Cats get worms often. It’s a common problem. As a pet owner, you need to know about worms. Worms live inside your cat’s body. They steal nutrients. They make your cat sick.
There are several types of worms. Each type needs different treatment. Some worms are long and thin. Others are small and hard to see. Your cat can get worms in different ways.
Common Types of Worms in Cats
Let’s look at the main types:
Roundworms: These are the most common. They look like spaghetti. Kittens often get them from their mother’s milk.
Tapeworms: These are flat and made of segments. Cats get them from fleas or eating infected rodents.
Hookworms: These are small but dangerous. They attach to the intestine and drink blood.
Whipworms: These are less common but still problematic. They live in the large intestine.
Heartworms: These are very serious. They live in the heart and lungs. Mosquitoes spread them.
Signs Your Cat Has Worms
How do you know if your cat has worms? Watch for these signs:
- Visible worms in poop or vomit
- Diarrhea or bloody stool
- Weight loss despite eating normally
- Swollen belly (especially in kittens)
- Dull coat
- Lethargy
- Scooting or dragging bottom on floor
- Visible worm segments near the anus (look like rice grains)
If you see these signs, your cat likely has worms. Don’t panic. Worms are treatable.
Diagnosing Worms in Cats
Before giving medicine, you need to know what kind of worms your cat has. Here’s how vets find out:
Fecal Exam: The vet checks a poop sample under a microscope. They look for worm eggs.
Physical Exam: The vet feels your cat’s belly and checks overall health.
Blood Test: For heartworms, a blood test is needed.
Never guess about worms. Different worms need different medicines. Giving the wrong medicine won’t help and could harm your cat.
Safe Worm Medicines for Cats
Now, let’s talk about treatments. Many options exist. Some need a vet’s prescription. Others you can buy without one.
Prescription Dewormers
These are strong medicines. You need a vet’s approval:
Milbemycin Oxime (Interceptor, MilbeMite): Treats roundworms, hookworms, and prevents heartworms.
Selamectin (Revolution): Treats roundworms and hookworms. Also kills fleas.
Emodepside/Praziquantel (Profender): Treats roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Comes as a topical solution.
Pyrantel Pamoate/Praziquantel (Drontal): Effective against roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
Fenbendazole (Panacur): Good for roundworms, hookworms, and some tapeworms.
Over-the-Counter Options
These you can buy without a prescription:
Pyrantel Pamoate: Works against roundworms and hookworms. Safe for kittens.
Praziquantel: Targets tapeworms specifically. Often combined with other medicines.
Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): A natural option. Must be food grade. Kills worms by drying them out.
How to Give Worm Medicine to Your Cat
Giving medicine to cats can be tricky. Here are some methods:
Pill Pockets: These are treats with a hole for the pill. Many cats eat them happily.
Crush and Mix: Crush the pill and mix with wet food. Check if the medicine can be crushed first.
Liquid Medicine: Use a syringe to squirt it in the mouth. Go slowly to prevent choking.
Topical Treatments: Apply between the shoulder blades where the cat can’t lick.
Always follow the package directions. Give the right dose for your cat’s weight.
Natural Worm Remedies
Some owners prefer natural options. These may help but aren’t always strong enough:
Pumpkin Seeds: Contain cucurbitacin which paralyzes worms. Grind them and mix with food.
Carrots: Shredded carrots may help scrape worms from intestines.
Apple Cider Vinegar: A small amount in water may create an unwelcoming environment for worms.
Turmeric: Has anti-parasitic properties. Use in tiny amounts.
Natural remedies work best for prevention, not treatment of active infections.
Preventing Worms in Cats
Prevention is easier than treatment. Follow these tips:
Regular Deworming: Kittens need deworming every 2 weeks until 3 months old. Adult cats need it every 3-6 months.
Flea Control: Since fleas carry tapeworms, flea prevention stops this route of infection.
Clean Litter Box: Scoop daily and disinfect weekly to kill worm eggs.
Keep Indoors: Outdoor cats hunt rodents and get worms more often.
Don’t Feed Raw Meat: Raw meat may contain worm larvae.
Clean Bedding: Wash your cat’s bed regularly in hot water.
When to See the Vet
Sometimes, home treatment isn’t enough. See the vet if:
- Symptoms don’t improve after treatment
- Your cat stops eating or drinking
- You see blood in stool or vomit
- Your cat becomes very weak
- You’re unsure what type of worms your cat has
- Your cat is very young, old, or has other health issues
Severe worm infections can be dangerous. Don’t wait too long to get professional help.
Special Cases
Some cats need extra care:
Kittens: More vulnerable to worms. Need gentle, kitten-safe treatments.
Pregnant Cats: Some medicines can harm unborn kittens. The vet will choose safe options.
Senior Cats: May have weaker immune systems. Need careful dosing.
Cats with Other Illnesses: Some worm medicines interact with other drugs.
Always tell your vet about your cat’s special circumstances.
Common Mistakes in Treating Worms
Avoid these errors:
Using Dog Medicine: Dog dewormers can poison cats. Never use them.
Wrong Dosage: Too little won’t work. Too much can be toxic.
Treating Blindly: Without knowing the worm type, treatment may fail.
Ignoring Follow-Up: Many worms need multiple treatments to kill all life stages.
Missing Prevention: Treating current worms but not preventing future ones.
Cost of Worm Treatment
Prices vary:
- Office visit: 50−100
- Fecal exam: 25−50
- Basic dewormer: 10−50
- Prescription meds: 15−100 per dose
- Blood test (for heartworms): 50−150
Preventive care costs less than treating severe infections. Pet insurance may cover some costs.
Human Risks
Some cat worms can infect people, especially children. To stay safe:
- Wash hands after handling cats or litter boxes
- Don’t let cats lick faces
- Keep sandboxes covered (cats may poop in them)
- Treat worms promptly
Pregnant women should avoid cleaning litter boxes due to toxoplasmosis risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I deworm my cat?
A: Adult cats need deworming every 3-6 months. Kittens need it more often – every 2 weeks until 3 months old.
Q: Can I get worms from my cat?
A: Yes, some types can spread to humans. Practice good hygiene to prevent this.
Q: Are home remedies effective?
A: They may help with prevention but usually aren’t strong enough to treat active infections.
Q: Why does my cat keep getting worms?
A: Possible reasons include flea problems, hunting rodents, or not completing the full treatment course.
Q: Can worms kill my cat?
A: In severe cases, yes. Heavy worm loads can cause anemia, blockages, or other life-threatening conditions.
Conclusion
Worms are unpleasant but manageable. The right medicine depends on the worm type. Always consult your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment. Regular prevention keeps your cat healthy and worm-free. Remember, a worm-free cat is a happier, healthier pet.
By understanding worms and their treatments, you’re better equipped to care for your feline friend. Stay observant, act promptly when needed, and maintain good preventive care. Your cat will thank you with purrs and good health.
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