Roundworms are common feline parasites that can infect cats of all ages. During a lifetime practically all cats get infected at one time or another because roundworms can even transmit to kittens through the lactating mother.

There are two species of roundworm that predominantly infect cats.

* Toxocara cati
* Toxascaris leonina

Eggs of Toxocara cati pass through the feces of an infected cat. The embryonic worm in the microscopic egg needs a month in the open environment to reach its infective stage. Having reached the infective stage, Toxocara eggs can weather harsh conditions and survive for years.

This second stage larvae are ingested by a cat or by another animal. They hatch in the intestines. This is the primary host of the roundworm. The young roundworm then migrates and gets encysted in other body tissues of the host.

If the primary host is a cat, larvae get encysted in the cat’s liver. From here onwards the larvae can take two routes depending upon the condition of the host cat.

Owning a pet has certain responsibilities. You have to feed and groom it as well as keep them away from various diseases. This is what cat care and health is all about and by doing it correctly, they can live for 10 years or even longer.

Cat vaccinations are the most effective means of fighting a disease. This also prevents the cat from ever becoming a carrier. Some of the common vaccinations given are for cat flu, feline leukemia or FeLV, Feline Chlamydophilosis and Feline Infectious Enteritis or FIE.

If your cat is given a vaccination, be aware that they may experience some side effects. This goes away shortly even if they develop flu like symptoms or fatigue in the next dew days. In rare cases, the cat may develop cancer where the injection has inserted that may develop in weeks, months or even years.

Cats just like humans experience allergies. This may come from pollen, dust, disinfectants and others. If you notice your cat experiencing any symptoms, you should stop using such products, keep them away from plants and make sure your house is clean.