Worms: A Cat Killer? Understanding The Risk And Treatment

Cats can get worms from a variety of sources, including exposure to infected faeces, sharing a litter box with another infected cat, hunting and eating infected prey, or even from drinking their mother's milk. While gastrointestinal worms are typically not a medical emergency, they can become one if a cat is infested with several worms. Worms can cause serious health issues for cats, including malnutrition, severe anemia, intestinal obstructions, pneumonia, blindness, serious skin infections, and progressive anemia. In some cases, cats can even die from severe worm infestations. Therefore, it is important for cat owners to be aware of the signs and symptoms of worms and to seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible.

How do cats get worms?

Cats can get worms in several ways, and it's important to be vigilant as an owner to prevent your cat from becoming infected. Worms are common internal parasites that infect cats, with prevalence rates as high as 45% in the United States.

One of the most common ways cats get worms is by ingesting worm eggs from the surrounding environment. Cats can pick up these eggs from contaminated soil in gardens or yards, or even inside the house if another pet or person has brought them inside. These eggs can survive in the environment for long periods, so it's important to keep your cat's surroundings clean and disinfected.

Another way cats can get worms is through their mother's milk. Kittens can easily get worms before they leave their mother, as untreated mothers can pass roundworm larvae to their kittens through their milk. This can be dangerous for kittens as it may cause diarrhoea, vomiting, poor weight gain, and a dull coat.

Cats that spend time outdoors or hunting are also at risk of getting worms from ingesting infected hosts such as birds, rodents, reptiles, or insects. These animals are known as secondary or intermediate hosts, as the worm eggs remain dormant in their systems. When a cat consumes all or part of these animals, the dormant parasite wakes up and grows into an adult worm in the cat's intestines.

Additionally, cats with fleas are at risk of getting tapeworms, one of the most common types of worms in cats. Tapeworms are flat and ribbon-like inside the intestine, and segments of the worms can resemble small grains of rice or sesame seeds in a cat's stool. Cats are excellent groomers and often ingest any fleas present on their bodies, so fleas carrying tapeworm larvae can end up in their gut.

Finally, hookworms can penetrate a cat's skin if they walk or lie down in a contaminated area.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of worms in cats vary depending on the type of worm and the age of the cat. Worms are more dangerous to kittens than adult cats. Cats can get two types of intestinal worms—tapeworms and roundworms—and another type of worm called lungworm.

Symptoms of Tapeworms in Cats

Tapeworms have long, ribbon-like bodies that are cream-coloured. Their egg sacs, which look like grains of rice, can be seen in a cat's faeces. Although cats with tapeworms often show no symptoms, common signs include:

• Overly cleaning or washing the area around its bottom
• Small segments of worms or rice-looking grains in the fur around the bottom

Symptoms of Roundworms in Cats

Roundworms are long, brown, round worms that look like cooked spaghetti. They are the most common intestinal parasite in kittens, and kittens are infected more often than adults. Common signs of a roundworm infection include:

• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Low energy
• Poor hair coat
• Failure to thrive (meaning the kittens don't grow as they should)
• Vomiting
• Pot-bellied appearance
• Dead worms in their poop or vomit
• Anemia
• Blocked intestines

Symptoms of Hookworms in Cats

Hookworms are less common in cats than roundworms and tapeworms. They feed off the blood of the cat via the small intestine, which can lead to anaemia. In extreme cases, they can be fatal, especially in kittens. Common signs of a hookworm infection include:

• Blood in your cat's stool
• Difficulty breathing

Symptoms of Lungworms in Cats

Lungworms are rarely fatal in cats. They can, however, cause breathing problems and lung damage. Common signs of a lungworm infection include:

Difficulty breathing

How to treat worms in cats

Worms in cats are common but treatable. Here are some ways to treat worms in cats:

Over-the-counter cat wormers

Oral, topical, and injectable medications can be used to treat roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms. These are usually prescribed by a veterinarian and may require multiple doses.

Prescription cat dewormers

Deworming medications are available over the counter and by prescription. Prescription dewormers are typically liquid oral medications but may also be administered as a small pill, injection, or topical medicine.

Sanitary disposal of infected faeces

Dispose of infected cat faeces safely to prevent reinfection. Wear gloves and wash your hands after handling the litter box.

Flea control and prevention

Since fleas are a common route of infection, treat your cat for fleas as well as for tapeworms.

Preventing worms in cats

Worms can be harmful to cats, and in some cases, even fatal. Therefore, it is important to take preventive measures to protect your feline friend from these parasites. Here are some ways to prevent worms in cats:

Keep Cats Indoors

Keeping cats indoors is one of the best ways to prevent them from getting worms. Outdoor cats are more likely to come into contact with infected animals, dead animals, or contaminated environments, which can increase their risk of contracting worms. If your cat does go outside, supervise them to ensure they don't eat anything that could cause worms, such as dead mice or birds.

Regular Deworming and Veterinary Check-Ups

Regular deworming is essential for preventing worms in cats. Consult your veterinarian for advice on the best deworming medication and schedule for your cat. It is also important to take your cat for regular check-ups, as some worms may require multiple treatments to ensure they are completely eliminated.

Feed High-Quality Food and Prevent Raw/Undercooked Meat

Feed your cat high-quality pet food. Avoid giving them raw or undercooked meat, as it can be a source of worm infection.

Flea Control

Fleas are a common source of tapeworms in cats. To prevent this, use flea prevention treatments regularly, especially if your cat goes outdoors. Also, keep your indoor environment clean to reduce the risk of fleas. Wash your cat's bedding weekly, and use a flea comb to brush your cat's fur once a week.

Clean Food and Water Bowls, and Litter Boxes

Disinfect your cat's food and water bowls regularly. Also, keep the litter box clean and scoop it daily. For pregnant cats, deworming should be done under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Boost Your Cat's Immunity

Talk to your veterinarian about dietary options that can boost your cat's immunity. A strong immune system can help protect your cat from worms.

Test Your Cat's Faeces Regularly

Get your cat's faeces tested for worms at least once or twice a year, especially if they spend time outdoors. This will help catch and treat any worm infections early.

Isolate Infected Cats

If one of your cats is diagnosed with worms, isolate them from other animals to prevent the spread of worms through shared food and water bowls or litter boxes.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of your cat getting worms and protect their overall health and well-being.

Are worms in cats harmful to humans?

Worms in cats are harmful to humans and can cause serious health issues. The most common way for humans to get worms from cats is by coming into direct contact with infected faeces or soil. This can happen when gardening without gloves, walking barefoot through infected soil, or when children play in sandboxes that have been contaminated with infected faeces.

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites in cats, and they can also infect humans. Roundworm eggs can remain viable in the environment for long periods and can be ingested by humans through contaminated soil or sandboxes. Ingesting these eggs can lead to encysted larvae in various organs, including the liver, and very rarely, the eye, which can cause blindness. As many as 10,000 cases of roundworm infection in humans have been reported in a single year in the United States, with children being particularly at risk.

Tapeworms are another type of worm that can be transmitted from cats to humans. While less common, humans can become infected with tapeworms by inadvertently ingesting fleas that carry the worm. Lungworms are also a potential concern, although they are less common in cats.

To prevent getting worms from your cat, it is important to practice good hygiene. This includes cleaning up cat faeces immediately, washing your hands, and wearing gloves when cleaning the litter box or gardening. Keeping your cat's litter box fresh and clean on a daily basis is also recommended.

Frequently asked questions