Beyond the obvious illnesses that parasites can cause in cats, there is also a zoonotic risk to consider. Nancy Vincent-Johnson, DVM, MS, DACVIM (SAIM), DACVPM, reviews a 12-year retrospective study that helps identify the prevalence and types of parasites seen in cats.
This study showed that the prevalence rate of feline parasitism continued to increase over the 12-year study period, included rare parasites from cats coming from outside the U.S. and fecal flotation may not be the best test depending on individual cat history.
Source: Clinician’s Brief, August 2020. Link.
Along with owner education and year-round, broad-spectrum parasite control, it is vital that clinicians continue to conduct parasite testing and treatment, especially in kittens and young cats.”