HELP ! WORMS !?

[Johnny and Demon]

My kitty has worms and I was wondering if my ferrets can have worms too ? Does anyone know what kind of parasites/disease cats and ferrets can transmit to each others ?

[Ashley]

Hi Annik,

If your kitten has worms he can definitely pass them on to your ferrets. Depending on the type of worms it can be passed on in different ways. Are there whole worms in your cats stool or has he thrown whole worms up? If so it's probably roundworm. If there are small white pieces (kind of looks like rice) in your cats stool, it's most likely tapeworm. These two different types of worms can be obtained by eating feces or spoiled food. They can also get heart worm which is normally spread by infected mosquitoes, but I don't believe that is an issue in New Brunswick.

I would get your ferrets to the vet right away and get them some revolution. Revolution will kill the worms and it also kills fleas and mites as well.

Good luck.

Ashley

[Johnny and Demon]

The vet told me today my cat has Giardia TapeWorm .. but he also told me there's only a few chance for my ferrets to get them too .. but its not my regular vet, and they don't know much about ferrets. What do you think ?

[mindy]

giardia and tapeworms are 2 different things. giardia is a microscopic parasite that causes loose stools and an upset tummy. people can also get it. in newfoundland we call it beaver fever and it is sometimes in the water in the spring when the snow melts. tapeworms are a segmented parasitic worm that look like rice when they are passed in the stool. you have to treat your cat for both problems. your ferrets would have to come in contact with your cat's stool but that is pretty easy when cats use a litter box and then walks in an area that your ferrets go. i would talk to your regular vet about treating your ferrets.

[Tressie]

Giardia is highly infectious to humans! Your kitty will need to be quarantined until he's over both of these nasty parasites.

I know at the clinic when they have a giardia infected animal it is isolated and they wear gloves and change their clothing after handling the animal.

Here's an excerpt taken from an article by Judith Bell, DVM:

Giardia lamblia

Giardiasis is uncommon in ferrets, but has been known to occur in those that drink contaminated water or eat contaminated feed, especially uncooked offal. Although the cysts (the equivalent of eggs) may be found in the ferret's stool, the animal rarely shows any clinical signs related to the parasite. Humans suffer mild to severe diarrhea and abdominal pain when infected with Giardia, and there is a possibility that people could be infected by ferrets carrying this disease. However, this has never been reported, and giardiasis is uncommon in pet ferrets kept inside and fed commercial diets and clean water. Pet shop puppies often carry Giardia, which is communicable from them to ferrets in the same pet shop by way of the hands of the caretaker. The treatment for giardiasis is the same for animals as for people, and must be prescribed by a veterinarian.

From MD Ferret Paws:

Giardia

Giardia is a parasite that lives in the intestines. The ferret is infected when it ingests the protozoa in food or water contaminated with feces (contaminated water source) . Some signs that your ferret may have giardia is diarrhea, weight loss and mucousy poop. Giardia is not found in treated water systems, however, it may be found in well water or standing water. Your vet can prescribe medications to get rid of this nasty parasite.

From Erika Mautillich, PhD:

Giardia (Montezuma's Revenge) is highly contagious to and among humans, cats, dogs, ferrets through fecal-oral contact. The usual source is fishtanks, rodents (pet hamsters or rats), or any stagnant water. Do not let your ferret lap water from your fishtank or turtle bowl! Gastrointestinal upset, ulcers and other problems may result from giardia. This disease is treated with antibiotics and/or paste wormers, along with bleach disinfectant of all surfaces a ferret may contact.

Bleach solution would be 10% bleach.

A vet visit would be in order to have their stools checked. You should also see your family doctor to make sure no one who has come in contact with your kitty in your household doesn't also have this.

In the interim I would suggest you always wash your hands before and after handling your kitty and before handling the ferrets.

Bummer! Sorry you are dealing with this.

Tressie

[Johnny and Demon]

Gosh ! Thank you very much Tressie !
I will take my ferrets to my regular vet to check their stools .. My cat just received his medications today and we already put him alone in a room just in case he can pass it to our ferrets He is so sad ! lol So I am ! Oh well .. I guess its life .. We will go see a doctor too, just in case .. Hope we will get rid of this nasty parasite soon !

[jenclarke23]

It's horrible that you have to deal with that! Be very careful with your cat especially if you have small children around. My partner caught Giardia when he was in highschool and he was miserable. It lasted for weeks and he had severe stomach upset and was very weak. It is a horrible illness and I imagine it would be especially bad for young children. I hope that you can get rid of both problems soon and I will keep my fingers crossed for you! Good Luck!
Jen