Fecal parasites in cats

Lucio-Forster A and Bowman DD. Prevalence of fecal-borne parasites detected by centrifugal flotation in feline samples from two shelters in upstate New York. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 300-3.

Coccidia oocysts in a cat with diarrhea

Fecal samples from 1,322 cats from two shelters and affiliated foster homes in New York were processed for parasite detection over a 3.5-year period. All samples were processed by both zinc sulfate and sugar double centrifugal flotation. In slightly over half of the samples (50.9%), at least one parasite was detected upon microscopic examination. At least 18 different parasites ranging from 0.2% to 21% in prevalence were recovered in the process. The two most prevalent parasites in this study were Cystoisopora species and Toxocara cati (each had a prevalence of 21%). The next most prevalent was Giardia species cysts at 8.9%, followed by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (the cat lungworm) at 6.2%. The remaining parasites were each found in less than 4% of the samples: taeniids, Cryptosporidium species, Ancylostoma species, Cheyletiella species, Dipylidium caninum, Otodectes species, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis species, Demodex and Spirometra species, Alaria species, and Felicola subrostratus. The study results indicate prevalence determination based solely on fecal examination is likely to underestimate the true prevalence of infection in the population. Many of the parasites detected in the study are acquired by predation, which is even possible in owned cats that have outdoor access or the potential for visits from mice, voles, and other transport hosts (fleas, etc.). These findings would support the recommendations that all pets, even those under routine veterinary care, should have at least one fecal examination and should be placed on year-around prevention for internal and external parasites. [VT]

Related articles:
Queen EV, Marks SL and Farver TB. Prevalence of selected bacterial and parasitic agents in feces from diarrheic and healthy control cats from Northern California. J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 54-60.

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Lucio-Forster A and Bowman DD. Prevalence of fecal-borne parasites detected by centrifugal flotation in feline samples from two shelters in upstate New York. J Feline Med Surg. 2011; 13: 300-3.

Coccidia oocysts in a cat with diarrhea

Fecal samples from 1,322 cats from two shelters and affiliated foster homes in New York were processed for parasite detection over a 3.5-year period. All samples were processed by both zinc sulfate and sugar double centrifugal flotation. In slightly over half of the samples (50.9%), at least one parasite was detected upon microscopic examination. At least 18 different parasites ranging from 0.2% to 21% in prevalence were recovered in the process. The two most prevalent parasites in this study were Cystoisopora species and Toxocara cati (each had a prevalence of 21%). The next most prevalent was Giardia species cysts at 8.9%, followed by Aelurostrongylus abstrusus (the cat lungworm) at 6.2%. The remaining parasites were each found in less than 4% of the samples: taeniids, Cryptosporidium species, Ancylostoma species, Cheyletiella species, Dipylidium caninum, Otodectes species, Toxoplasma gondii, Sarcocystis species, Demodex and Spirometra species, Alaria species, and Felicola subrostratus. The study results indicate prevalence determination based solely on fecal examination is likely to underestimate the true prevalence of infection in the population. Many of the parasites detected in the study are acquired by predation, which is even possible in owned cats that have outdoor access or the potential for visits from mice, voles, and other transport hosts (fleas, etc.). These findings would support the recommendations that all pets, even those under routine veterinary care, should have at least one fecal examination and should be placed on year-around prevention for internal and external parasites. [VT]

Related articles:
Queen EV, Marks SL and Farver TB. Prevalence of selected bacterial and parasitic agents in feces from diarrheic and healthy control cats from Northern California. J Vet Intern Med. 2012; 26: 54-60.

More on cat health:
Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Feline Parasites in Australia

Palmer CS, Robertson ID, Traub RJ et al.: Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia: The veterinarian's perspective and pet owner awareness, Vet J 183:358, 2009.

This study used survey questionnaires to evaluate the use of routine deworming for companion animals in Australia, and the degree of client education provided by the veterinarian for the client, particularly with regard to potential parasite risks to people from their pets. The investigators summarize their findings: “Very few veterinarians routinely discussed the zoonotic potential of pet parasites with clients but most recommended regular prophylactic administration of anthelmintics throughout a pet’s life. Some pet owners were unaware of the existence of zoonoses. It is possible that an overreliance on anthelmintics may have led to a certain complacency about the need to educate pet owners about the risks of zoonoses.” They concluded that routine testing to avoid overuse of broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs is ideal, and client education about potential risks to them and their families and precautions necessary to avoid parasitism and disease is vital. [MK]

Related articles:
Palmer CS, Traub RJ, Robertson ID et al.: Determining the zoonotic significance of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Australian dogs and cats, Vet Parasitol 154:142, 2008.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Palmer CS, Robertson ID, Traub RJ et al.: Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia: The veterinarian's perspective and pet owner awareness, Vet J 183:358, 2009.

