Lungworm Test for Cats

Further information

Our Cat Lungworm Test provides specialist laboratory screening for respiratory parasites in cats, including lungworm larvae and relevant parasite eggs.

Using specialist faecal examination methods, our laboratory team checks for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus larvae and Eucoleus aerophilus eggs. This approach supports targeted parasite monitoring when feline respiratory parasites are a concern.

What does the Cat Lungworm Test include?

The extended feline lungworm screen includes:

  • Aelurostrongylus abstrusus – lungworm larvae.
  • Eucoleus aerophilus – respiratory capillarid eggs.

Who is this test suitable for?

Feline lungworm exposure can be associated with hunting and outdoor activity. For example, consider screening for:

  • Outdoor cats that spend time in gardens, fields or woodland.
  • Cats that hunt or eat rodents, birds or other prey.
  • Cats that may ingest slugs or snails.
  • Cats with a previous history of lungworm.
  • Cats for which a veterinary surgeon has raised lungworm as a possible concern.

How does the testing process work?

Your kit includes collection instructions and the materials needed to return a faecal sample to our laboratory.

Collect faecal material over three consecutive days. This is required for the extended lungworm screen because parasite shedding can be intermittent. Follow the supplied instructions for collecting and storing the sample.

After your sample arrives, our trained laboratory team carries out the specialist larval and egg examinations. We then email your laboratory report on the next working day following arrival.

Because parasite shedding can vary, a negative faecal result cannot completely exclude infection. Free after-test advice is available where required.

Looking for gastrointestinal worm screening too?

Our Combined Worm Count and Lungworm Test for Cats brings both laboratory screens together in one convenient package.

Our Cat Lungworm Test uses specialist faecal examination methods to investigate two feline respiratory parasite targets.

Feline Lungworm and Respiratory Parasite Screening

The laboratory uses specialist larval detection for Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and faecal microscopy for Eucoleus aerophilus eggs. This is important because the two parasite targets are detected in different forms.

  • Aelurostrongylus abstrusus – lungworm larvae.
  • Eucoleus aerophilus – respiratory capillarid eggs.

Three-Day Sample Collection

The lungworm screen requires faecal material collected over three consecutive days. Parasite shedding can be intermittent, so collecting across all three days supports the laboratory examination.

Follow the collection and storage instructions supplied with your kit.

Laboratory Reporting

We review findings for larvae and relevant respiratory parasite eggs before issuing the laboratory report. Free after-test advice is available where required.

Our Cat Lungworm Test reports findings for the two respiratory parasite targets included in the specialist feline screen.

Feline Lungworm Screen Results

Our extended feline respiratory parasite screen examines the faecal sample for the following targets:

  • Aelurostrongylus abstrusus – lungworm larvae.
  • Eucoleus aerophilus – respiratory capillarid eggs.

The laboratory report records the detection of relevant lungworm larvae or respiratory parasite eggs. Where the findings allow, we provide identification and explanatory comments.

A negative faecal result cannot completely exclude infection because larvae or eggs may be shed intermittently.

Understanding Your Results

Parasites may shed eggs, oocysts or larvae intermittently. Therefore, a result below the detectable limit, or a qualitative result of none seen, does not completely exclude infection.

Our trained laboratory team reviews the findings before emailing the result.

Clear laboratory reporting and free after-test advice are included where required.

Sample collection: The lungworm component requires faecal material collected over three consecutive days. Follow the collection and storage instructions supplied with your kit.

Lungworm screen: This extended procedure takes longer than a routine worm count. Results are issued on the next working day following arrival at our laboratory.

Results are emailed after our laboratory team has completed the examination and review.

This kit is prepared for one cat and includes the materials needed to collect and return the required faecal sample or samples to our laboratory.

  • Recyclable padded return packaging.
  • Free Tracked 24 return postage.
  • Laboratory request form and clear collection instructions.
  • Recyclable sample collection box(es) supplied in resealable write-on bag(s).
  • Biodegradable secondary sealable bag.
  • Biodegradable natural wood sampling spoon.

For the lungworm component, the instructions explain how to collect faecal material over three consecutive days.

How does it work?

1. Choose and order your test

Select the appropriate parasite test for your animal(s), or use our quick guide to find the most suitable option.

Choose and order your test

Collect the sample using your test kit and return it to our laboratory using the free, 24-hour tracked delivery which is included in your kit.

2. Send your sample

The laboratory team analyses your sample and provides a detailed PDF report via email, with access to our clinical team for further guidance if needed.

3. Receive your results
Choose and order your test
2. Send your sample
3. Receive your results
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