What are the common intestinal worms in cats?
The most common intestinal worms found in cats include:
- Roundworms (Toxocara cati) – One of the most prevalent worms in cats that live in the small intestine. Roundworm eggs are passed in the feces and can contaminate soil. Kittens are often infected by their mother’s milk. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and a pot-bellied appearance.
- Tapeworms – There are different types of tapeworms. The most common is Dipylidium caninum, which is transmitted by ingesting fleas. Tapeworm segments may be visible around the anus or in the feces. Cats show few symptoms.
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) – These latch onto the intestinal wall and feed on blood. Kittens are commonly infected through their mother’s milk or by ingesting larvae from contaminated soil. Symptoms include diarrhea and weight loss.
- Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis) – These reside in the cecum and colon. Eggs are passed in the feces and can survive in soil. Symptoms are generally mild but may include diarrhea.
For more information, see these sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10029910/ and https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/gastrointestinal-parasites-cats
How are cat worms transmitted?
There are a few main ways cats become infected with intestinal worms:
- Ingesting worm eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, water, or feces
- Eating infected rodents that carry worm larvae in their tissues
- Coming into contact with fleas that have fed on an infected cat, as worms can live inside fleas
Worm eggs and larvae are extremely resilient and can survive for long periods in the environment. Cats may accidentally ingest them when grooming or hunting. Kittens are especially prone to roundworm infections as the larvae can be transmitted from the mother cat before birth or through her milk.
According to Cornell Feline Health Center, roundworms are the most prevalent intestinal worm in cats, with infection rates ranging from 25% to 75%. This highlights the extremely contagious nature of these parasites.
What are the symptoms of worm infections in cats?
Some of the most common symptoms of intestinal worms in cats include:
- Diarrhea – Worms can irritate the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. Severe infestations can lead to watery, bloody, or mucus-filled diarrhea.
- Vomiting – Vomiting is another common symptom, especially with roundworms. You may see worms in your cat’s vomit.
- Appetite changes – Worms can sap nutrients, leading to increased appetite. But severe infestations may also cause nausea and appetite loss.
- Bloating or pot belly – Some worms can cause gas, belly swelling, and a pot-bellied appearance.
Other possible symptoms include lethargy, weight loss, coughing, breathing issues, collapsed lungs (with lungworms), and seizures. Kittens with heavy roundworm loads may become stunted and show delayed development. Tapeworms may also cause irritation around the anus. However, some cats can harbor light worm infections without any obvious symptoms.
According to PetMD, “Diarrhea and vomiting are the main symptoms of intestinal worms in cats” (source). The specific symptoms depend on the type of worm present. But gastrointestinal upset is very common, along with appetite changes.
When should I take my cat to the vet for worms?
There are a few situations when you should take your cat to the veterinarian for a worm inspection and potential treatment:
Routine deworming visits. Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks from 6 weeks to 3 months old, then monthly until 6 months old (https://icatcare.org/advice/worming-your-cat/). Adult cats should receive deworming medication every 3 months, especially if they go outdoors or eat raw meat (https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/worms-in-cats/). Your vet will prescribe the appropriate dewormer and schedule.
If you notice any symptoms of a worm infection. Signs like a potbelly appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, lethargy, or a dull coat indicate your cat may have worms. Take your cat to the vet right away if you observe these (https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/worms-in-cats/). The vet will check your cat’s stool sample for worm eggs.
After adopting a new cat or kitten. Shelter animals are prone to worms, so new adoptees should visit the vet for a deworming treatment. Stray cats are also likely to have worms.
If another pet in your home has worms. Since worms can spread between animals, any worm infection should trigger a vet visit to check all pets.
Returning from the outdoors. Outdoor cats who hunt rodents are prone to picking up worms. A vet check can identify and treat any new worm infestations.
How are cat worms diagnosed?
There are a few ways a veterinarian may diagnose worms in cats. The most common diagnostic method is a fecal examination. This involves collecting a fresh stool sample from the cat and examining it under a microscope.
The veterinarian will look for worm eggs and larvae in the stool sample. Roundworm eggs are easy to spot as they have a distinctive oval shape with a thick outer wall. Tapeworm segments may also be visible in the stool. These look like small white pieces of rice.
A fecal flotation test may also be performed by mixing the stool with a solution to cause any parasite eggs to float to the top for easier examination. This is an effective way to diagnose many types of intestinal worms.
According to https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/worms-in-cats/, a fecal examination is the most common diagnostic method that allows a veterinarian to identify the type of worm infecting the cat and provide the appropriate deworming medication.
How are cat worms treated?
The most common treatment for intestinal worms in cats is deworming medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Deworming medications come in various forms including tablets, granules, liquids, injections, and topical treatments. Some common deworming medications used in cats include:
- Pyrantel pamoate – kills roundworms and hookworms
- Fenbendazole – broad-spectrum dewormer that kills roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms
- Praziquantel – kills tapeworms
- Milbemycin oxime – controls both adult worms and larvae of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms
- Moxidectin – controls adult worms and larvae of roundworms, hookworms, and heartworms
The specific medication, dosage, and duration of treatment will depend on the type of worm infestation, the cat’s age and health status. Combination dewormers containing multiple active ingredients are commonly used to control a wide range of intestinal worms with one medication. Kittens may require more frequent deworming as part of their routine veterinary care.