This study used survey questionnaires to evaluate the use of routine deworming for companion animals in Australia, and the degree of client education provided by the veterinarian for the client, particularly with regard to potential parasite risks to people from their pets. The investigators summarize their findings: “Very few veterinarians routinely discussed the zoonotic potential of pet parasites with clients but most recommended regular prophylactic administration of anthelmintics throughout a pet’s life. Some pet owners were unaware of the existence of zoonoses. It is possible that an overreliance on anthelmintics may have led to a certain complacency about the need to educate pet owners about the risks of zoonoses.” They concluded that routine testing to avoid overuse of broad-spectrum antiparasitic drugs is ideal, and client education about potential risks to them and their families and precautions necessary to avoid parasitism and disease is vital. [MK]

Related articles:
Palmer CS, Traub RJ, Robertson ID et al.: Determining the zoonotic significance of Giardia and Cryptosporidium in Australian dogs and cats, Vet Parasitol 154:142, 2008.

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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Cats and Zoonotic Parasites

Overgaauw, P. A., L. van Zutphen, et al. (2009). "Zoonotic parasites in fecal samples and fur from dogs and cats in The Netherlands." Vet Parasitol 163(1-2): 115-122.

All pet owners need to be aware of the risks of zoonotic pathogens - diseases which can be shared by animals and people. The purpose of this study from the Netherlands was to determine if healthy cats and dogs harbor zoonotic parasite infections, and to evaluate interactions between pets and owners. Both fecal and hair samples were collected from healthy cats and dogs in Dutch veterinary clinics, representing 159 households. Information and samples were collected on 152 dogs and 60 cats. Toxocara (roundworm) eggs were found in 4.6% of the cat fecal samples and in 3.4% of the cat fur samples. However, none of the eggs found in fur were viable. Giardia was isolated from 13.6% of the cat fecal samples and Cryptosporidium was isolated from 4.6% of the cat samples. In evaluating interactions between owners and pets, 50% of owners said they allowed the pet to lick their face, 60% of pets visited the bedroom, 60% of cats are allowed to sleep on the bed, and 30% of cats sleep with the owner in bed. Other interesting findings were that 45% of cats were allowed to jump into the kitchen sink, and 8% of cat owners always washed their hands after contact with their pet. The researchers conclude that close physical contact between owners and cats is common, and must be recognized as a risk factor for transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Owners should be informed about hygiene and risks of disease transmission. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Palmer, C. S., I. D. Robertson, et al. (2009). "Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia: The veterinarian's perspective and pet owner awareness." Vet J.
>> PubMed Abstract

Stull, J. W., A. P. Carr, et al. (2007). "Small animal deworming protocols, client education, and veterinarian perception of zoonotic parasites in western Canada." Can Vet J 48(3): 269-76.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
Join us on Facebook

Overgaauw, P. A., L. van Zutphen, et al. (2009). "Zoonotic parasites in fecal samples and fur from dogs and cats in The Netherlands." Vet Parasitol 163(1-2): 115-122.

All pet owners need to be aware of the risks of zoonotic pathogens - diseases which can be shared by animals and people. The purpose of this study from the Netherlands was to determine if healthy cats and dogs harbor zoonotic parasite infections, and to evaluate interactions between pets and owners. Both fecal and hair samples were collected from healthy cats and dogs in Dutch veterinary clinics, representing 159 households. Information and samples were collected on 152 dogs and 60 cats. Toxocara (roundworm) eggs were found in 4.6% of the cat fecal samples and in 3.4% of the cat fur samples. However, none of the eggs found in fur were viable. Giardia was isolated from 13.6% of the cat fecal samples and Cryptosporidium was isolated from 4.6% of the cat samples. In evaluating interactions between owners and pets, 50% of owners said they allowed the pet to lick their face, 60% of pets visited the bedroom, 60% of cats are allowed to sleep on the bed, and 30% of cats sleep with the owner in bed. Other interesting findings were that 45% of cats were allowed to jump into the kitchen sink, and 8% of cat owners always washed their hands after contact with their pet. The researchers conclude that close physical contact between owners and cats is common, and must be recognized as a risk factor for transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Owners should be informed about hygiene and risks of disease transmission. [SL]
>> PubMed Abstract

Related articles:
Palmer, C. S., I. D. Robertson, et al. (2009). "Intestinal parasites of dogs and cats in Australia: The veterinarian's perspective and pet owner awareness." Vet J.
>> PubMed Abstract

Stull, J. W., A. P. Carr, et al. (2007). "Small animal deworming protocols, client education, and veterinarian perception of zoonotic parasites in western Canada." Can Vet J 48(3): 269-76.
>> Free full text article

More on cat health: Winn Feline Foundation Library
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