats of any age but are most common in kittens.

Worms

Worms are a common cat parasite, that don’t usually cause serious illness in adult cats, but can cause severe illness in kittens. There are two main types of worm that affect cats - roundworm and tapeworm.

Protozoa

Protozoa are tiny parasites that can only be seen through a microscope. Most of the time they don’t cause illness in cats, but occasionally cause diarrhoea which can become serious if it’s not treated. Giardia, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Tritrichomonas and Isospora are the most common protozoal infections in cats living in the UK.

Toxoplasma is a particularly important protozoa to be aware of because it’s zoonotic, which means it can spread from cats to humans and vice versa. Toxoplasmosis (the illness caused by toxoplasma), doesn’t cause illness in most people, but can cause serious problems for immunocompromised people (those with weak immune systems) such as pregnant women, people undergoing chemotherapy, and people with HIV.

Mites and lice

There are a variety of mites and just one species of louse that can affect cats. Fortunately (with the exception of ear mites), mites and lice very rarely affect cats living in the UK.

Preventing cat parasites

Most parasite infestations can be avoided by using regular flea and worming treatments. There a wide variety of flea and worm products available, including spot-on treatments, tablets, and collars. Speak to your vet about the best parasite products for your cat – they will be able to create a tailored plan for your cat’s lifestyle.

When to contact your vet

Contact your vet for advice if you suspect your cat has a parasite infection. The sooner they are treated, the better. You should also contact your vet if you want advice on the best products to use, or aren’t sure how often your cat needs to be treated.

FAQs

Published: January 2024