Also known as: Spoelwormen
Spoelworminfectie bij katten wordt meestal veroorzaakt door Toxocara cati, een van de meest voorkomende darmparasieten van katten wereldwijd. Kittens raken vaak geïnfecteerd, ook via de melk van de poes, en kunnen zware wormbelasting dragen. Larven migreren door het lichaam, en volwassen wormen leven in de dunne darm. De parasiet heeft zoönotisch potentieel en kan larva migrans bij mensen veroorzaken.
Toxocara cati is a large intestinal roundworm of cats. Infections are very common, particularly in kittens, and contribute to environmental egg contamination.
Cats acquire infection by ingesting eggs from the environment, eating infected prey such as rodents, or, for kittens, through the queen's milk. Larvae migrate through tissues before adults mature in the gut.
Many adult cats show no signs. Kittens with heavy burdens may have a pot-bellied appearance, poor growth, vomiting (sometimes with visible worms), diarrhoea, and a dull coat.
Faecal flotation detects characteristic eggs; adult worms are sometimes seen in vomit or faeces.
Routine deworming with effective anthelmintics clears infection; kittens need repeated treatment starting at a few weeks of age, and nursing queens are treated alongside.
Regular deworming, prompt faeces removal, rodent control, and limiting hunting reduce burden. Hand washing and covering sandpits protect people from accidental egg ingestion.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
