The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care: PINWORMS and TRICHINOSIS
PINWORMS
In answer to a common question: cats, like dogs, do not get or spread pinworms. The human pinworm, Enterobius vermicularis, occurs only in humans and higher primates such as chimpanzees.
TRICHINOSIS
Trichinosis is a roundworm infection that occurs when larval forms of Trichinella spiralis are eaten and encyst in the muscle tissue. This disease affects humans, pigs, and other mammals, including cats, dogs, and rats. Vomiting, diarrhea (bloody), and signs of muscle involvement including stiffness and weakness, and signs of pain have occurred in affected cats. Although cats are among the animals most susceptible to trichinosis, infection is not frequently recognized. Prevent trichinosis by not feeding raw or undercooked pork and by restricting hunting (to prevent cat’s preying on possibly infected rodents). This will also prevent pseudorabies infection.
External Parasites External parasites of cats are arthropods (hardcoated insects and insectlike animals) that live on cat skin, feeding on blood, tissue fluid, or the skin itself.