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Cats are fascinating creatures that bring joy and companionship to our lives. As responsible pet owners, it is crucial to ensure their health and well-being by being proactive in providing them with necessary veterinary care. One common health issue that affects cats worldwide is worm infestation. Worms in cats can cause a range of problems, from mild discomfort to severe health complications if left untreated. Therefore, it is vital for cat owners to know how to detect worms in their feline friends, so they can promptly seek appropriate treatment and ensure their cat’s overall health and happiness. In this article, we will explore various signs, symptoms, and methods to detect worms in cats, enabling owners to take the necessary steps to address the issue effectively.
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Elliott is a veterinarian with more than thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and pet treatment. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary surgeon. She has worked at a veterinary clinic in her hometown for more than 20 years.
This article has been viewed 103,357 times.
Whether living indoors or spending time outdoors, cats can become hosts to internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. [1] X Research source Parasites of domestic owned cats: co-infestations and risk factors. Beugnet. Parasitpogy Vectors. 25:291. Kittens often get worms from their mother while suckling, while adult cats can accidentally get worms by eating worm eggs or eating infected worms. Because cats are relatively susceptible to helminth infections, you need to be aware of the warning signs so that you can take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. [2] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby. If left untreated, helminths can cause symptoms such as dull coat or an enlarged abdomen, which in rare cases can cause severe fatigue in cats. Getting rid of worms is relatively easy if you use the right dewormer. [3] X Research source Parasites of domestic owned cats: co-infestations and risk factors. Beugnet. Parasitpogy Vectors. 25:291. With a little knowledge, it’s also easy to determine if your cat has a worm infection.
Steps
Symptom
- This condition can be caused by dehydration or poor absorption of nutrients due to a parasitic infection. [5] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- To check your cat’s gums, place the cat on your lap or next to a friend. Then, gently grasp the cat’s head with your hand, one hand under the jaw and one hand behind the ear. Use your fingers to turn the cat’s upper lip up so that the gum above the teeth is exposed. [7] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- If the gums are pale, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
- Black, tarry stools can be a sign of blood loss caused by hookworms attaching to the cat’s intestinal wall. [8] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- Cats can experience diarrhea because worms take up space in the intestinal tract and interfere with digestion. [9] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- If your cat has diarrhea for longer than 24 hours or you see fresh bloody, tarry stools, take your cat to the vet.
- Worms can cause cats to vomit by obstructing circulation to the stomach or irritating the stomach lining. [11] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- It is caused by many factors such as inflammation of the intestinal lining, stomach pain, and the physical space that worms take up in the intestines. [13] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- Like vomiting, bloating is common and can have many causes. However, this sign is alarming enough for you to take your cat to the vet, whatever the underlying cause. [15] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- Lethargy is also a symptom of many different health problems and you definitely need to take your cat to the vet. [17] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- As the person who knows best about a cat’s normal energy levels, you’ll need to keep an eye out for a sudden drop in your cat’s energy or play intensity.
Proof
- Tapeworms can leave egg sacs attached to the surface of the stool. Egg sacs look like sesame seeds or cucumber seeds, can sometimes squirm and move. [18] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- It is often difficult to see a whole tapeworm in cat feces, but if they are, they look like flat, cream-colored worms made up of several segments. Adult tapeworms can be up to 60 cm long. [19] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- Roundworm eggs are usually too small to be seen with the naked eye, but sometimes an entire worm can be passed out in the feces or even vomited out by a cat. Roundworms look like pasta: long, smooth, and about the size of pasta. Adult roundworms are usually about 7.5-15 cm long. [20] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby.
- Hookworms are also too small to be seen. Adult hookworms are also small, usually only 2-3 mm long, so they are difficult to detect. [21] X Interpretation of Laboratory Results for Small Animal Clinicians. Bush. Publisher: Blackwell.
Test
- The eggs of each type of worm will have a different shape, so this is the most effective way to determine the type(s) of worms your cat has. [23] X Interpretation of Laboratory Results for Small Animal Clinicians. Bush. Publisher: Blackwell.
