The cat shakes its head often and may scratch the outside of the ears and neck persistently. A few drops of any mild oil massaged into the ear canal suffocates the mites and loosens the dirt, which may then be removed with cotton-tipped sticks. Any cat may have fleas. These small jumping insects live in the cat's fur and suck blood through the animal's skin. Products for treatment are readily available, but use only a preparation labeled safe for cats, and use it strictly as directed.
Worms are a common intestinal parasite of cats.
An owner should never try to worm a cat without the advice of a veterinarian. There are several different types of worms, each requiring a different kind of drug for control. Ringworm, a fungous skin disease, is probably the only infection that is clearly and commonly passed from cat to man. Simple sanitary measures such as keeping pets off the table and washing the hands after handling a cat eliminate most possible risks. Cats may be poisoned by a variety of substances.