Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Cats from São João do Tauape Neighborhood in the City of Fortaleza - CE - Brazil

Abstract

Domestic animals serve as hosts for certain species of helminths and protozoa with zoonotic potential. The research aimed primarily to investigate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in cats in the city of Fortaleza - CE, residents of the São João do Tauape neighborhood, through coproparasitological examination using the Willis-Mollay method. Thirty samples from different animals were collected and sent for processing at the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory of the State University of Ceará using the Willis-Mollay method. Out of the 30 fecal samples from cats analyzed, 4 (13.33%) tested positive for at least one parasite. Among the positive samples, 3 (75%) contained Ancylostoma sp. and only 1 (25%) showed Toxocara sp. It is concluded that factors such as the absence of antiparasitic protocols and felines' free access to contaminated areas proved to be relevant factors for the contamination of cats.