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Adding a new kitten to your family is a lot of fun, but it is also a big responsibility. This handout reviews basic kitten care, including vaccinations, internal and external parasites, nutrition, and nail care. It also reviews the importance of early spay/neuter and microchip identification.
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Ringworm infections in cats are caused by a fungus, not a worm. Ringworm is highly contagious and can be spread between animals and from animals to people. The clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and risks are explained in this handout.
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Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites observed in cats. They are of most concern to kittens and debilitated older cats when present in large numbers, causing life-threatening problems. Roundworms can also be transmitted to humans. Diagnostic testing, treatment, and preventive measures are explained in this handout.
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Selamectin + sarolaner is used topically on the skin to treat various parasites, both on and off-label, and prevent heartworm in cats. Side effects are rare but may include hair loss at the application site, gastrointestinal upset, skin reactions, or neurologic signs. It should be used with caution in sick or underweight cats. If a negative reaction occurs, please call your veterinary office.
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Tapeworms are parasites that infect the gastrointestinal tract of cats, other animals, and humans. Several types of tapeworms are known to infect pets, but the most common species observed in cats is Dipylidium caninum, which is transmitted through fleas. Risk factors, clinical signs, treatment, and prevention are explained in this handout. Other, less common types of tapeworms that affect cats and humans are also covered.
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Ticks are parasites that feed on the blood of their host and can in turn transmit diseases to your cat or even you. They are prolific breeders, and their life cycles can extend through multiple seasons. Prompt removal or use of preventatives limit or prevent the spread of disease or kill the ticks.
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Toxoplasma occurs worldwide. However, infection is uncommon in pet cats that do little or no hunting and primarily or exclusively eat commercial cat foods. Despite the high number of cats infected with T. gondii, very few show significant clinical signs. Humans are most commonly infected by eating contaminated food. Most people infected with this organism do not develop clinical disease. However, infection during pregnancy may be transmitted to the fetus and sometimes cause severe damage. Many pet cats will never be exposed to Toxoplasma and, therefore, cannot pass the infection on to humans.
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Contenido en espanol actualizado
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Toxoplasmosis
La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad causada por la infección de un microorganismo llamado Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii). Es un microorganismo unicelular protozoo relacionado con los coccidios.
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Tritrichomonas blagburni (also known as Tritrichomonas foetus) is a single-celled parasite. Cats are infected with tritrichomonas by accidentally ingesting the parasite when they drink contaminated water, groom an infected cat, or groom themselves after being contaminated with infected feces, litter, or bedding.