Introduction
Intestinal worms are a common health issue that affects many cats. In fact, studies show that up to 75% of cats will get intestinal worms at some point in their lives.[1]
Worm infections can cause a variety of concerning symptoms, from diarrhea and vomiting to weight loss and lethargy. While worms can rarely be fatal by themselves, they can weaken a cat’s immune system and make them more vulnerable to other illnesses.
This article will cover the common types of intestinal worms found in cats, how to identify if your cat has worms, treatment options, and steps you can take to prevent worm infections from recurring.
What Are Worms in Cats?
Worms in cats can include the following types:
Roundworms: The most common intestinal parasite in cats. Kittens can become infected from their mother’s milk, while adult cats pick up eggs from contaminated soil or feces. Roundworms absorb nutrients, interfering with digestion and growth. (Source: Cornell Feline Health Center)
Tapeworms: Cats become infected by ingesting fleas or small animals carrying tapeworm eggs. The eggs hatch inside the cat, anchoring to the intestinal lining. Tapeworms cause mild gastrointestinal issues. Segments may be visible around the anus or in the stool. (Source: Feline Friends)
Hookworms: Larvae enter through the skin or are ingested. Hookworms attach to the intestinal lining, feeding on blood and tissues. Significant infestation causes anemia, diarrhea, and weight loss. (Source: Cornell Feline Health Center)
Signs of Worms
There are several common signs that may indicate your cat has a worm infection:
Visible worms or eggs in stool – You may notice actual worms in your cat’s feces or vomit. Worms look like long, thin strands of spaghetti. You may also see tiny eggs in the feces. Tapeworm segments can resemble small grains of rice.
Vomiting – Some types of worms can cause nausea and vomiting in cats. Vomit may contain visible worms or eggs. Certain worms irritate the stomach lining or intestines, causing ongoing nausea.
Diarrhea – Worm infections can inflame the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. Stools may contain mucus or blood.
Bloated stomach – Roundworms and hookworms can cause a pot-bellied appearance. The abdomen may look swollen or distended.
Weight loss – Intestinal worms can interfere with digestion and nutrient absorption. This may cause decreased appetite, weight loss, and failure to thrive. The cat may have a scruffy, dull coat.
According to PetMD, visible worms in the feces or vomit are the clearest sign your cat has an intestinal parasite. However, not all cats will show symptoms. Kittens are most susceptible to worms. Adult cats often have built up some immunity. Talk to your vet if you notice any of these signs.
Diagnosing Worms
There are two main ways vets diagnose worms in cats:[1]
- Fecal exam to check for eggs: A fecal sample from your cat is examined under a microscope to look for worm eggs. This allows the vet to identify the type of worm infecting your cat.
- Blood test for antigens: A blood sample can be tested for the presence of antigens from certain worms like heartworm. This blood test allows the vet to detect an active heartworm infection.
In some cases, an endoscopy may be performed to visualize worms in the stomach and intestines. Tapeworm segments may also be visible in the cat’s fur near the tail.[2]
If you notice signs of worms like vomiting or a pot-bellied appearance, bring a fresh fecal sample to the vet clinic for testing. Diagnosing the worms early allows prompt treatment to eliminate the parasites.
[1] https://www.petmd.com/cat/parasites/worms-cats-everything-you-need-know
[2] https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/health/parasites/worms-in-cats
Treating Worms
The most common way to treat worms in cats is through deworming medications prescribed by a veterinarian. There are several effective dewormers available including pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, milbemycin oxime, moxidectin, and praziquantel. These medications kill intestinal worms by paralyzing them or disrupting their energy metabolism so they detach from the intestinal lining and are passed in the stool (1).
Kittens should be dewormed starting at 2 weeks of age, then every 2 weeks until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months old (2). For adult cats, the general recommendation is to deworm at least every 3 months year-round. More frequent deworming may be advised for outdoor cats or those with a high exposure risk (1).
It’s important to treat all cats and kittens in a household when one pet has worms. Even if other pets seem healthy, they may carry larval or egg stages that could lead to reinfection (2). Typically more than one dose 2-4 weeks apart is needed to fully remove all life stages of worms from the body (1).
