Learn more about what bacteria or parasites may be impacting your cat.
Roundworms can cause some pretty big problems for kittens and cats if not addressed; and even infect and harm people.[1] With detection in the stool sample “rounds” are often easy to treat and even prevent so your cat can stay healthy.
Hookworms can infect cats of all ages but are most dangerous in kittens. People can get infected from animal hookworms as well, usually by penetration through the skin of the feet. Early detection of “hooks” is available by testing a stool sample.
Tapeworms and fleas usually go hand in hand because fleas are the most common source of these intestinal worm infections. Cats can also get tapeworms from ingesting rodents. While frightening when discovered wiggling, they don't do much harm.
Whipworms are an important intestinal parasite of dogs, they are rarely found in cats in North America. “Whips” are notable for how hardy the eggs are. Eggs can still infect or re-infect even after being in the soil or on vegetation for a long time.
Coccidia are single-celled intestinal parasites called protozoa and are only visible with a microscope. Coccidia get grouped with “worms” because they are routinely searched for in stool tests for worms. Infections occur in adult cats and kittens.
Giardia is a common cause of digestive upset in cats. Cats infected with Giardia can shed infective cysts but not show any symptoms. When symptoms do arise, occasional or ongoing abnormal stools are most common.
Campylobacter are a common cause of food-borne illness in humans (mild to severe digestive upset) after consuming contaminated meat or unwashed vegetables. Cats may get infected and then shed these bacteria in their stools.
Salmonella is a common food-borne illness in humans (mild to severe digestive upset) after consuming contaminated undercooked meat or unwashed vegetables. Cats can also be infected and then shed these bacteria in their stool.
Feline parvovirus (FPV), also called Feline panleukopenia virus (FPV), is highly contagious and infective immediately upon passing in a cat’s stool or respiratory secretions. Signs can range from mild digestive upset to severe diarrhea and death.
Cryptosporidium is a very common intestinal infection of cats and kittens although most don’t need treatment. Cats infected with “Crypto” shed the parasite in their stools without showing any symptoms. When symptoms do arise, abnormal stools occur.
Toxoplasma is an infection of cats and people. Most cats and people who are infected show no signs of infection and don’t require treatment. Toxoplasmosis is more likely to cause problems to those with a weakened immune system or to unborn children.
Tritrichomonas is a common cause of digestive upset in cats and kittens. It is most common in cats that are housed in large groups such as multi-cat homes, catteries, and shelters. Infected cats shed the parasite in their stools.