Worms in Cats: Everything you need to know

This article will cover all the basic things cat owners need to know about worms in cats.

WHAT ARE WORMS IN CATS?

Worms in cats are internal parasites that enter and live in (infest) the intestines of cats.

WHICH CATS ARE MORE LIKELY TO GET INFECTED?

All cat breeds, regardless of age, can get worms, but younger cats usually face more risks.  Most cats get infected at some point in their lives and many cats have an intestinal parasite at any given moment.

TYPES OF WORMS IN CATS

• Tapeworm
• Hookworm
• Roundworm
• Bladder worm
• Heartworm
• Lungworm

WHY ARE WORMS DANGEROUS?

Worms can have many different effects on cats, with some more severe than others:

• Anorexia
• Anaemia
• Bloody stool
• Swollen tummy
• Slow heartbeat
• Trouble breathing
• Vomiting and diarrhoea (especially dangerous in kittens)

Untreated symptoms can result in death.

HOW DO CATS GET WORMS?

Eggs and infected particles can be transferred in several ways.

• Eating fleas that carry worms
• Eating rodents that are infected
• Grooming after stepping in faeces
• Ingesting infected faeces in another way
• Kittens nursing from an infected mother cat
• A bite from worm larvae that penetrates the skin

HOW TO PREVENT WORMS IN CATS

If you’re proactive, worms in cats can be prevented. To eliminate or reduce the threat of illness and suffering:

• Be vigilant with litter box hygiene
• Provide regular and effective worm control
• Don’t miss routine screenings and go for extra check-ups if you’re concerned about anything

HOW WORMS IN CATS ARE DIAGNOSED

A veterinarian will usually do one or a combination of the following:

• Examine a stool sample
• Perform a physical exam
• Send a stool sample to a lab
• Order blood tests

HOW TO TREAT WORMS IN CATS

Cats with worms should be treated, even if they don’t have symptoms. There are specific medications for specific worms. Some options sort out several of these internal parasites.

Your veterinarian will recommend medications and provide instructions for effective treatment. An exam should be repeated after treatment to see if the infestation has been eradicated.