Comparison of coproparasitological diagnoses in cats: evaluation of techniques and their combinations.
Gomes APC, de Fortes MCL, de Assis IFO, Grande CO, Ximenes IV, Dos Santos GRM, de Lombardi MFM, Fernandes-Silva L, de Assis-Silva ZM, Oliveira MVS, Rezende HHA, Braga IA, de Ramos DGS · Journal of Small Animal Practice · 26 August 2026
No single fecal technique achieves adequate sensitivity; targeted technique combinations improve parasite detection in cats.
This study evaluated five coproparasitological techniques—Willis, Sheather, Faust, Ritchie, and spontaneous sedimentation—individually and in combination, for diagnosing gastrointestinal parasites in domestic and semi-domesticated cats. A total of 115 fecal samples tested positive for at least one parasite, including Toxocara spp., Ancylostomatidae, Dipylidium caninum, Spirometra spp., Platynosomum fastosum, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Entamoeba spp. No single technique achieved a sensitivity of 70% or greater. The Faust technique demonstrated superior detection of low-density structures, while the Ritchie technique was more effective for high-density structures. Sensitivity analysis of technique combinations revealed clinically meaningful pairings: Ritchie with spontaneous sedimentation for toxocariasis and platynosomiasis; Willis with Ritchie for hookworm infections; Willis with Faust for giardiasis; and Sheather with Faust for cystoisosporiasis. Analysis of other parasites was limited due to low prevalence. The authors emphasize that no single technique is universally sufficient, and that the clinician's suspicion should guide technique selection to maximize diagnostic yield. Given the zoonotic significance of several identified parasites—including Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., and Ancylostomatidae—the study underscores the importance of accurate feline fecal diagnostics and proactive preventive care. These findings support a targeted, combination-based approach to fecal testing in routine feline practice to improve detection rates and reduce transmission risk to both animals and humans.
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