Worms are not a fun topic for any cat owner, but sadly, they’re very common. These gastrointestinal parasites of cats can live in your cat’s intestines, causing all sorts of problems. The most common culprits are roundworms and tapeworms. While they might not cause serious, lasting issues in most cats, getting rid of them is important for your feline friend’s health and your peace of mind.

Did you know that gastrointestinal parasitism is a common problem in cats? About 45% of cats get it at some point. These parasites can cause unpleasant symptoms like a dull coat, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance. In really bad cases, worms can weaken your cat’s immune system and some worms even have the potential to infect humans – so it’s important to take care of them quickly.

In this guide, we have covered everything you need to know about worms in cats. Let’s talk about how to treat them safely and effectively – and how to stop them from coming back.

How Do Cats Get Worms Infestation?

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Unfortunately, there are a few ways cats can become hosts to these unwanted guests. It depends on which kind of worm we’re talking about. Sometimes, cats pick up worm eggs from their environment. These eggs might be in the soil, their litter box, or even on another animal’s fur. 

Other times, they can get intestinal worms by eating an infected animal, like a mouse or a flea. I always advise keeping cats’ litter boxes super clean, discouraging them from hunting, and keeping them on regular flea and tick preventatives

Most Common Types of Cat Worms

As a cat owner, I know how frustrating and worrisome it can be to think about my furry friend getting intestinal parasites. Unfortunately, these parasites are all too common in cats. Let’s see the most frequent types of worms in cats:

• Roundworms: These are the biggest culprits, and they look a bit like spaghetti. Kittens often get them from their mother’s milk, and adult cats can contract them by eating infected prey. Roundworm eggs can stubbornly survive in the soil for years.
• Tapeworms:  These flat, segmented parasites are a pain. You might notice rice-like bits of them in your cat’s poop or around their rear end. Tapeworms in cats are caused by eating fleas or hunting infected animals. Controlling fleas and keeping your cat from hunting can help prevent these worms.
• Hookworms:  These nasty little bloodsuckers attach to the lining of the small intestine. They get into cats if they eat larvae or from larvae burrowing into their skin. They’re less common intestinal parasites but can cause serious issues like pale gums and weakness.
• Whipworms: Whipworms like to make a home in your cat’s large intestine. They’re not as common in North America, but your cat can get them from eating eggs in contaminated soil.

Less Commonly Diagnosed Worms

While less frequent, these worms can still cause significant health problems in cats:

• Heartworms: These dangerous parasites are transmitted by mosquito bites, and they take up residence in your cat’s heart, lungs, and blood vessels. Sadly, there’s no cure for cats, so prevention is absolutely key.
• Lungworms: Cats get these by eating infected birds or rodents, or even drinking contaminated water. Lungworms cause respiratory problems that can be mistaken for other illnesses.
• Stomach Worms: These are spread through contact with an infected cat’s vomit – not pleasant! They’re more likely to affect outdoor cats or those living with multiple felines. Vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss are common symptoms.
• Bladder Worms: Uncommon and often without obvious symptoms,  bladder worms are passed through a cat’s urine. Heavy infections might cause urinary issues.
• Liver Flukes: These parasites target the liver, small intestine of cats, and related areas. Cats get infected by eating something like a frog that itself ate an infected snail. Liver flukes are more common in warmer areas.

What is Ringworm? Is it a worm?

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Ringworm isn’t actually a worm – it’s a fungal infection of the skin! It gets its name from the ring-shaped, red patches it often causes.  Ringworm is highly contagious between cats, pets, and even humans.

