Fecal testing is one of the most commonly run diagnostics in a veterinary practice. In fact, if your kitten is only 8 months old, they’ve probably already had one or two fecal tests recommended. So, what is this fecal test actually looking for, and why is it so important?
The purpose of fecal testing
A fecal test looks for parasites that can live in your kitten’s intestines. These include worms like roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms, as well as other parasitic infections, such as Giardia and Coccidia.Why are fecal tests recommended so often?
Parasites are, unfortunately, very common in cats of all ages. Additionally, cat behavior, like catching and eating bugs and mice, increases their likelihood of getting parasites. Some parasites are even passed through fleas that your cat swallows while grooming!Because parasites are so common, your veterinarian will recommend routine fecal testing to make sure your kitten isn’t harboring any nasty parasites. Plus, anytime your kitten is having digestive issues, like diarrhea or lack of appetite, your veterinarian will likely want to rule out parasites as a possible cause.
But why are parasites so important to treat?
Aside from being gross, parasites will affect your kitten’s digestion—stealing away their nutrients and causing a lack of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting or even weight loss. Even worse, some of these parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can pass to you and your family.Okay. Fecal testing is important. So, how do I go about getting a fecal test?
To run a fecal test, your veterinarian will need stool—and fresh stool at that, which can be tough to get with cats. Try to keep an eye on your kitten’s litter box and check for a fresh sample after they’ve used it. Aim to get a sample that is about the size of a grape and is least covered by litter. Always remember to wash your hands afterward. If you can’t get the sample to the hospital within a few hours of collecting it, it does need to be kept in the fridge to stay fresh.Find out more about the preventive healthcare measure you can take with your kitten.
