Internal and external parasites in cats: prevention and treatment

by Lilou Bastet February 23, 2024

Cats, whether they live primarily indoors or regularly explore outdoors, can be hosts to a variety of internal and external parasites. These parasites can affect not only their well-being but also their health significantly. Proper prevention and treatment are therefore essential to keep cats healthy.

External parasites

The most common external parasites in cats include fleas, ticks and mites. These parasites can cause discomfort, itching, and in some cases, transmit disease.

Prevention and treatment:

Fleas : Regular use of specific pest control products, such as spot-ons, sprays or flea collars, is recommended.
Ticks: Topical treatments and tick collars can help prevent infestations.
Mites: Regular cleaning of the cat's environment and use of medications prescribed by a veterinarian can control mite populations.

Internal parasites

Intestinal worms (such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms) are the most common internal parasites. Cats can become infested by ingesting parasite eggs or intermediate hosts (such as fleas).

Prevention and treatment:

Regular deworming, as directed by a veterinarian, is crucial.
Maintaining a clean environment and monitoring your cat's interactions with the outdoors can also reduce the risk of infestation.

It is important to see a veterinarian regularly for health checks that include parasite prevention and treatment. A personalized prevention program may be recommended based on your cat's lifestyle and specific needs.

Sources :

American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Parasite Prevention in Pets. [https://www.avma.org/]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Healthy Pets, Healthy People. [https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/cats.html]