If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably wondered about intestinal parasites, also known as worms. Knowing how cats get worms is the first step in prevention and treatment. It’s a common concern for cat parents, and the good news is that it’s usually treatable.
This article will cover the main types of worms that affect cats, how they’re transmitted, what symptoms to look for, and how to prevent and treat a worm infestation.
Kittens are especially vulnerable, so early deworming is key. And, as always, your vet is your best resource for keeping your kitty healthy and worm-free. If you suspect your cat has worms, it’s important to get them checked out sooner rather than later.
What are cat worms?
When people talk about “worms” in cats, they usually mean intestinal parasites. These parasites take up residence in your cat’s digestive system, where they steal nutrients and cause a variety of health problems.
Several types of worms can infect cats, but the most common are roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.
It’s important to understand how cats get worms and what the symptoms are because, left untreated, these parasites can make your cat very sick.
How do cats get worms?
Cats can contract worms in a number of ways, depending on the type of worm.
Roundworms
Cats can get roundworms through:
- Ingestion of contaminated soil. Roundworm eggs are passed in the feces of infected animals, so cats can easily ingest them when grooming their paws or eating grass.
- Consumption of infected rodents. If your cat is a hunter, they can get roundworms by eating mice, rats, or other rodents that are carrying the parasite.
- Transmission through their mother’s milk. Kittens can contract roundworms from their mother’s milk if she’s infected.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are often contracted through:
- Flea ingestion. Tapeworm larvae can live inside fleas. When a cat grooms, it may swallow an infected flea, which leads to a tapeworm infection. This is why flea prevention is so important!
- Consumption of infected rodents. Some tapeworm species can also be transmitted when a cat eats an infected rodent.
Hookworms
Hookworms can enter a cat’s system through:
- Skin penetration. Hookworm larvae can penetrate a cat’s skin, usually through the paws.
- Ingestion of larvae from contaminated soil. Like roundworms, cats can also ingest hookworm larvae from contaminated soil.
Types of Worms in Cats
If your cat has worms, it’s most likely one of these:
Roundworms (Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina)
Roundworms can grow to be about 4 inches (10 cm) long and can cause a range of health problems in your cat.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are segmented and flat, and they often look like grains of rice in your cat’s stool. They can cause health problems, too.
Hookworms
Hookworms are another type of intestinal parasite that can infect cats. The most common hookworm in cats is Ancylostoma tubaeforme. Hookworms can cause anemia because they latch onto the lining of the intestine and feed on the cat’s blood. Kittens with hookworm infections can become very sick.
6 Most Common Signs of Worms in Cats
If your cat has worms, you might notice these symptoms:
- Weight loss. Your cat might be eating normally, but still losing weight.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Distended abdomen. Kittens with worms often have a pot-bellied appearance.
- Visible worms in feces or vomit. You might see whole worms or pieces of worms in your cat’s stool or vomit. Roundworms look like spaghetti, while tapeworms resemble grains of rice.
- Lethargy. Your cat might seem less active or playful than usual.
Can worms cause diarrhea in cats?
Yes. When worms infest a cat’s intestinal tract, they irritate and inflame the lining of the intestines. This inflammation can change how the intestines absorb water and nutrients. Often, the result is diarrhea.
How can I keep my cat from getting worms?
Here’s what vets typically recommend:
- Deworming. Kittens should be dewormed for roundworms every two weeks starting at 3-4 weeks old. Continue this process monthly until they’re six months old. Regular deworming is crucial for all cats, even indoor cats.
- Flea Prevention. Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae, so preventing fleas is essential for preventing tapeworms.
- Good Hygiene. Clean the litter box every day and dispose of feces properly.
- Hunting Prevention. Try to keep your cat from hunting rodents and other small animals that could carry worms. This is especially important if your cat roams outdoors.
How to treat worms in cats
If you think your cat has worms, the first step is to see your veterinarian for an official diagnosis. Bring a stool sample with you; this will help your vet determine what kind of worms are present.
Treatment typically involves a deworming medication. These medications come in several forms: tablets, liquids, pastes, and spot-on treatments you apply to your cat’s skin.
It’s extremely important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions and complete the entire course of treatment, even if your cat seems to be feeling better. This ensures that all the worms are eliminated and prevents reinfection.
Can indoor cats get worms?
Yes! Even if your cat never goes outside, it’s still at risk.
Fleas are a common source of worms, and you can easily track fleas into your house. You might also unknowingly carry worm eggs inside on your shoes.
Can you get worms from your cat?
Yes, you can. It’s not especially common, but certain worms that infect cats can also infect humans.
You can get worms by accidentally ingesting contaminated soil or feces. This can happen if you don’t wash your hands thoroughly after gardening or cleaning a litter box.
Here are some tips to protect yourself:
- Cover children’s sandboxes.
- Don’t let children play where cats go to the bathroom.
- Wear gloves when you garden.
- Wash your hands after you touch cat poop or soil.
In Conclusion
Understanding how cats get worms is vital to protecting your feline friend. Regular deworming, flea control, and preventing your cat from hunting or eating raw meat are key. Regular checkups with your veterinarian are also essential to keep your cat healthy and protect you from zoonotic diseases.