Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats (Felis catus) in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites in domestic cats have implications for animal health and potential zoonotic transmission. This study investigated their prevalence, seasonal variation, and infection intensity in Kwale, Ndokwa West Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. A total of 210 cats were examined using standard parasitological techniques, with infection intensity assessed in 50 samples using the Kato–Katz technique. Seven parasite taxa were identified: Toxocara cati (n = 41), Ancylostoma sp. (n = 38), Taenia sp. (n = 33), Giardia sp. (n = 29), Platylosomum sp. (n = 16), Dipylidium caninum (n = 12), and Cystoisospora sp. (n = 11). Chi-square analysis indicated significant differences in prevalence among parasite taxa (p < 0.05). Among samples analyzed using Kato–Katz, T. cati had the highest mean infection intensity at 57.39 eggs per gram of feces, whereas Ancylostoma sp. had the lowest at 32.06 eggs per gram. Infection rates were highest in June (23.8%) and lowest in February (12.8%), although seasonal variation was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The detection of taxa with potential zoonotic significance highlights the public health relevance of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in cats. These findings provide local epidemiological evidence supporting integrated control measures, including routine deworming, improved sanitation, cat population management, public health education, and One Health collaboration.