General/Common Symptoms of Worms in Cats

Cats with worms can experience a wide range of symptoms. Some cats might not show any signs at all, while others may have severe problems. Here are some of the most common symptoms to look out for that might indicate worms in your cats:

• Changes in appetite and weight: Your cat may start eating more than usual but still lose weight, or they may lose their appetite.
• Digestive issues: Diarrhea (sometimes with blood or visible worms) and vomiting (which may also contain worms) are frequent signs.
• Changes in appearance: Some worms deprive cats of nutrients, leaving them with a dull coat, distended belly, or unhealthy skin.
• Weakness and low energy: Your cat may become lethargic and seem unusually weak due to worm infestations draining their energy.
• Pale gums: Worms can cause anemia (a lack of healthy red blood cells), which can make your cat’s gums look pale instead of a healthy pink.
• Dull Coat: A cat’s coat may lose its usual shine and luster.
• Potbellied Abdomen: Especially noticeable in kittens, this can be due to a heavy roundworm infestation.
• Visible Worms in Feces or Vomit: You may see segments of tapeworms or entire worms of other types.
• Scooting: Dragging the bottom along the ground to relieve irritation caused by worms around the anus.
• Lethargy: A general lack of energy due to the body fighting off the infection.

Identifying Symptoms of Specific Types of Worms

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• Roundworms: These are incredibly common in cats. Roundworms can cause coughing or pneumonia (if they get into the lungs), vomiting, diarrhea, a potbelly, and weight loss. Severe roundworm infections in cats can even block the intestines.
• Hookworms: Hookworms can attach to the intestines and suck blood. This leads to diarrhea with dark, tarry stool, pale gums, weight loss, and a poor appetite. If a hookworm infection enters through the skin, your cat may develop itchy skin patches.
• Tapeworms: Often, the first sign of a tapeworm infection is finding small, white, grains of rice like segments around your cat’s bottom, on their fur, in their bedding, or in their poop.  Cats with tapeworms may also lose weight, eat more, experience an itchy bottom, or have diarrhea.
• Lungworms: Lungworms live in the lungs, causing coughing and breathing difficulties that can worsen into pneumonia.
• Heartworms: Heartworms are less common in cats than dogs, but infections can be serious or even fatal. Symptoms include coughing, breathing problems, lack of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, sudden collapse, or seizures.
• Bladder Worms:  Bladder worms may not always show obvious symptoms at first, but you might notice blood in your cat’s urine,  straining or pain when urinating in severe cases.
• Liver Flukes: Severe liver fluke cases can cause swelling of the liver and a swollen belly.

Diagnosing Worms in Cats: What Your Vet Looks For

Cats can contract a variety of intestinal worms, each presenting challenges in diagnosis. Here’s how your veterinarian goes about determining if your cat has worms:

• Visual Clues: Sometimes, you might see worms directly—look for white, spaghetti-like roundworms or flat, segmented tapeworms in your cat’s stool or around their bottom.
• Fecal Exam: In most cases, pinpointing the type of worm requires a microscopic examination of a stool sample. This allows for accurate diagnosis and the correct treatment plan.
• Complete Health Check: Your vet may also perform a physical exam and blood tests to understand your cat’s overall condition. This helps rule out other illnesses that might cause similar symptoms.

Important: Since each worm has a different lifecycle, the vet needs to know the exact type. This determines the medicine needed, how long the treatment should last, and whether follow-up tests are necessary. Most intestinal worms are readily treated with deworming medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Treatment of Worms in Cats

While you may find websites suggesting natural remedies for worms, such as garlic or apple cider vinegar – to get rid of worms- these are NOT recommended. Not only is their effectiveness unproven, but some ingredients could harm your cat. Always consult your veterinarian to treat worms in cats.

Veterinarian-Prescribed Treatment

• Dewormers: Medicines like Panacur (fenbendazole) or Drontal Plus (pyrantel, praziquantel, fenbendazole) target multiple worm types. Your vet will determine the type of worm and the correct medication. Multiple doses are often needed to eliminate all adult worms and hatched larvae.
• Injectable Dewormers: Praziquantel is available as an injection for tapeworms. It paralyzes the worm, causing it to detach from the intestinal wall and pass out in the stool.
• Flea Prevention: Cats often get tapeworms from fleas. Regular flea treatment is essential for preventing reinfection.

