WORM Out of His NOSE!

Respiratory Parasites in Cats
Respiratory parasites can be worms, or insects such as maggots or mites that live in the respiratory system, either in the passages or in the blood vessels. The infestation might affect the upper respiratory tract, including the nose, throat, and windpipe, or the lower respiratory passage, including the bronchi and lungs.

Such parasites affect all of the host’s systems: the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system (the heart), the circulatory system, and the endocrine system (the liver and kidneys).

Animals that live in multiple pet households, and pets living in unsanitary conditions have a higher risk of transmission. Exposure to the infected feces of other animals that are carriers of the parasite can also make an animal more susceptible. This can include being in an environment such as a shelter or boarding facility, but your cat is also more at risk if it goes outdoors, as it has more opportunities to come into contact with other animals and their feces and urine.

These parasites often begin their life cycles in shellfish, crabs, lizards, and worms, spreading to other animals opportunistically.