May 9, 2009

Dear Obie,
What are some parasites that might infect my kitty?
Signed, Dave
Kansas City, Kansas


Dear Dave,
There are several nasty parasites that could infect your kitty, and most can cause serious and even deadly medical conditions! I hate parasites! Yuck. Here is a list of some of the worst parasites and what you need to look for to decide if your kitty is infected.

One of the worst is heartworms. Transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, heartworms spend their lives, obviously enough, in the heart and the blood vessels connecting the heart and lungs. Signs of heartworm include coughing, decreased appetite, rapid breathing, listlessness and weight loss. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the infection, but treatment is vital!

Another nasty parasite is hookworm. Hookworm is ingested by your kitty when he or she drinks contaminated water or eats bad food, or is exposed to infested soil or feces. It can even penetrate through the skin! Hookworm causes severe diarrhea and anemia. Pale gums, stunted growth, emaciation, dull and dry coats and weakness are all symptoms of hookworm.

Roundworms are a common digestive tract parasite, living in the small intestine and absorbing nutrients, damaging the intestinal lining, and interfering with digestion. Severe cases are most often accompanied by thin and dull coats, a pot-belly appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia.

Ear mites are nasty little buggers who invade a cat's ears, and other areas of your cat's body. A kitty with ear mites will be seen scratching constantly, and in really bad cases the ear canal will even bleed. If left untreated, hearing loss can occur.

Tapeworms live in the small intestine and are segmented. They can grow as long as 20 inches! Imagine, a 20-inch long work inside your kitty. Blech! Symptoms of tapeworms include nervousness, convulsions and vomiting. A kitty might even scoot across the floor on its bottom if there are active segments near its anus.

These are just some of the parasites that can make life miserable for your kitty. If you notice any unusual behaviors that might indicate your kitty has a parasite, or any problem or illness, please contact your vet right away!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Dear Obie,
Are you settling into your new home?
Signed, Roddy
Biloxi, Mississippi


Dear Roddy,
I am getting settled into my new home, though it is not a quick process. My humans are still unpacking and putting things away, but it is looking more and more like home all the time! Thanks for asking!

Your friend,
Obie

*****

Folks, please remember, I am not a vet. I am a cat. Please talk to your vet before starting any medications, or if you see potential health issues in your cat!