Gastrointestinal parasitism in cats: A clinic based study

This study investigates the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats presented to Veterinary Ambulatory clinic, Kakkavayal, Wayanad district of Kerala from January 2023 to December 2023. A total of 248 faecal samples from cats of all age groups were studied. Occurrence based on season, sex, age, breed and deworming history was analyzed. Among the 248 faecal samples examined, 34 (13.71per cent) were positive for parasitic ova. Dibothriocephalus latus had the highest occurrence rate (32.35per cent), followed by Ancylostoma spp and Spirometra spp with an occurrence of 20.59 per cent each and T. cati (17.65 per cent), and isospora (8.82 per cent). The study revealed a higher occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites (14.09per cent) in queens compared to tom cats and in cats above one year of age (15.63per cent). Native /Cross breed cats showed an occurrence rate of 16 per cent followed by Persian cats with an occurrence rate of 11.67 per cent. Based on deworming history, cats with an improper deworming history showed a higher occurrence of 16.04 per cent compared to the cats with a proper deworming history (6.56per cent). Based on seasonal trends, cats presented at monsoon showed a higher occurrence of 25.45per cent. Knowledge in the occurrence, transmission routes, and effects of parasites is crucial for effective prevention and treatment strategies of gastrointestinal parasites in cats.