What can cat feces examination detect?

Physical examination mainly focuses on the hardness of the feces. Generally, normal feces contains 60% to 70% water. In pathological conditions, water absorption decreases, so the feces becomes soft or even watery. On the contrary, when the intestinal motility decreases or the intestinal muscles become sluggish, the feces becomes hard, which is common in the early stage of constipation. Chemical examination includes testing the acidity and alkalinity of the feces, occult blood examination, and protein content. Microscopic examination mainly observes undigested food, parasite eggs, and intestinal flora in the feces.

How to perform a cat feces examination

A cat feces examination can be done using fresh feces within two hours or directly collecting feces from the rectum under a microscope. However, the cat's buttocks are sensitive, and rectal collection may cause strong discomfort to the cat. The feces examination mainly checks whether the cat has internal parasite infections, intestinal flora activity, and digestion. Sometimes white blood cells or red blood cells can also be seen.

Cat parasite symptoms

The symptoms vary depending on the type of parasite. First, infections such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension, weight loss, anemia, etc. In severe cases, worms may be vomited out, causing intestinal obstruction, neuritis, etc. Second, infections of coccidia, trichomonads, and giardia can cause bloody, mucoid, fetid paste-like or semi-solid feces.

Cat parasite treatment

External parasites can be treated with pesticides such as ivermectin. Note that cats cannot take a bath before and after the pest control for three days. If adult parasites are found on the cat, the living environment of the cat needs to be treated and disinfected. If the parasite is internal, oral pesticides such as praziquantel should be administered under the cat's health condition.