Can Flies Cause Worms in Cats?

Cats can become infested with worms if they come in contact with larvae of flies. These worms can occur inside the stomach, intestines, blood, or other organs. Infested cats will have red, swollen sores at the site of the attack. They may also have pus pockets. If a cat develops this condition, it will need to visit a veterinarian right away. The vet will use a sedative and then perform the necessary procedures to remove the larvae. The cat will be monitored daily after the procedure.

Myiasis is a disease caused by a parasitic worm that infects the respiratory system. In one case, a cat’s respiratory tract became infested with a larva of the cosmopolitan species Musca domestica L. (Diptera: Muscidae) which was found in the tracheal epithelium. This case was not widely publicized, but was the first report of myiasis in a cat.

Insects are known disease vectors, and many people are concerned about flies causing worms in cats. Luckily, most flies aren’t dangerous, but eating them may cause worms in cats. Cats will likely lick themselves to preen or bite at the infected area.

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in cats. They infect 25 to 75% of cats. Unlike roundworms, hookworms don’t attach to the intestinal walls and survive by feeding on the food the host consumes. Adult female worms will produce fertile eggs, which will be passed in the cat’s feces. The fertilized egg will develop into an infective larva after a few weeks.

Continue reading:

How to Get Rid of Fruit Flies How Do Fly Bites Affect Horses? How Can You Use Honey to Catch Flies? Can You Get Rabies If a Bat Flies Near You? Why Do I Have Fruit Flies If I Have No Fruit? Can You Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Fruit Flies? What Can You Use For Flies? Can You Eat Food Touched by Flies?