Worming Frequency

• Kittens need worming every two weeks from two weeks old to eight weeks old. Afterward, deworm monthly until they’re six months old, then every one to three months. If the kitten has fleas, tapeworm treatment is needed.
• Adult cats should get wormed every one to three months with medication targeting both roundworms and tapeworms.

Choosing the Best Dewormer

Dewormers come in various forms:

• Tablets
• Liquids
• Pastes
• Spot-on Treatments

Consult with your veterinarian to determine the best choice for your cat and learn the correct administration.

Preventing Worms in Cats: Essential Tips

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Keeping your feline friend worm-free is important for their health and yours. Here’s what you can do:

Prevent Fleas

Fleas are the main way cats get tapeworms. Year-round flea prevention medication, as recommended by your veterinarian, is the best way to break the tapeworm cycle.

Regular Deworming

Especially for cats who go outside or hunt, vets recommend routine deworming every three months. This proactive approach prevents worms from growing into a serious health problem.

Litter Box Hygiene

• Scoop the litter box daily to remove feces. This limits the spread of worm eggs that might be present.
• Regularly change the litter and scrub the box thoroughly to minimize exposure.
• Wear gloves when cleaning the litter box, and wash your hands well afterward for extra protection.

Outdoor Cat Safety

Regularly clean up cat poop from your yard, sandboxes, and flowerbeds. This helps prevent the spread of worm eggs and protects both pets and people.

Important Note: Some worms in cats can infect humans too. To protect yourself, your family, and your cats, take these preventative steps very seriously.

To Sum it Up!

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Worms might not be a pleasant topic, but being informed is the best way to protect your beloved feline companion. If you notice any of the symptoms discussed, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with your veterinarian. Prompt diagnosis and treatment will have your cat back to their happy, playful self in no time.  Remember, preventing worms is always easier than treating them – so prioritize regular deworming, excellent litter box hygiene, and good flea control

Have you ever encountered a worm problem with your cat? Share your experience in the comments below! If you found this article helpful, please share it to raise awareness about these sneaky parasites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Cats Catch Worms From Dogs?

While it’s not the most common way for cats to get an infestation, it is possible. Different types of worms tend to prefer specific animal hosts. However, if a dog eats infected cat feces, and your cat then eats a prey animal (like a mouse) that was contaminated by the dog, your cat could become infected.

Do Worms Hurt My Cat?

Yes, worms can cause pain and discomfort for cats. As worm larvae migrate through a cat’s body, they can damage internal organs like the liver, stomach, lungs, and eyes. This damage leads to inflammation and pain.

You might notice your cat showing signs of stomach upset (vomiting, loss of appetite, nausea), eye irritation (rubbing the eye, discharge), changes in breathing, or a swollen belly in severe cases.

How Should I Clean My House If My Cat Has Worms?

To prevent reinfection and protect your own health, it’s important to clean your house thoroughly if your cat has internal parasties. Focus on the litter box area, scooping daily and disinfecting the box weekly with a bleach solution (use as directed).

Vacuum carpets and mop floors regularly, paying special attention to where your cat frequents. Wash your cat’s bedding in hot water, and vacuum any upholstered furniture where your cat likes to rest. Always use pet-safe cleaning products to avoid any harm to your furry friend.

Can Humans Get Worms From Cats?

Yes, humans can contract certain types of worms from cats. This typically occurs through accidental contact with contaminated cat feces or soil containing infected feces.  It’s important to be aware of common situations where this might happen, such as gardening without gloves, walking barefoot in areas where cats defecate, or children playing in sandboxes used by infected cats.

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The best way to protect yourself from catching worms from your cat is simple: wash your hands regularly! After cleaning the litter box or coming into contact with cat feces. Wear gloves when working in the garden, and teach children the importance of proper handwashing after playing outside or in sandboxes.

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