Parasites in Kittens
Common Intestinal Parasites in Pets (and What You Can Do About Them)
Parasites may be tiny, but they can cause some big problems—especially for puppies, kittens, and pets who’ve come from group housing like shelters or rescues. At Stonebrook Family Pet Clinic, we screen every new pet for intestinal parasites, even if they don’t show symptoms. Here’s what we’re looking for and why it matters.
1. Coccidia
What it is: A microscopic parasite that infects the intestines.
Symptoms: Watery or sometimes bloody diarrhea, especially dangerous for small or very young pets.
How pets get it: By swallowing contaminated dirt or feces—often during grooming.
Good to know: Coccidia is common in kittens and puppies from shelters or group housing. It’s not always a sign of poor care. Adult pets usually aren’t affected, but infected stool can spread it to other pets.
2. Hookworms
What it is: A blood-sucking parasite most common in puppies.
How pets get it: Through contaminated soil—hookworms can actually enter through the skin, especially paws and bellies.
Why it matters: Hookworms can be passed from mother to puppy before birth and are also transmissible to humans.
Prevention tip: Always wash your hands after handling puppies or kittens and promptly clean up their feces to avoid spread.
3. Roundworms
What it is: A common worm passed from mom to puppy—these are the ones that look like spaghetti when vomited.
Symptoms: Often none, but heavy infections can cause bloating, diarrhea, and visible worms in stool or vomit.
Testing & treatment: A fecal test can detect them (though multiple tests may be needed), and many heartworm preventatives deworm for roundworms monthly.
Human risk: Yes—especially for children, which is why regular deworming and stool checks are important.
4. Tapeworms
What it is: A parasite your pet can get by swallowing an infected flea.
What you’ll notice: Small, white segments—like grains of rice—on your pet’s bedding or near their rear.
Testing note: Tapeworms are hard to detect on routine fecals, so what you see at home often gives us the first clue.
5. Giardia
What it is: A single-celled parasite that causes diarrhea and stomach upset in pets—and sometimes in people, too.
How it spreads: Through contaminated water, soil, or surfaces touched by infected stool. The parasite can survive in the environment for long periods.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, gas, greasy stools, stomach cramps, and nausea.
Prevention tip: Clean up stool promptly, avoid letting pets drink from puddles or dirty water, and wash your hands regularly.
6. Whipworms
What it is: A parasite that lives where the small and large intestines meet.
Testing challenge: These worms lay eggs only sometimes, so they’re tricky to find on a single fecal test.
Who’s affected: Mostly adult dogs—less common in puppies.
🐾 Final Thoughts
Intestinal parasites can affect your pet’s comfort, digestion, and overall health. Regular testing and preventative care (like monthly dewormers and flea control) are simple ways to keep your pet healthy and your household safe.
📞 Have questions or need to schedule a stool test? We’re here to help!
📧 Email: SFPC@StonebrookFamilyPet.com
🌐 Website: www.stonebrookfamilypet.com
For more information on parasites in kittens, visit www.capcvet.com.
