Although these worms occasionally cause diarrhea or other symptoms of illness, most infected kittens appear normal. Because the worms cannot be reliably detected by laboratory testing, and since they can be harmful to children's health, we automatically prescribe worming medicine for all kittens. Coccidiosis Coccidia, microscopic parasites that attack the lining of the intestine, are a common cause of diarrhea in kittens, although most cases show no symptoms and need no treatment. Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis attacks many parts of the body, causing serious illness and death. It affects cats of any age and is particularly important because this organism is also a human parasite capable of causing birth defects and other problems.
Cats get Toxoplasmosis by eating rodents or uncooked meat of any kind.
The parasites live mostly in the intestine and are spread from cat to human or other animals through the feces. You can reduce the possibility of transmission by wearing disposable gloves when cleaning the litter box and being careful to avoid fecal contamination of other objects. Since it takes one or two days for feces to become infectious, it's a good idea to clean the litter box every day. Pregnant women should let some other family member tend the litter box. If you see a worm or something you aren't sure about, put it in a baggie along with a piece of moist paper towel and bring it to the office.