Fecal Exam for Cats

Fecal testing is a method of checking for intestinal parasites. There are a variety of different parasites such as roundworm, hookworm, giardia, or tapeworms that your cat could be hosting. Many pets do not show any clinical signs of intestinal parasite infections.

All cats should have fecal testing and/or deworming at least annually and more often if they go outdoors. Cats can become infected with intestinal parasites from hunting prey, or even from grooming microscopic parasite eggs off their paws. Indoor pets are less likely to become infected. However, mice, crickets, fleas, cockroaches and other insects can harbour eggs and transmit them when they are eaten. If an indoor animal shares the home with an animal that goes outside, there can be a transfer of parasites between pets. If you are concerned your cat may have parasites or have any questions, please call the clinic and we will be happy to advise you based on your pet’s specific needs.

When collecting a sample for fecal testing, FRESH is best! If you are not able to bring the sample in right away, seal it in a container or bag and refrigerate (don’t freeze) the sample until you can drop it off at the clinic on the same day as collection. There are a variety of different types of fecal testing. We send our fecal samples to a reference laboratory for a fecal flotation and fecal antigen testing as our primary methods of screening.