Parasites are organisms that survive by feeding off of other creatures. Among cats, parasites generally feed on the animal's blood. Detecting internal parasites can be difficult, but a close inspection of skin and fur is usually all that is needed to uncover traces of external parasites such as ear mites and fleas. There are many types of worms that are internal parasites to cats. If you see small, rice like debris around your cat's anus or in her bedding, take her to your veterinarian. He will need to run simple tests to identify what type of worm is present so that he can prescribe the proper medication to eliminate the parasite.
Coccidia are microscopic parasites. They live in cells within the lining of the intestines. The most common symptom is diarrhea. Left untreated, the animal becomes extremely weak and dehydrated. Fortunately coccidiosis is treatable. Drugs such as sulfadimethoxine (Albon) and trimethoprim-sulfadiazine (Tribrissen) are effective in the treatment and prevention of coccidia. However, these drugs do not kill the parasites, but rather inhibit reproduction - elimination of coccidia from the intestine is slow.
Ear mites take up residence in a cat's ear canals. As they feed, they cause intense itching. A cat suffering from an infestation of ear mites scratches behind her ears often and is seen violently shaking her head on a regular basis. If you look inside her ears, you will see dark flecks that resemble coffee grounds - these are the mites' droppings. If you suspect ear mites, contact your veterinarian.
There are several effective treatments for ear mites, such as Fipronil (Frontline) and Selamectin (Revolution). Ear mites are easily treated with eardrops, but are very contagious to other cats. If you have a multi-cat household, isolate the infected cat as soon as possible. Ear mites are not transmitted from cats to humans.
Ringworm is not a true worm, rather the name for a type of fungus, related to the fungus that causes athlete's foot in humans. It usually causes no discomfort, but is highly contagious to other cats and humans. If left untreated it weakens the immune system and leaves your cat vulnerable to other, more serious diseases.
Fleas are perhaps the most infamous pet parasite. Although they eat no more than a drop of blood each, a flea infestation can cause anemia in adult cats and death in kittens. In addition to literally sucking the life from your cat, fleas often transmit tapeworms, as serious internal parasite. Just a few fleas can cause great discomfort to your cat, especially if she is one of the many animals allergic to fleabites. The best way to conquer a flea invasion is to prevent it in the first place.
Daily grooming, especially if you allow your cat outdoors will help you keep one step ahead of the flea hordes. As you flea-comb your cat, dip the comb into a container of soapy water to kill the fleas. The soap film coats and suffocates the fleas.
Ask your veterinarian about preventative flea medications. These are given to your cat orally. The chemical they contain is harmless to your cat, but makes fleas sterile. It is absorbed into your cat's blood, so when a flea bites her it cannot reproduce.
If your cat has had fleas in the past, it is very likely that you have flea eggs and larvae in your carpet and upholstery. Your veterinarian can suggest a "flea bomb" based on how bad the infestation is. It is important to follow the package instructions carefully and repeat treatment as directed in order to make sure all the generations are eliminated.
Pet Medication Supplies http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net can help you get the best possible supplies for your pet. Advantix, Arthramine, Cosequin, Frontline, Heartgard - find the best deals in http://www.pet-medication-supplies.net. Up to 50% discount everyday on brand names.
recurring maid service Lincolnshire ...My two therapy dogs, Nikki and Benny, bring joy to... Read More
You may wish to consider a chinchilla as a possible... Read More
Why The Food You Give Your Dog Matters!If you're like... Read More
A family, including three dogs and a cat live happily... Read More
This is a very controversial topic which has a lot... Read More
Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More
Poor Dog. Subjected to my most ambitious experiments, she still... Read More
What kind of materials should you use when constructing a... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
Problems with Commercial Flea Killers & TraditionalFlea Bite Treatments***Chemicals that... Read More
Do you really know all there is to know about... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
"Westies" or West Highland White Terriers are furry coated dogs,... Read More
The Story Continues... Following the first of many visits to... Read More
Are you nuts? You think banging your finger with a... Read More
Could a horse trainer, born about 154 years ago, teach... Read More
Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms.... Read More
If you've ever watched as a cat "flipped" over fresh... Read More
A New Understanding of AllergiesAllergies of all kinds seem to... Read More
It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how... Read More
The first dog trick that is generally taught a dog... Read More
1.) Versatility- A good dog trainer will use techniques and... Read More
Almost without exception, breeders will advertise that their favorite terrier,... Read More
What happens when we die? In our society, death is... Read More
In the purebred West Highland Terrier puppy market, there are... Read More
scheduled cleaning services Park Ridge ...If your cat has recently decided not to use the... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
You love your dog. You would do anything for your... Read More
The most important things in dog training are consistency, keeping... Read More
A well-train dog usually leads a happier and healthier life... Read More
As with every training tool used to modify a behavior... Read More
If you have never seen a Shar Pei before, the... Read More
Traditionally, a doggie treat was just that, a treat that... Read More
If you are keeping tetras, chances are you are breeding... Read More
You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More
Dog training is definitely not rocket science and is easier... Read More
Shy dogs are more common than most people think, but... Read More
Some say it started with the Taco Bell dog. A... Read More
Remember when you first met your dog? He was fresh... Read More
Toys are fun both for our dogs and us. Lucky... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
One of the reasons I strongly encourage horse owners to... Read More
A respiratory tract ailment can be fatal to your parrot... Read More
Grocery Stores could use some larger Dog Food Isles. Not... Read More
Kittens are and have always been adorable creatures. Of course,... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
Guinea Pigs make great pets and are fairly easy to... Read More
I have a business card burning a hole in my... Read More
Yesterday we talked a little about the 6 Keys for... Read More
Well first of all I was always a cat owner,... Read More
Pet |