Toxocara Cat Infection in Cats: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention Strategies

toxocara cati

feline roundworm

Toxocara cati is a species of parasitic roundworm or nematode that commonly infects cats worldwide. They are most commonly found in young kittens, but can also infect adult cats.

Here are some key facts about toxocara cati:

1. Life cycle: Adult toxocara cati worms live in the intestines of cats and lay eggs that are passed out in the cat’s feces. The eggs can be ingested by other cats or animals, or even humans. Once ingested, the eggs hatch and release larvae that can migrate to different tissues in the body, causing damage and illness.

2. Symptoms: Symptoms of toxocara cati infection can vary depending on the severity of the infection. In mild cases, there may be no noticeable symptoms. In more serious cases, symptoms can include diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, poor appetite, and a swollen abdomen.

3. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of toxocara cati infection is usually based on a combination of clinical signs and laboratory tests. A fecal examination is often used to detect the presence of eggs in the cat’s feces.

4. Treatment: Treatment of toxocara cati infection usually involves administering an appropriate deworming medication. Your veterinarian can recommend the most effective medication for your cat depending on the severity of the infection.

5. Prevention: Good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands thoroughly after handling a cat or its feces, can help prevent infection with toxocara cati. Regular deworming of cats is also important to prevent infection and reinfection.

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