Cats are beloved pets, but they can fall prey to intestinal worm infections. These infections can bring about a range of symptoms, from mild discomforts to serious health issues. This article will explore these symptoms in detail to help cat owners identify and address the problem promptly.
Digestive-Related Symptoms
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a very common symptom of cat intestinal worm infection. When worms invade the cat’s intestines, they irritate the intestinal lining. This irritation disrupts the normal functioning of the intestines. The muscles in the intestines start to contract in an abnormal way. As a result, the cat passes loose, watery stools.
In some cases, the diarrhea can be mild. The cat’s stool might just be a bit softer than usual, and it may only happen once or twice a day. But in more severe worm infections, the diarrhea can be frequent. The cat may need to use the litter box several times an hour. The stool can also become very watery, almost like liquid. In extreme cases, there may even be blood in the diarrhea. This is a very serious sign and means the intestinal lining has been severely damaged. Blood in the diarrhea could be a sign of a heavy worm burden or the result of the worms causing deep – seated ulcers in the intestines.
Vomiting
Vomiting is another tell-tale sign of an intestinal worm infection in cats. There are a few reasons why cats with worms vomit. First, the presence of worms in the intestines can cause a physical blockage. If there are a large number of worms, they can form a mass that obstructs the normal flow of food through the digestive tract. When this happens, the cat’s body tries to relieve the blockage by vomiting.
Second, the worms can produce toxins. These toxins irritate the cat’s digestive system, from the stomach to the intestines. The irritation can trigger the vomiting reflex. Sometimes, when a cat vomits due to a worm infection, you may see undigested food in the vomit. This is because the worms have disrupted the normal digestion process, and the food is not being properly broken down. In some cases, you might even see actual worms in the vomit. This is more likely with roundworms, which can be several inches long and are easily visible.
Change in Appetite
A cat with an intestinal worm infection often shows a change in its appetite. Many cats with worms experience a decreased appetite. The discomfort in their intestines makes them less interested in food. The worms are consuming the nutrients that the cat should be getting from its meals. So, even if the cat eats, it may not feel satisfied because its body is not getting the proper nourishment.
However, in some cases, a cat may actually have an increased appetite. This might seem counterintuitive, but it happens because the cat’s body is not getting enough nutrients due to the worms. The body sends signals to the brain, making the cat feel hungry more often. Despite eating more, the cat may still lose weight because the worms are stealing the nutrients.
Physical Appearance and Growth – Related Symptoms
Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common symptom of cat intestinal worm infections. The worms in the intestines are stealing the nutrients that the cat’s body needs. As a result, the cat’s body starts to break down its own fat and muscle stores to get energy. This leads to a gradual loss of weight.
In the early stages of a worm infection, the weight loss may be very subtle. You might not notice it right away. But as the infection progresses, the weight loss becomes more obvious. The cat may start to look thinner, and you may be able to see its ribs more clearly. In severe cases, the cat can become emaciated, with its bones showing prominently under its skin. Weight loss can also affect a kitten’s growth. Kittens with worm infections may not grow as fast as they should, and they may be smaller than their littermates.
Dull Coat
A cat’s coat can also give clues about an intestinal worm infection. A healthy cat has a shiny, smooth coat. But when a cat is infected with worms, its coat often becomes dull and lackluster. The lack of proper nutrients due to the worms affects the health of the cat’s skin and fur.
The skin may become dry and itchy. The cat may scratch or lick itself more often, which can lead to hair loss. The fur may also become brittle and break easily. You may notice small flakes of dandruff on the cat’s fur. These are all signs that the cat’s body is not getting the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to maintain a healthy coat.
Pot-Bellied Appearance
In some cases, especially with heavy roundworm infections in kittens, the cat may develop a pot – bellied appearance. Roundworms can grow quite large in the intestines. When there are a lot of them, they can cause the intestines to expand. This expansion makes the cat’s abdomen look swollen and rounded, giving it a pot-bellied look.
This is not only a cosmetic issue. A pot-bellied appearance in a cat with worms can indicate a serious infection. The swollen abdomen can put pressure on other internal organs, causing further health problems. It can also be a sign that the cat’s digestive system is severely compromised.
Behavioral Symptoms
Lethargy
Cats with intestinal worm infections often become lethargic. They seem tired all the time and are less active than usual. There are several reasons for this. First, the lack of proper nutrients due to the worms means the cat’s body doesn’t have enough energy. Second, the toxins produced by the worms can make the cat feel sick and weak.
A lethargic cat may sleep more than normal. It may not be interested in playing with its toys or interacting with its owners. It may also be slower to respond to stimuli, like a call or a noise. Lethargy can be a sign of a mild or a severe worm infection. If the cat’s lethargy is accompanied by other symptoms like diarrhea or weight loss, it’s important to take the cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Restlessness
On the other hand, some cats with intestinal worm infections may become restless. The discomfort in their intestines makes it hard for them to relax. They may pace around the house, meow more often, or have trouble finding a comfortable place to lie down.
Restlessness can also be a result of the itching caused by the dry skin that often comes with a worm infection. The cat may constantly scratch itself, which can be a sign of both skin irritation and the underlying worm problem. If a cat that is usually calm and relaxed suddenly becomes restless, it could be a sign of an intestinal worm infection.
Increased Thirst
Increased thirst is another symptom that can be associated with cat intestinal worm infections. The diarrhea and vomiting that often accompany a worm infection can cause the cat to lose a lot of fluids. To make up for this fluid loss, the cat’s body sends signals to the brain, making the cat feel thirsty.
A cat with an increased thirst may drink more water from its bowl. It may also show a greater interest in other sources of water, like puddles or dripping faucets. If you notice that your cat is drinking significantly more water than usual, along with other symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, it’s important to consider the possibility of a worm infection.
Other Symptoms
Coughing
In some cases, cats with intestinal worm infections may cough. This is more common with roundworm infections. Roundworm larvae can migrate from the intestines to other parts of the body, including the lungs. When they reach the lungs, they can cause irritation.
The cat’s body tries to expel the larvae by coughing. The cough may be mild at first, but it can become more persistent as the infection progresses. If a cat is coughing and you suspect a worm infection, it’s important to take the cat to the vet. The vet can do tests to confirm the presence of worms and prescribe the appropriate treatment.
Anemia (Especially with Hookworm Infections)
Hookworms are particularly notorious for causing anemia in cats. These small worms attach themselves to the lining of the small intestine and feed on the cat’s blood. Over time, a heavy hookworm infection can cause the cat to lose a significant amount of blood.
Anemia in a cat can cause several symptoms. The cat may have pale gums. Instead of the normal healthy pink color, the gums may be very light pink or even white. The cat may also be more lethargic than usual, have trouble breathing, and be less active. In severe cases of anemia, the cat may need a blood transfusion to survive.
Worms in Feces or Around the Anus
One of the most obvious signs of an intestinal worm infection is actually seeing worms in the cat’s feces or around its anus. Tapeworms, for example, shed segments of their bodies. These segments can often be seen in the cat’s feces. They look like small, white, rice-like particles.
Roundworms are long and spaghetti-like. You may see them in the cat’s feces, especially if the infection is severe. Sometimes, you may even see worms crawling around the cat’s anus. This is a clear indication that the cat has an intestinal worm infection and needs treatment right away.
In conclusion
Cat intestinal worm infections can cause a wide range of symptoms. By being aware of these symptoms, cat owners can detect an infection early and get their cats the treatment they need. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it’s always best to consult a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
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