Following prescribed deworming schedules, promptly picking up feces, and keeping cats indoors can help successfully eliminate worms and prevent reinfection (3). Consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal deworming plan for your cat.
Sources:
(1) https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/how-to-deworm-kittens-and-cats
(2) https://www.lombardvet.com/services/cats/blog/cat-deworming-info-you-need-avoid-potentially-fatal-condition
(3) https://www.summercreekvet.com/services/cats/cat-deworming-everything-you-need-know-about-cat-intestinal-parasites
Preventing Worms
There are several steps cat owners can take to help prevent worms in their cats:
Regular deworming is important, even for indoor cats. Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks of age, then monthly until 6 months old. Adult cats should be dewormed 1-4 times per year based on risk factors. Speak with your veterinarian about the best deworming schedule for your cat (Small Door Veterinary).
Prompt stool removal can help prevent reinfection and transmission to other pets or humans. Scoop litter boxes at least once per day. Dispose of feces right away by placing in a plastic bag secured with a tight knot before putting in the trash.
Keeping litter boxes clean is also essential. Scoop out urine and feces daily, then fully wash litter boxes once per week with soap and hot water to remove any parasite eggs (Daily Paws).
Environmental Control
Keeping your home environment clean is an important part of controlling and preventing worms in cats. Worm eggs and larvae can survive in the environment for long periods, leading to reinfection if proper sanitation measures are not taken.
Be sure to regularly wash and disinfect your cat’s bedding, toys, food and water bowls, and litter boxes. Hot water and soap can help remove contaminants. You may also use a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 32 parts water) to disinfect surfaces and bedding. Allow items to soak for 5 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Replace litter daily.1
Vacuum carpets, floors, and upholstered furniture frequently to help pick up eggs and larvae. Be sure to immediately dispose of the vacuum bag afterwards. Steam cleaning can also help sanitize soft surfaces.
Wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up after your cat or handling litter. Avoid allowing your cat to access garden beds or children’s play areas where eggs could be deposited.
Reinfection
Even after being successfully treated for worms, cats can become reinfected. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, cats living in flea-infested environments can become reinfected with tapeworms within just a few weeks after treatment (Source). Roundworm eggs can also survive in the environment for years, leading to reinfection (Source).
To prevent reinfection after treatment, ongoing prevention is key. This includes controlling fleas, regularly deworming, and keeping the litter box clean. Environmental control is also important, such as removing cat feces from the yard and keeping cats indoors. With vigilance, reinfection can be minimized, though the risk never goes away completely.
Prognosis
With prompt and proper treatment, the prognosis for cats with worms is quite good. Many types of worms can be easily controlled and eliminated with regular deworming medication prescribed by a veterinarian. Medications like fenbendazole, pyrantel pamoate, and praziquantel are safe and effective at killing both larval and adult stages of worms.
However, if a worm infestation goes untreated, it can lead to potentially serious health complications in cats. Intestinal worms can cause malnutrition, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia. Some worms can migrate to other organs like the lungs, liver, and heart, causing more systemic illness. In severe infestations, worms can even cause intestinal blockages or rupture that may be life-threatening if not treated immediately. This is why it’s important to have cats routinely screened for worms and quickly initiate treatment when an infestation is found.
With prompt veterinary care and appropriate medications, most cats make a full recovery after being treated for worms. Preventative measures like deworming and environmental control help limit reinfections and keep worms from returning.
When to See a Vet
If you suspect your cat may have worms, it’s important to see a vet for an examination and testing. Signs like a potbellied appearance, vomiting, diarrhea, or visible worms require prompt veterinary attention. Your vet will check for a palpable abdomen and perform a fecal test to check for worm eggs. They can provide proper medication to eliminate the worms.
Even if your cat shows no signs of worms, annual fecal testing is recommended as part of routine wellness care. Intestinal parasites are common in cats, and cats can ingest worm eggs from the environment, infected prey, or fleas. Annual fecal exams allow early detection and treatment if needed. Bring a fresh stool sample to the vet clinic for analysis under a microscope. Preventative deworming may be prescribed even if no eggs are found.
See your vet promptly if worms are suspected or for annual fecal testing as part of wellness care. This allows early detection and treatment to protect your cat’s health.