Parasite Control for Giants: The ‘Invisible’ Worms#

You can see a flea. You can see a tick. But the parasites that cause the most damage in a Maine Coon cattery are the ones you need a microscope to find.

Because Maine Coons are often kept in groups (breeding colonies), they are prone to Protozoal Infections like Giardia and Tritrichomonas. These aren’t “worms”—they are single-celled organisms that cause chronic, foul-smelling diarrhea.

If your Maine Coon has “pudding poop” and a ravenous appetite, stop changing his food and check for parasites.

The “Cattery Twins”: Giardia and Tritrichomonas#

1. Giardia#

The Sign: Pale, greasy, terrible-smelling stool.
The Source: Cysts in the water or on the fur of other cats.
The Treatment: Fenbendazole (Panacur). Feline Husbandry notes that hygiene is just as important as drugs; you must bathe the cat to remove cysts from the fur, or they will reinfect themselves while grooming.

2. Tritrichomonas Foetus (TF)#

The Sign: Diarrhea that smells like a dead animal, often with fresh blood or mucus at the end. The cat acts perfectly healthy otherwise.
The Diagnosis: Standard float tests miss this. You need a PCR DNA Test (diarrhea panel).
The Treatment: This is the “Maine Coon Curse.” It is notoriously hard to cure. Ronidazole is the drug of choice, but it must be compounded carefully.

The External Enemy: Fleas and Ticks#

A single flea bite can cause Feline Miliary Dermatitis (scabs all over the back). In a thick-coated Maine Coon, you might not see the flea, but you will feel the scabs.

Topicals vs. Collars:

Collars: Avoid cheap supermarket collars; they can burn the neck. The Seresto collar is the exception—it works well for 8 months.
Topicals:
- Revolution Plus: The gold standard. Kills fleas, ticks, ear mites, and heartworms.
- Frontline: Effective, but some flea populations are becoming resistant.

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Heartworm: The Silent Threat#

Owners assume Heartworm is a dog disease. It isn’t.

The Difference: In dogs, the worms clog the heart. In cats, the worms attack the Lungs (HARD: Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease).
The Symptoms: Coughing, asthma-like wheezing, or sudden death. There is no cure for cats, only prevention (Revolution or Heartgard).

Conclusion#

Don’t guess. If your cat has loose stool, get a PCR Fecal Panel. If he goes outside (even on a leash), use Revolution Plus. Parasites steal nutrients from your growing giant—don’t let them eat his lunch.

References#

Pedersen, N.C. Feline Husbandry. “Internal Parasites,” p. 163.
Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). Guidelines for Feline Parasites.
Gookin, J.L. Tritrichomonas foetus infection in cats.
Blagburn, B.L. Feline Heartworm Disease.