GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN DOMESTIC CATS (FELIS CATUS) IN SOHAG GOVERNORATE, EGYPT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Cats, as widely embraced companions in various settings, are at risk of significant health threats due to gastrointestinal infections. The current study investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection in domestic cats from Tahta, Sohag Governorate, Egypt. Two hundred fecal samples were collected and examined using various techniques: direct smear examination, simple sedimentation, formal ether sedimentation, and flotation with Sheather's solution. The flotation method demonstrated the highest efficacy in isolating Toxocara spp. eggs and protozoan oocysts. The findings reveal a significant prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections, with 71% of the cats examined carrying at least one species of parasite. The most frequently identified parasite was Toxocara leonine (47.5%), followed by Toxocara cati (10%) and mixed infections of both species (6.5%). Other less prevalent parasites included hookworm eggs (2%), Giardia spp. (2%), Cryptosporidium spp. (1%), Entamoeba spp. (1%), and Mite infections (1%). Notably, embryonation of Toxocara spp. eggs was achieved using a 0.01% sodium bicarbonate solution, resulting in embryonation of 60% of incubated eggs. The prevalence of parasitic infections showed no significant variation based on age or gender, however, seasonal factors significantly influenced the rate of infection (P ≤ 0.05). These findings underscore the high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among domestic cats in Sohag Governorate, highlighting the urgent need for effective parasite control strategies to safeguard feline and public health. Keywords: Cat, Helminths, protozoan, embryonation, sedimentation, flotation.