Cats are susceptible to several kinds of worm infestations. If left untreated, these worms can make your kitty terribly ill. Fortunately, you can protect your cat from worms by identifying the signs of worm infestation at an early stage and by following a regular deworming routine for your cat.
In this article, we have discussed everything you need to know about worms in cats, including the common types of worms in cats, their symptoms, and how to treat them. So, let’s dive into the details without any further delays.
How Do Cats Get Worms?
Your cat or kitten can easily get worms from their environment. Here are some of the common ways in which cats get infested with worms:
• From fleas carrying worm larvae
• By coming into contact with infected stools of other animals
• Through shared litter boxes with infected cats
• Ingested worm larvae or worms from the environment or food
• Eating worm-infected prey like birds or mice
• Through the mother’s milk (in case of kittens)
What are the Common Types of Cat Worms?
There are many common types of worms that infect cats; these include:
- Roundworms: Roundworms are the most common type of worm in cats and kittens. These long, spaghetti-like worms that appear like white earthworms infect the cat’s intestines.
- Hookworms: Hookworms have a hook-like structure through which they attach to gastrointestinal tract. Hookworm infections can cause bleeding and are fatal.
- Tapeworms: There are two types of tapeworm infections in cats: flea tapeworms and cat tapeworms. They are long, flat, segmented worms that attach themselves to the gut.
- Lungworms: Lungworms are not gastrointestinal worms, but they cause significant respiratory problems in cats. The adult lungworms infect and reside in the cat’s lungs.
- Whipworms: Although not common, whipworm infestations in cats are painful. Whipworms cause digestive problems and diarrhea in cats.
Also Read- Roundworms in Cats: How to Keep Your Feline Friend Safe and Healthy
What are the Symptoms of Intestinal Worms in Cats?
If your cat is infested with worms, you may occasionally find them in the cat poop. To diagnose what exact type of worm your cat is infested with, your veterinarian may recommend specific tests of the fecal sample. However, there are many other signs of worm infections in cats that will help you detect worms, such as:
• Presence of worms around their bottom (tapeworms)
• Weight loss
• Itchy bottom
• Diarrhea
• Potbelly appearance
• Vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Dull coat
• Coughing or wheezing
How to Treat & Prevent Worms in Cats?
If you diagnose a worm infection in your cat, it is essential to provide them with timely treatment to save them from further discomfort. Moreover, it is important to note that sometimes the infected cats may not show any obvious symptoms. Therefore, maintaining a regular deworming routine is a great way to prevent worm infestations in cats.
Cat worms can be treated with deworming treatments that are available in the market on the form of tablets, syrups, pastes, or topical spot-ons. Most of these treatments are designed to treat and prevent all common types of worms, including tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, lungworms, etc.
If you are looking for an effective deworming treatment for your cat, you can consider the popular and reliable options available, including the following:
- Milbemax
- Bob Martin VetCare Dewormer
- Triworm-C
- Panacur Granules
- Antezole Deworming Paste
Now that you have the best worming treatment for cats on your list, the next question is, how often should you deworm your cat? So, according to a general rule, kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks between the age of 2-12 week, and thereafter, every 3-4 months for the rest of their lives. However, we recommend consulting your veterinarian for your cat’s deworming schedule, as it may differ as per your cat’s health conditions, age, and geographical location.