Investigations on the prevalence of endo- and ectoparasites in stray cats in the area of Monchengladbach, Germany

Between January and December 1998, 300 stray cats from Monchengladbach and surroundings, Germany, were examined to collect new data on the prevalence and range of endo- and ectoparasites. In total, 51.2 per cent of the cats w ere coproscopically positive for endoparasites. 43.3 per cent of the cats e xcreted Toxocara cati, 5.1 per cent Cystoisospora tells, 4.1 per cent cesto de (Taeniids, Dipylidium) stages, 2 per cent hookworm eggs, 1.4 per cent ea ch Cystoisospora rivolta or Capillaria spp., and 0.3 per cent each Giardia spp. or Opistorchis felineus. 46.4 per cent of the cats were infected with only one endoparasite species, while 4.8 per cent had multiple infections. T. cati was less frequently diagnosed during the summer than during other s easons. Endoparasites, especially T. cati, were found more often in young c ats (less than 6 months of age). The rate of infection with intestinal endo parasites declined with age, whereas seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii in creased with age (in total 65.6 %). Ectoparasites were present on 49.1 per cent of the cats. Fleas were found on 42.9 per cent, ticks on 9.3 per cent, and ear mites on 8.7 % of the animals. 8.3 per cent of the cats had an inf estation with two or three different ectoparasites. Ear mites were seen mor e often in cats that were also infested with fleas. Cats with poor physical or nutritional condition were more frequently infested with ectoparasites.