Roundworms and Hookworms are common intestinal parasites in cats and especially kittens.  Cats are commonly infected while still in the uterus, from the mother's milk, from ingesting eggs in contaminated feces or soil, or grooming themselves after exposure to worm eggs.  Intestinal worms can cause diarrhea and other serious disease in kittens.  Of great significance is the risk of human infection.  Children especially are susceptible to exposure to eggs by accidentally ingesting infected dirt or sand from infected sandboxes.  Human infection can cause larva migrans syndrome, in which worm larvae migrate through body organs and can cause great damage.  Hookworm larvae in infected soil can also directly penetrate human skin and cause skin disease.  For all these reasons, keeping your pet free of intestinal worms is extremely important.  The United States Center for Disease Control recommends that kittens be dewormed at least 3 times, at approximate ages of 6, 8 and 10 weeks.  Adult outdoor cats should also be dewormed for these intestinal parasites several times a year or at least have a fecal sample checked regularly.

Intestinal tapeworms are extremely common in cats that hunt.  Cats can be infected by ingested larval tapeworms from mice, rabbits, or other prey.  They can also get tapeworms by ingesting a flea while grooming themselves.  Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae as well.  Tapeworms can spread to humans but the infection is rare.  Cats that hunt or have had fleas should be dewormed regularly for tapeworms.

Heartworm disease is typically considered a canine disease but can be found in cats as well, as it is spread by the all-too-common mosquito.  Outdoor cats are more at risk for this reason.  Heartworms infect a cat's heart and lungs.  Heartworm is not easily detected in cats and is often fatal.  It is not uncommon as a cause for sudden death in cats.  For this reason we recommend heartworm prevention for May - December yearly, especially for outdoor cats.  Preventative medication is available as a monthly oral pill or a monthly topical medication.

Fleas are common in Minnesota, especially in the late summer and fall (July - November).  Fleas are highly contagious between cats and dogs.  Adult fleas seen on your pet indicate that your house is infected with the other life stages of the flea.  Flea treatment consists of treating the home and the pet.  Flea infestation is much easier to prevent than to treat.  There are monthly topical products available as well as a 6-month injection for cats.  Preventative medication is recommended for all cats going outdoors or exposed to other pets that go outdoors.

Ear mites are extremely common in kittens from farms and shelters.  Outdoor cats are also quite susceptible.  Ear mites cause a crusty black discharge in the ears and can cause severe ear infections as well as great discomfort.  They are easily diagnosed by examining an ear sample under the microscope to view the mites.  They are treated by topical medication in the ears.