At The Hometown Veterinarian, we provide comprehensive parasite control to protect your cat from harmful intestinal parasites. This includes testing, preventive medications, and deworming treatments. Parasites like intestinal worms, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, Coccidia, and Giardia can cause serious health problems and may even be transmitted to humans. Regular testing, proactive prevention, and timely treatment are essential for keeping your cat healthy and safe.
Signs of Intestinal Parasites
- Vomiting or Diarrhea
- Weight Loss
- Swollen Belly
- Lethargy
- Visible Worms in Stool
- Although visible worms may occasionally appear in stool, most parasites pass microscopic eggs that require specialized testing to detect
The Importance of Fecal Testing
Routine fecal testing is crucial for detecting intestinal parasites early, such as intestinal worms, Coccidia, and Giardia, ensuring timely and effective treatment. At The Hometown Veterinarian, we use advanced Imagyst technology, which utilizes AI-powered precision to detect parasites, even when they are present only in microscopic amounts. This ensures the most accurate diagnosis and treatment, safeguarding your cat’s health.
Common Intestinal Parasites in Cats
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Tapeworms
- Coccidia
- Giardia
Our veterinarians recommend regular parasite control measures for both indoor and outdoor cats to ensure complete protection.
How Cats Get Intestinal Parasites
Cats can commonly acquire intestinal parasites through various means:
- Fleas: Tapeworms are often transmitted when cats ingest fleas during grooming.
- Ingesting Contaminated Soil or Prey: Cats can acquire roundworms, hookworms, and other parasites by ingesting contaminated soil, water, or infected prey like rodents or birds.
- Mother to Kittens: Parasites such as roundworms can be passed from a mother cat to her kittens either through nursing or in utero.
- Indoor Cats: Even indoor cats commonly acquire parasites through exposure to fleas, contaminated objects, or other pets.
Prevention vs. Treatment of Intestinal Parasites
While deworming is effective, it is much better to protect your cat from becoming infected with parasites in the first place. Therefore, it is crucial to adopt a proactive strategy. We recommend NexGard Combo and Revolution, which help prevent many intestinal and external parasites. However, since no single product covers every parasite, regular fecal testing is essential. The Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) advises fecal exams at least twice a year, especially for cats exposed to outdoor environments or other animals.
Schedule an Appointment Today
To keep your cat healthy and parasite-free, schedule an appointment at The Hometown Veterinarian in Marshalltown, Iowa for comprehensive parasite control, including deworming, preventive care, and regular fecal testing. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your cat receives the best in prevention and treatment to protect against intestinal parasites.
Call us at (641) 758-3333 or click here to request an appointment.