What to do if your cat has worms
Intestinal parasites are common in pet cats, even when they reside indoors. Regular testing and treatment are important for a cat’s well-being and to prevent parasites from spreading to other people and animals. Read on to learn:
- What kinds of worms can affect my cat?
- How do cats become infested with worms?
- How do intestinal worms affect my cat?
- How does a vet diagnose and treat worms?
- My cat has worms. Now what?
No one wants to think about creepy crawly parasites living in their pet’s GI tract. The good news is there are simple steps you can take to prevent infection. You can rest easy once you have a handle on what these pests are, how they can affect your cat, and what you can do about it.
What types of intestinal worms infect cats?
Many types of worms can infect cats. Common types of worms found in cats include:
- Tapeworms
- Roundworms
- Hookworms
- Whipworms
Roundworm and tapeworm are the most common types of worm infestation found in cats in North America. When infected feces are on the ground, the eggs and larvae can survive for days to weeks. Humans can catch these worms by touching the dirt or if contaminated dirt gets in the mouth or nose.
How do cats get intestinal parasites?
Cats catch intestinal parasites when they ingest worm eggs. Parasite eggs can be found in various places, such as infected prey, fecal matter, mother’s milk, and fleas. Once the worm eggs have been ingested, they grow and mature in the digestive tract until they become adult worms. Outdoor cats with more exposure to fleas and prey animals have the highest risk of exposure, but indoor cats can also catch worms. Indoor cats are exposed when fleas or prey animals, such as mice, enter the home or if there is another infected animal in the household. Infested pets can pass worms back and forth to each other.
What are the common signs of worms in cats?
Most cats show few to no symptoms of worms unless there is a heavy worm burden. In some cases, tapeworm segments, which look like grains of rice, can be seen in the feces, bedding, and around the anus. Other types of worms primarily shed larvae and eggs, which are microscopic and cannot be seen with the naked eye. If a cat shows clinical signs of an intestinal worm infestation, they may include:
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Itchy bottom, over-grooming anal area, or scooting
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Rounded, swollen belly
Severe infestations, especially in kittens, can lead to malnutrition and anemia. Cats with heavy burdens of worms can also have worms, alive or dead, in their vomit.
How are intestinal worms diagnosed and treated?
Intestinal worms are found using fecal tests. There are three different kinds of basic fecal tests:
- Egg count test
- Antigen lab test
- Smear test
A veterinarian may recommend multiple fecal exams as false negatives are common. These tests not only catch the presence of worms but can also find other intestinal parasites, such as coccidia and giardia. Once the type of worm has been determined, the right dewormer can be prescribed. The treatment for worms varies depending on what kind of worm or other intestinal parasite has been found. Not finding any worms in the test does not rule out the possibility of a worm infestation.
Kittens often have worms and are routinely dewormed at their wellness checks, even if they did not receive a fecal test. “Vets often recommend the regular use of broad-spectrum dewormers without diagnostics because of the possibility of a false negative result,” explains Dr. Jo Myers, a Vetster veterinarian. “Healthy adult cats rarely show symptoms of a worm infestation, and a primary reason we want to keep cats parasite-free is to protect the pet parents and other people around them.”
Does my cat need a fecal test?
Routine fecal tests catch worm infestations when no symptoms are present. These tests also help determine which type of parasite is present and the best course of treatment. Follow-up testing is often needed to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. During these visits, a veterinarian can help you learn to read your cat’s diagnostic report.
Can I treat my cat’s worms naturally?
Intestinal worms and other parasites require specific deworming medications to kill and remove the worms safely. Natural or homeopathic remedies are ineffective and may cause more harm than good, especially if the remedy is toxic. To ensure your dewormer is safe and effective, consult a veterinarian before using it.
Can worm infestations be prevented in cats?
Not all intestinal parasites can be prevented, but there are steps cat owners can take to protect their feline friends. Some types of monthly heartworm medication also protect against some types of worms. By keeping all pets in the household on broad spectrum parasite prevention, especially dogs or other pets that go outdoors, you can significantly reduce the chances of your cat developing an advanced worm infection. It is important to note that infection is still possible even if your pets are on regular prevention. Keeping up with routine fecal tests are a useful tool for avoiding severe worm infestation in cats. Testing does not prevent a cat from catching worms, but can detect infestations to treat and prevent a heavy worm burden.
What should I do if my cat has worms?
Contact a veterinarian if worms are suspected or if you see evidence of worms in the stool. If a fecal test is recommended, collect a fresh stool sample from the litter box and place it in a labeled ziplock bag or fecal testing tube. Do not use paper towels or other absorbent material to pick up the sample, which can interfere with test results. If other symptoms are present, a vet may want to perform a physical examination in addition to the fecal test to rule out other medical conditions. If you have questions about intestinal worms, fecal tests, or deworming, you can schedule a virtual vet appointment to chat with a veterinarian from home.
FAQ - What to do if your cat has worms
Can I catch worms from my cat?
Pet parents can catch worms from their infested animals, especially roundworms and hookworms. These worms are often passed through infected soil but can also be caught when scooping the litter tray. Tapeworms are spread through a different host, so a human cannot catch tapeworms directly from a cat.
What is the difference between intestinal worms and heartworms?
Intestinal worms live and breed within the GI tract, which includes the stomach and intestines. Heartworms are another type of parasitic worm that resides in the heart, lungs, and bloodstream. Testing and treatment for intestinal worms vs. heartworms is different.
How do indoor cats get worms?
Outdoor cats have the greatest risk due to more exposure to worms. However, indoor cats can catch worms from another pet in the home that is infected or infested animals such as mice and fleas that get indoors.
How common are worms in domestic cats?
Intestinal worms are very common in pet cats. Most infested cats do not show symptoms, so regular testing and treating infestations when they occur is important.
