Their name is derived from the hook-like mouthparts they use to anchor to the lining of the intestinal wall. The scientific names for the most common feline hookworms are Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense . Occasionally, cats will also become infected with the dog hookworm, Ancylostoma caninum . In general, cats tend to harbor relatively few hookworms when compared to the large numbers found in dogs. The feline hookworms tend to be less aggressive bloodsuckers than the canine species.
Hookworms are more common in warm, moist environments.
Conditions of overcrowding and poor sanitation contribute to re-infection. When they do suck blood, an anti-coagulant substance is injected at the feeding site. The cat can suffer blood loss from ingestion by the hookworm, as well as continued bleeding into the bowel. The blood-loss anemia attributed to hookworms is a more significant problem in kittens than adult cats. Evidence of hookworm infection includes anemia , the presence of digested blood in the stool, a poor haircoat, and weight loss.