Some over-the-counter dewormers sold at pet stores contain pyrantel pamoate and can be used for roundworms and hookworms. However, speak to your veterinarian before deworming, especially with over-the-counter products, to ensure proper treatment and avoid toxicity.
In addition to deworming medication, your veterinarian may recommend supplements or a special diet to help restore nutrients lost from the worms and support your cat’s recovery.
How can I prevent worms in my cats?
There are a few key ways to help prevent your cats from getting worms:
Routine deworming – One of the best ways to prevent worms is to deworm your cats regularly, even if they don’t show any symptoms. Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old. Adult cats should be dewormed 1-4 times per year, depending on risk factors. Speak to your vet to determine the ideal deworming schedule for your cats (1).
Flea/tick prevention – Fleas and ticks can transmit tapeworms to cats, so using monthly flea and tick prevention medication is important. There are many safe, effective options available including spot-ons, collars, and oral tablets. Ask your vet for flea/tick prevention recommendations based on your cat’s age and health status.
Keep cats indoors – Keeping your cat indoors prevents exposure to parasites from other animals or contaminated environments. Cats that go outdoors are at much higher risk of contracting worms.
Sanitation – Regularly clean the litter box and pick up cat waste from your yard to prevent exposure. Steam clean carpets and wash bedding frequently.
Avoid raw meat diets – Raw meat and fish can contain parasite eggs that may infect your cat if eaten. Cooked/commercial cat foods are safer options.
Should I separate cats if one has worms?
Usually separating cats when one has worms is not necessary if proper treatment and hygiene practices are followed. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, the most common intestinal worms like roundworms and hookworms are transmitted through ingesting infected feces or contaminated soil, so keeping the litter box clean is important. As long as the infected cat receives proper deworming medication from the vet and the home is kept clean, the healthy cats are unlikely to get infected.
PetMD notes that separating cats during worm treatment used to be recommended, but is usually not needed today with modern dewormers and proper hygiene. The key is to treat all cats in the household with a broad-spectrum dewormer to clear out any worms or eggs. Be sure to speak with your vet about the appropriate medication and dosage for your specific situation.
With prompt treatment and precautions like wearing gloves during litter box cleaning, parasites can be controlled without separating cats. Separating may only be recommended in rare cases where a cat has a heavy parasite burden or impaired immunity. Otherwise, treatment and hygiene should prevent transmission between housemates. Focus on getting the infected cat proper veterinary care rather than isolating them from the household.
How to disinfect my home for cat worms
It is important to thoroughly clean your home if you have a cat with worms, as worm eggs can survive in the environment for long periods. Here are some tips for disinfecting your home:
– Vacuum all floors, carpets, furniture, curtains, and any other fabrics. Be sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag or empty and clean the canister to prevent recontamination. The vibration and suction of vacuuming can help remove worm eggs clinging to surfaces. You may want to use a vacuum with a HEPA filter for more thorough cleaning.
– Wash all bedding, blankets, pillowcases, and anything your cat sleeps on frequently in hot water, and dry on a hot cycle. The heat will help kill worm eggs and larvae.
– Clean and disinfect your cat’s litter boxes regularly. Use soap and hot water, let air dry completely before refilling with new litter. Worm eggs can collect in litter boxes.
– Steam clean carpets, which can kill worms and eggs with high heat. Professional carpet cleaning may be advisable for heavy infestations. According to [source], steam cleaning is an effective way to kill parasites and their eggs without harsh chemicals.
– Use disinfectants labeled to kill parasites on hard surfaces. Diluted bleach, vinegar, or ammonia can help eliminate worm eggs, but check that they are safe for your surfaces.
With diligent vacuuming, washing, and cleaning, you can help rid your home of parasitic worm eggs and protect other pets. Consult your veterinarian if infestation persists despite cleaning efforts.
When can a cat with worms rejoin the household?
After being diagnosed and treated for worms, veterinarians typically recommend keeping the infected cat isolated from other pets until the worms are gone. This helps prevent spreading the infection to other animals.
According to VCA Animal Hospitals, after a deworming medication like pyrantel or fenbendazole is given, the dead and dying roundworms will pass in the cat’s stool for 1-4 days (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/roundworm-infection-in-cats).
Once the medication has finished its course and the veterinarian confirms the worms have been eliminated, the cat can safely rejoin the rest of the household. The veterinarian will examine a fecal sample after treatment to verify the worms are gone before giving the approval.
It’s important to follow your vet’s guidance about when it’s safe for your cat to interact with other pets again after worm treatment. Don’t allow the cat to rejoin the household until the vet gives the green light that the worms have been eradicated.