The Classic Comprehensive Handbook of Cat Care: WHIPWORMS and EYEWORMS
WHIPWORMS
Whipworms (Trichuris species) are intestinal roundworms that are known to occur in the cecum (part of the large intestine) and sometimes cause diarrhea and weight loss. Although once thought not to occur in cats, whipworms have been rarely diagnosed in them. Infection is acquired directly by ingesting infective larvae from contaminated soil. Diagnosis directly by ingesting infective larvae from contaminated soil. Diagnosis must usually be made by a veterinarian since infection is often symptomless. Ask your veterinarian if you live in an area where whipworms are found. If you do, consider having a stool sample examined semi- annually for evidence of whipworm infection.
EYEWORMS
Eyeworms are small roundworms (less than one half inch [1.25 cm] long) that live in the conjunctival sac of the infected cat. They cause reddening and irritation of the conjuctiva, discharge from the eye, and, sometimes, damage to the eyeball itself. Eyeworms occur in North America (especially the western United States) and Asia and are transmitted through the mouthparts of flies that feed on secretions from the eye. You or your veterinarian can eliminate infection with these worms if you find them by removing them with a pair of fine forceps or tweezers.