Parasite?

Question
Hope you can help me, vet is closed today. 5 year old male cat, otherwise healthy. Just started to be an indoor/outdoor cat (previously indoor only) about a month ago. Been sleeping more than usual over the past couple of days, his gums look a little pale. Still eating & drinking. Noticed something that looks like a popcorn kernel where he had been sleeping. Have seen tapeworms in the past but doesn't look like that..any ideas? Have two other cats in the home that don't have these symptoms.  I know you can't answer medical questions but could you point in the right direction where to search? Much appreciated!!

Answer
Hi Shannon, Tapeworms are the most common parasite that makes themselves visible. When they pass they look like grains of rice. Most other parasites you will not see so it is unlikely it is another parasite... Perhaps your cat ate something and passed it ?? could he have vomited this up?? I would be more concerned about his sleeping and his pale gums than I would be about a parasite. It is possible he has something minor or something serious wrong with him. I would certainly get him checked. Any change like that in a cat is reason to worry...you can leave it until tomorrow since he is still eating and drinking but I wouldn't leave it much past that. An outside cat is always at higher risk for problems then an indoor cat. He may have gotten into some antifreeze or slug bait or any other poisonous things that come into his path. the problem is that these things taste good to a cat! So, watch him closely.. if he stops eating or starts vomiting you will need to get him to an emergency vet asap.
Teresa