Pet Parasites

Parasites live on or in our pets, and sometimes us, and can cause a range of signs. From ectoparasites, who live on the skin, to endoparasites, who live inside our pets, parasites are found inhabiting all our pet species and are a frequent reason for our pets to end up visiting their local vet! To find out more about the parasites your pet could be at risk from, and how you can protect them, follow our handy links below.

Ticks And Your Cat

Cats are fastidious creatures, and their regular coat cleaning means they are much less likely to pick up ticks than dogs. Click here to find out more.
Mites And Your Cat

Mites live on the skin of your cat, and can make them itchy, uncomfortable and looking less than their best. Keeping your cat mite-free will keep them feeling and looking great!
Toxoplasma And Your Cat

While lots of warm-blooded animals, including humans, can be infected with and carry toxoplasma, cats are the only ‘definitive host’.
Tritrichmonas And Your Cat

Tritrichomonas is a microscopic parasite which lives in the large intestines of cats, where it causes diarrhoea. Without intervention, affected cats may have diarrhoea for several years before clearing the infection naturally! Although cats of all ages can develop tritrichomonas diarrhoea, it is most commonly seen in young cats and kittens, and these cats often have a history of being in multi-cat environments such as rescue shelters.
Hookworms And Your Cat

Hookworms are blood sucking intestinal worms but are very rare in cats, especially in the UK.
Giardia And Your Cat

Giardia are a type of protozoa – a microscopic, single-celled parasite – which lives in the small intestines. Affected cats can get nasty diarrhoea, as well as spreading the parasite to others – including us!
Heartworms And Your Cat

Heartworms are thankfully not found in the UK, but are a risk for cats that travel abroad – although cats are at a much lower risk than dogs.
Toxocara (Roundworms) And Your Cat

It is estimated that a quarter of cats in the UK are currently infected with roundworms! Picked up from contaminated faeces, roundworms can cause poor growth.
Lungworm And Your Cat

Cat lungworm and dog lungworm are not the same parasite, and feline lungworm is usually less severe than its canine counterpart. Lungworm disease in cats is quite rare in the UK but, like many parasites, the number of cases seems to be rising.
Lice And Your Cat

Lice live on the skin of your cat, and feed on the skin itself. Lice can be uncomfortable for your cat, and can make them itchy and sore in large numbers.
Fleas And Your Cat

Fleas are tiny parasites that love to feed on your cat’s blood – or the blood of other animals, including humans! The bite usually causes your pet to scratch, and it can lead to irritation and allergies. If fleas become established on your cat, it can lead to more serious health problems and you could end up with an infestation in your house.
Tapeworms And Your Cat

Tapeworms match their name, and look like long ribbons or pieces of tape. Tapeworms match their name, and look like long ribbons or pieces of tape.

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