- When you call your veterinarian, you need to describe the symptoms your cat exhibits.
- Worm eggs are easy to store, but it’s best to store them in a bag in a cool, dark place like a garage or shady shed. [24] X Interpretation of Laboratory Results for Small Animal Clinicians. Bush. Publisher: Blackwell.
- Do not store fecal bags in the food preparation room and always wash your hands after collecting a stool sample. [25] X Interpretation of Laboratory Results for Small Animal Clinicians. Bush. Publisher: Blackwell.
- To reduce the risk of a negative result in a fecal sample test, some veterinarians will ask for a pooled stool sample, i.e. three times the cat has gone to the bathroom in three separate days and in the same bag. [26] X Interpretation of Laboratory Results for Small Animal Clinicians. Bush. Publisher: Blackwell.
- If your cat has worms, your veterinarian will prescribe medication. Give your cat the medicine as directed and the worm infection will soon improve.
Advice
- It should be noted that cats can become hosts for some helminths, especially roundworms, without showing signs of illness. However, if the worms reproduce and accumulate in the intestinal tract, they can absorb nutrients and deprive the cat of essential nutrients, which can adversely affect the cat’s health in the long run. [27] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby. Take your cat to the vet for regular checkups to avoid this and other health risks.
- You can help your cat reduce the risk of parasitic infections. Keep your cat’s litter box clean by removing solid waste every day. Regularly clean the sand tray with a small amount of bleach mixed with water (1:30 ratio) or mild dishwashing liquid. [28] X Research Sources[29] X Credible Sources The Humane Society of the United States Go to Source
- Vacuum your home at least once a week to prevent lice.
Warning
- If you suspect your cat has worms or have your cat tested for worms, you need to wash your hands after handling and remove all cat feces from the sand tray. Keep young children away from the cat until you take the cat to the vet for treatment.
- Note that sometimes a negative stool test can be misleading. Some parasites lay eggs heterogeneously, so even if your cat is infected with helminths, there may be no signs in the stool sample you collect. Repeat testing may be needed to diagnose infection with some parasites. [30] X Research Source
This article was co-written by Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Elliott is a veterinarian with more than thirty years of experience in veterinary surgery and pet treatment. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary surgeon. She has worked at a veterinary clinic in her hometown for more than 20 years.
This article has been viewed 103,357 times.
Whether living indoors or spending time outdoors, cats can become hosts to internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. [1] X Research source Parasites of domestic owned cats: co-infestations and risk factors. Beugnet. Parasitpogy Vectors. 25:291. Kittens often get worms from their mother while suckling, while adult cats can accidentally get worms by eating worm eggs or eating infected worms. Because cats are relatively susceptible to helminth infections, you need to be aware of the warning signs so that you can take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. [2] X Small Animal Internal Medicine Research Source . Nelson & Couto. Publisher: Mosby. If left untreated, helminths can cause symptoms such as dull coat or an enlarged abdomen, which in rare cases can cause severe fatigue in cats. Getting rid of worms is relatively easy if you use the right dewormer. [3] X Research source Parasites of domestic owned cats: co-infestations and risk factors. Beugnet. Parasitpogy Vectors. 25:291. With a little knowledge, it’s also easy to determine if your cat has a worm infection.
In conclusion, detecting worms in cats is crucial for maintaining the overall health and well-being of our feline companions. By being vigilant and observant, cat owners can look out for common signs and symptoms of worm infestations such as changes in appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and gastrointestinal issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and fecal examinations are essential for accurate detection, with treatment and prevention options available to effectively manage and control worms in cats. Additionally, maintaining good hygiene practices, regular cleaning of litter boxes, and practicing preventive measures like regular deworming can significantly reduce the risk of worms in our feline friends. By staying informed and proactive, cat owners can ensure the early detection and treatment of worms, promoting a healthier and happier life for their beloved pets.
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