Cats are wonderful pets, but they can sometimes get worms. Worms are parasites that live inside your cat’s body and can cause health problems. Some common types of worms in cats include roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. If your cat has worms, you may notice symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, a bloated belly, or visible worms in their stool.
While veterinary treatments are effective, some cat owners prefer natural home remedies. These remedies can help support your cat’s health and may reduce worm infestations. However, it’s important to remember that severe cases still require a vet’s attention. In this guide, we’ll explore safe and natural ways to help your cat with worms.
Understanding Worms in Cats
Common Types of Worms
Cats can get different types of worms, each with its own symptoms and risks:
Roundworms – These are the most common. They look like spaghetti and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and a pot-bellied appearance in kittens.
Tapeworms – These worms look like small rice grains and are often seen near a cat’s tail or in their feces. They can cause weight loss and itching.
Hookworms – These tiny worms attach to the intestines and can cause anemia, especially in kittens.
Whipworms – Less common but can lead to bloody diarrhea and weight loss.
How Cats Get Worms
Cats can pick up worms in several ways:
- Eating infected prey (like mice or birds)
- Fleas (which can carry tapeworm eggs)
- Contaminated soil or feces
- From their mother (kittens can get worms through milk)
Now that we understand the problem, let’s look at natural ways to help.
Natural Home Remedies for Worms in Cats
1. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a safe and natural dewormer. They contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which paralyzes worms, making it easier for the cat’s body to expel them.
How to use:
- Grind raw, organic pumpkin seeds into a fine powder.
- Mix ¼ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight into your cat’s food once a day for two weeks.
2. Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade)
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is a fine powder made from fossilized algae. It works by damaging the outer layer of worms, causing them to dehydrate and die.
How to use:
- Use ½ teaspoon for adult cats (less for kittens) mixed into wet food daily for 10-14 days.
- Ensure it’s food-grade, as other forms can be harmful.
3. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antiparasitic properties thanks to its medium-chain fatty acids (like lauric acid). It can help reduce worm infestations and improve digestion.
How to use:
Start with ¼ teaspoon per day mixed into food.
Gradually increase to ½ teaspoon if your cat tolerates it well.
4. Garlic (In Small Amounts)
Garlic is controversial for cats because large amounts can be toxic. However, tiny doses may help fight worms due to its natural antiparasitic effects.
How to use:
- Use only a tiny pinch of fresh, crushed garlic (less than 1/8 teaspoon) mixed into food once a day for a week.
- Never use garlic powder or large amounts, as it can be dangerous.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) creates an acidic environment in the gut, which may help deter worms. It also supports digestion and immune health.
How to use:
- Add ½ teaspoon to your cat’s water bowl daily.
- If your cat refuses, mix it into wet food instead.
6. Carrots
Finely grated carrots can help scrape mucus and parasites from the intestinal walls as they pass through the digestive system.
How to use:
Add 1 teaspoon of grated carrots to your cat’s food once a day for a week.
7. Chamomile Tea
Chamomile has mild anti-parasitic properties and can soothe digestive upset caused by worms.
How to use:
Brew weak chamomile tea, let it cool, and offer 1-2 teaspoons to your cat daily.
8. Probiotics
A healthy gut can help prevent worms. Probiotics support good bacteria, making the intestines less hospitable to parasites.
How to use:
- Choose a cat-specific probiotic and follow dosage instructions.
- Yogurt (plain, unsweetened) can also help, but some cats are lactose intolerant.
Preventing Worms Naturally
1. Regular Flea Control
Since fleas carry tapeworms, keeping your cat flea-free is essential. Use natural flea repellents like:
- Diatomaceous earth (sprinkled on bedding)
- Essential oil sprays (diluted with water—avoid tea tree oil, which is toxic to cats)
2. Clean Litter Boxes Frequently
Worm eggs can live in feces, so scoop the litter box daily and disinfect it weekly.
3. Avoid Raw Meat (Unless Properly Treated)
Raw meat can contain parasites. If you feed a raw diet, freeze meat first to kill potential worms.
4. Strengthen the Immune System
A healthy cat is less likely to get worms. Provide:
- High-quality food
- Plenty of water
- Regular exercise
When to See a Vet
While natural remedies can help mild cases, some situations require a vet:
- Your cat is very young, old, or weak
- Symptoms worsen or don’t improve
- You see blood in the stool
- Your cat stops eating or becomes lethargic
A vet can prescribe dewormers that are fast and effective.
Conclusion
Dealing with worms in cats can be worrying, but natural remedies can help in mild cases. Pumpkin seeds, coconut oil, and diatomaceous earth are safe options that may reduce worm infestations. However, prevention is key—keeping your cat flea-free, maintaining good hygiene, and supporting their immune system will lower the risk of worms.
Always monitor your cat’s health closely. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a vet. With the right care, your feline friend can stay happy, healthy, and worm-free!
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