A study of intestinal helminthic infections of 52 cats (Felis catus) was undertaken in Calabar, Nigeria. Direct smear and zinc sulphate floatation technique were utilized. The following helminths were observed: Toxocara cati (28.85%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (19.23%), Trichuris felis (5.77%), Dipylidium caninum (23.08%) and Taenia taeniaeformis (9.61%). The worm burdens were generally low, ranging from 2 to 20 per cat. No definite pattern of infection was observed with regard to sex. Trematodes were not seen. The zoonotic and public health aspects of some of these helminths are discussed.

Department of Biological Sciences University of Calabar