DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS 75 



Worms. 



Cats are liable to be infested with both round 

 and flat worms, and instances have been recorded 

 in which very severe epizootics have prevailed 

 amongst cats, as the result of such infestation. 



No matter whether worms are few or many, they 

 are always detrimental to their host, and if their 

 presence is suspected, the sooner they are cleared 

 out the better. Kittens are very subject to worm 

 infestation, and there is a species of round worm, 

 known as Ascaris mystax, which infects these and 

 adult cats. In the former they occasionally cause 

 convulsions, diarrhoea and sickness. Before breed- 

 ing from a queen, see that she is cleared out of 

 worms, or at any rate, receives a dose or two 

 of worm medicine. 



Treatment. 



A remedy suitable for round worms may be of 

 little service for the tape-worms, whilst the converse 

 holds good. As a general remedy there is nothing 

 superior to the freshly grated areca-nut. The best 

 way is to give it in the form of a pill mixed up in 

 butter. From 3 to 12 grains will be minimum and 

 maximum doses ; but it is necessary to withhold 

 food for 12 hours, giving a small dose of castor oil 

 afterwards. 



