Types Of Cat Parasites

There are many types of cat parasites that are of varying size, shape and danger. A few common types of cat parasites are discussed here.

CHEYLETIELLA MITES

These are the types of cat parasites that can be found on the skin of cats and these parasites cause irritation and dandruff. These types of cat parasites have claw-like, large mouthparts that distinguish them from other mite species. This species generally don’t consider humans as hosts but, still, can live on the human skin surface for a short period and can cause itchiness for humans.

EAR MITES

Ear mites are the types of cat parasites that are found inside the ear canal of cats and live most of their life cycle inside the ear canal. Ear mites are very common types of cat parasites and can cause intense itchiness and irritation for the ears of the cats.

FLEAS

The most miserable types of cat parasites are fleas that have remained a headache even for humans. Every pet owner wants to know how to get rid of fleas but unfortunately, there is no way to eradicate them completely and there is no insecticide that can at least control them. The only way through which we might be able to control fleas is by analyzing their complex life cycle. Proper measures taken after analyzing their life cycle can control fleas to a certain extent.

GIARDIA

These are single celled protozoan parasites and such types of cat parasites can be found inside the intestinal tracts. These types of cat parasites can cause diarrheal diseases in cats and it is known as giardiasis. Giardia parasites can affect human beings also if we are infected with it.

HEARTWORM

Heartworms are the types of cat parasites that are transmitted via mosquitoes and reside inside the blood vessels of heart and lungs in cats. Heartworms are dangerous types of cat parasites and can be fatal in most cases. Heartworms cannot be treated and the only possibility is prevention, which is in fact, easy.

HOOKWORM

The intestinal types of cat parasites that are very common are called as hookworms. Even though hook worms are not so dangerous, they can get fatal if counter measures are not taken on time. Hookworms can also get transmitted to humans from the pets and the worms that are transmitted like this will reside under the skin surface of human beings.

WHIPWORM

Whipworms are also intestinal types of cat parasites and are not as common as hookworms, in cats. These are small type of worms and grow only up to 2 to 3 inches in size. Their whip like front end, which helps them in motion also, distinguishes these types of cat parasites. These types of cat parasites get attached to the intestinal walls and survive on the blood sucked from the intestinal walls.

Even though there are wide varieties of cat parasites, these are the most common types of cat parasites found. Most of these types of cat parasites are not dangerous or fatal, but can get dangerous if not treated properly.