Cats — even those kept strictly indoors — can be carriers of intestinal parasites. These uninvited guests are often invisible to the eye, but their presence can affect both the animal's health and your household’s well-being. In this article, you'll learn:

Which parasites are most common

How they spread

How to treat and prevent them effectively

How to properly disinfect your home

And what to do if your cat has never been outside

Most Common Intestinal Parasites in Cats

🔁 Roundworms (Toxocara cati)

• Especially common in kittens
• Spread through feces or contaminated soil
• Zoonotic – transmissible to humans (especially children)

🪱 Tapeworms (e.g. Dipylidium caninum)

• Cats become infected after swallowing a flea or raw meat
• Segments resembling rice grains may appear in stool or around the anus

 

🦠 Giardia (Giardia intestinalis)

• Microscopic parasite causing diarrhea, gas, and weight loss
• Survives well in moist environments
• Zoonotic – possible transmission to humans

🧫 Coccidia (Isospora spp.)
Common in kittens, can also appear in stressed or immunocompromised adults

 

Prevention: How to Keep Parasites Away

✅ Regular Deworming

• Kittens: every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months
• Adult cats: based on infection risk, typically every 3 months

✅ Flea Control

• Fleas can transmit tapeworms
• Use antiparasitic treatments (spot-ons, tablets, collars)

✅ Hygiene and Handling

• Always wash hands after cleaning the litter box
• Avoid feeding raw meat from unknown sources

✅ Fecal Testing
For breeding cats or multi-cat households, we recommend regular fecal testing (e.g. PCR for giardia and coccidia)

 

Treatment: When a Parasite Takes Hold

If you suspect your cat is infected (symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, poor coat, visible worms), consult your veterinarian. Treatment is usually simple, but depends on the parasite type. Giardia and coccidia may require longer therapy and thorough disinfection of the environment.

Consider a follow-up test after treatment to confirm your cat is clear of parasites.

Disinfection: What Works and What Doesn’t?

Parasite eggs can survive in the environment for weeks or even months. Here's what truly works:

💨 Ozone

• Destroys bacteria, viruses, and parasite eggs
• Great for bedding, upholstery, and scratching posts

⚠️ Never use while people or animals are present in the room

💡 UV-C Light

• Effective on hard surfaces (litter boxes, tiles, carriers)

⚠️ Harmful to eyes and skin – do not expose living beings

♨️ Steam Cleaner

• Eco-friendly, effective on cat trees and beds
• Kills parasite eggs and bacteria without chemicals

🧴 Virucidal Disinfectants
Products like Virkon S, Sanosil, Incidin – effective against giardia and coccidia eggs

⚠️ Always follow manufacturer instructions and ventilate the area well

 

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

🐾 How can my indoor cat get parasites if she’s never been outside?
Even cats that live strictly indoors can be at risk. Parasite eggs are often very resilient and easy to bring inside:

On shoe soles – roundworm and coccidia eggs can survive in soil for months

On clothing or hands – e.g. after gardening

In contaminated water or vegetables – giardia and toxoplasma thrive in moist environments

Via fleas – even visitors with pets can unknowingly bring them in

Your cat may then ingest the eggs during routine grooming.

Summary

A cat can carry parasites even without obvious symptoms. The foundation of a healthy home is prevention, hygiene, and regular veterinary check-ups.

At Whinecat.cz, we consider it essential to:

• conduct repeated fecal testing
• follow strict deworming protocols
• educate new owners on how to maintain their cat’s long-term health