Parasites

9 Cat Parasite Myths

We’ve rounded up some top myths to debunk about parasites and cats. Remember to ask your veterinarian the best way to keep your cat protected.

  1. Cats can’t get heartworm. While heartworm is commonly associated with dogs, cats can get it too! Transmitted through the bite of a mosquito, it can be easy to get, but not easy to heal—heartworm in cats is difficult to diagnose, isn't treatable, and can be fatal.

  2. Indoor cats never make contact with the outside world. Don’t let parasites be the houseguests you never wanted! Even indoor cats can still come into contact with parasites who’ve hitched a ride on your dog, through a window or door, or even on your muddy shoes. 

  3. The balcony is an extension of your indoor space. Even though your balcony might not seem like ‘the great outdoors’, it still exposes your cat to the outside world. That includes the garage, near a screened window or in their carrier! Since many parasites live outside, there’s a greater risk for contact in these spaces.

  4. Your cat’s litter box is 100% litter. Do litter boxes only contain litter? The truth’s a real stinker. If not cleaned every day, intestinal parasites can call your cat’s bathroom a home. What’s worse, they can also infect humans!

  5. Your shoes make the perfect pillow. While your cat may love to take a nap on your shoes, what’s on the bottom of them may keep you up at night! Dirt or mud tracked in from outside can contain parasite eggs. It might be time to wash those favorite sneakers…

  6. Cat carriers count as indoor spaces. Most cat carriers have exposed ventilators, which mean that parasites can easily make their way inside! Whenever you carry your cat, in one it’s best to be mindful of this and schedule routine parasite prevention checkups with your veterinarian.

  7. Your doggy door is only being used by your doggy. Your doggy door can be an open invitation to parasite-carrying pests, like fleas, rodents and mosquitoes—all of which tend to overstay their (nonexistent) welcome! Since cats love to chase or hunt these extra houseguests, infection is a possibility.

  8. Grooming is a good, clean activity. While grooming is often positive and hygienic, it can also be an easy way to spread parasites. Cats are said to spend up to 50% of their life grooming—not just themselves, but you and other household pets, like dogs. So if your pup has spent the day outside and your cat feels that they could use a clean-up, this can be risky!

  9. A little dirt can’t hurt? Wrong! If your cat loves to play with potted plants, chances are, they’re scattering dirt around. But did you know that almost 15% of commercial plotting soil may contain roundworm eggs? Yikes. Best to keep them out of reach.

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