What It Is:
Worms are intestinal parasites that live in a cat’s digestive tract and steal nutrients, often without causing obvious symptoms. Several types of worms commonly affect cats, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Some can even be passed to humans, especially children.
Worms are most common in kittens, outdoor cats, and those not on regular parasite prevention.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Some cats show no signs, while others may experience:
- Visible worms or segments in stool or near the anus
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Bloated or potbellied appearance
- Scooting or excessive licking of the rear
- Weight loss despite normal or increased appetite
- Poor coat condition
- Lethargy or weakness
- Pale gums if blood loss is significant (especially with hookworms)
Kittens and immunocompromised cats are more likely to show severe signs.
🦠 Types of Worms
Roundworms
- The most common type
- Look like spaghetti
- Transmitted through mother’s milk, ingestion of eggs, or infected prey
Tapeworms
- Flat, segmented worms
- Spread by ingesting infected fleas or rodents
- Segments look like rice grains
Hookworms
- Small worms that attach to the intestinal lining
- Feed on blood and can cause anemia
- Transmitted through ingestion or skin contact with larvae
Whipworms
- Rare in cats
- Cause inflammation and weight loss
- Acquired by ingesting contaminated soil
Each type of worm has a different life cycle and treatment approach.
🔍 Diagnosis
Worms are diagnosed through:
- Fecal flotation tests to detect parasite eggs
- Visual identification of adult worms or segments
- PCR or antigen testing for specific species
- Repeat testing if symptoms persist despite negative results
Because some eggs are shed intermittently, a single negative test does not always rule out infection.
💊 Treatment
Treatment is simple and effective with veterinary prescribed deworming medications.
Typical options include:
- Broad spectrum dewormers that treat multiple types of worms
- Oral or topical medications, depending on the parasite
- Repeat treatments in two to three weeks for full elimination
- Flea prevention to prevent reinfection with tapeworms
- Routine parasite prevention, especially for outdoor cats
Over the counter dewormers are often ineffective or incomplete, and should be avoided without veterinary guidance.
🩺 Prognosis
The prognosis is excellent when treated promptly:
- Most cats recover quickly
- Reinfection is common without preventive care
- Kittens with heavy infestations may need fluids or nutritional support
- Left untreated, some worms can cause serious illness, anemia, or intestinal damage
Consistent prevention is the best long term solution.
💡 Cat Owner Note
Just because you don’t see worms doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Parasites are sneaky, and even indoor cats are at risk. Regular deworming and parasite control keep your cat healthier, your home cleaner, and your family safer.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Worms in Cats
Can indoor cats get worms?
Yes. Worms can come from fleas, prey, potting soil, or tracked in dirt.
Are worms in cats contagious to humans?
Some are. Roundworms and hookworms can infect humans, especially children, through contact with contaminated soil or litter.
How often should cats be dewormed?
Kittens should be dewormed every two to three weeks until sixteen weeks old, then regularly as adults based on lifestyle and risk.
How can I tell what kind of worms my cat has?
Your vet can diagnose the specific type based on symptoms, egg appearance, and testing.
Do over the counter dewormers work?
Some may work for specific worms, but they are often incomplete or misused. Always consult your vet.
How can I prevent worms in the future?
Use monthly parasite prevention, keep litter boxes clean, and control fleas and rodents in and around your home.