Do Flies Cause Worms in Cats?
WouterFlies are known to transmit worms to cats, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and lethargy. Adult cats are not at risk of getting worms, but kittens can develop these parasites and become severely ill. If a cat becomes infected with a parasite, it will need veterinary treatment to kill the larvae and prevent further infection. The vet will examine a stool sample under a microscope and will prescribe an antibiotic if the condition is severe enough. In some cases, your cat may require a stay in the hospital to receive fluids and additional medication.
If you think your cat may have eaten flies, keep it away from its food bowl, as flies can cause gastrointestinal problems. These problems can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal discomfort, and fatigue. Some of these symptoms aren’t caused by flies, however, and may simply be symptoms that your cat has eaten something unaccustomed to.
If your cat has an unusually large number of flies, you can look for signs of infestation with maggots or bots. The larvae can cause worms in cats and dogs. While the disease is rare, it can be dangerous to your cat’s health. To prevent this from happening, visit a veterinarian as soon as possible. The sooner you get your cat treated, the better, as the infection can be treated before it spreads.
The first recorded case of myiasis in a cat was reported in the United States around the 19th century. The cat had sustained a fighting wound, which was subsequently infected by several “screw-worms”. The case was reported by Professors G. W. Curtis and Herbert Osborn of Texas.
