Gastrointestinal parasites are a common problem in cats. They are found in almost half of individuals. Most often, parasites are noted in kittens. The presence of helminths can be asymptomatic or have pronounced manifestations.

Nematodes - what are they?

Nematodes are a type of roundworms that are common in cats. They have a thread-like or spindle-like shape. There are several types:

  • pinworms, or enterobius, have sizes from 2 to 20 mm and settle in the intestines;
  • roundworms and toxocara, body length can reach 40 cm;
  • hookworms, up to 20 mm long, settle in the intestines and use blood for nutrition;
  • heartworms - biohelminths, the size reaches 30 mm, settle in the atria and pulmonary artery;
  • trichurs, or hair heads, settle in the intestine and are up to 20 mm in size, feed on blood and tissue fluids.

Worms are attached to the walls of the intestine or other tissue and live by feeding on the blood of their host. You can get rid of parasites only by using deworming products for cats, which must be prescribed by a veterinarian. 

Causes of nematodes

Nematodes may appear in a pet as a result of:

  • licking of fur and accidental ingestion of an infected flea;
  • contact of kittens with a mother cat infected with helminths;
  • eating mice and other carriers of worm eggs;
  • eating raw meat or fish;
  • contact with contaminated soil, sand or objects.

As a rule, worm eggs enter the gastrointestinal tract through the mouth. There, larvae emerge from them, which live in the intestine and feed on the blood of their carrier.

Why are nematodes dangerous?

In the animal's body, the hatched larvae turn into adult worms that begin to lay eggs. With feces, they are excreted, enter the environment and remain around the anus. Then the eggs get to a new host, and the cycle repeats. 

Danger of nematodes:

  • Larvae can enter other organs with the blood flow - heart, brain, causing serious diseases.
  • Mechanical damage to organs, most often intestines. 
  • Intoxication of the cat's body by products of the vital activity of parasites. 
  • Worms take nutrients from the animal, the cat loses weight, feels weak, often gets sick.

Can you get a nematode from a cat?

Infection with feline roundworms, roundworms, and pinworms is possible through direct contact with a pet infected with parasites and non-observance of the simplest hygiene standards:

  • poorly washed hands after working with the earth, walking with bare feet on grass, soil or sand affected by helminths;
  • eating poorly washed fruits or vegetables;
  • garden work with potentially contaminated soil without gloves.

Observance of basic hygiene rules will help to avoid human helminth infection from one's own pet.

Prevention and treatment of nematodes

Infection with helminths in a cat can be manifested by a lack of appetite or apathy, or it can be completely asymptomatic. Therefore, to determine which parasite you have to deal with, you should take a test for the type of helminths every year. Small kittens need to be tested twice before they are 1 year old. 

To eliminate various types of parasites, special treatment with anthelmintic drugs , which are given according to a special scheme, is necessary. Therefore, self-medication is impossible. You should consult a veterinarian.

For prevention, you should not let your pet near stray cats, which can be sources of infection. Pets should be dewormed at least once every three to four months. You also need to carry out regular flea treatment and follow sanitary rules.