In addition to external infestations by external parasites such as fleas, lice, and ticks, cats of any age, young and old alike, are susceptible to internal parasitic infestations by worms (helminths) or microbes called protozoa.It is difficult to determine the frequency of helminths (worms). Studies have produced widely varying results. Cats living in rural areas often have more worms than urban cats. The same is true of indoor/outdoor cats, as compared to indoor cats only. Finally, young cats are more susceptible than adult cats. At-risk cats can be divided into two groups: kittens, from birth to ten months of age; and indoor/outdoor cats living in rural or urban areas (residential areas with yards).
A 1996 study showed that on average one in five cats has worms. This number climbs to one in three in kittens under one year of age.
The primary parasitic worms in cats are ascarids, or roundworms (Toxocara cati), ankylostoma, or hookworms, and some tapeworms, including Dipylidium.
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