Buzz
Whether your cat stays indoors or spends time outdoors, it can become a host for various internal parasites such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Kittens often get worms from their mother through nursing, while adult cats might unknowingly ingest worm eggs or eat insects that are contaminated. Since cats are prone to worm infestations, it's important to recognize the signs so you can take your cat to the vet early. If left untreated, worms can lead to symptoms like dull fur, bloated abdomen, or, in rare cases, severe fatigue. Getting rid of worms is relatively easy if you use the correct deworming medication. With a bit of knowledge, you can also easily determine if your cat has worms.
Steps
Symptoms
Observe Changes in Your Cat's Fur. Normally, a cat's fur is sleek and shiny, but when infested with worms, the fur may become dull or flat.
- This could be due to dehydration or poor nutrient absorption caused by the parasites.
Check Your Cat's Gums. A healthy cat has pink gums, similar to humans. If the gums appear pale or white, this could be a sign of anemia, often caused by parasitic infections.
- To check your cat's gums, place the cat on your lap or beside you. Gently hold the cat's head with one hand under its jaw and the other behind its ears. Use your finger to lift the upper lip to expose the gums above the teeth.
- If the gums look pale, you should take your cat to the vet as soon as possible.
Check the Cat's Stool. If your cat uses a litter box, you can easily monitor its stool. Watch for the following symptoms:
- Black, tarry stools may indicate blood loss due to hookworms attaching to the cat's intestines.
- Diarrhea can occur if worms take up space in the intestines and hinder digestion.
- If your cat has diarrhea for more than 24 hours or you see fresh blood in the stool or tarry black stools, it's time to visit the vet.
Check for Vomit. Vomiting is a common issue in cats, but if it happens frequently, your cat should see a vet as it may indicate a parasitic infection or other health problems.
- Worms may cause vomiting by obstructing the flow to the stomach or irritating the stomach lining.
Pay Attention to Your Cat's Appetite. Cats with heavy worm infestations often lose their appetite.
- This could be due to various factors such as intestinal inflammation, stomach pain, or the physical space worms take up in the intestines.
Observe Changes in Your Cat's Body Shape. Cats with severe worm infestations often develop a bloated belly, making their abdomen appear swollen.
- Similar to vomiting, bloating is a common sign and can have many causes. However, this symptom is alarming enough to warrant a visit to the vet, regardless of the underlying cause.
Notice Signs of Lethargy. If worms are draining nutrients directly from the intestines, your cat, or kitten, may become lethargic, sluggish, and low on energy. Keep an eye on any significant changes in your cat's energy levels.
- Lethargy is also a symptom of many other health issues, so it's important to take your cat to the vet for a checkup.
- As someone who knows your cat's usual energy levels, it’s vital to track any sudden drops in activity or playfulness.
Evidence
Check for Eggs in Your Cat's Stool. Wear disposable gloves and use single-use tools like a popsicle stick to inspect your cat’s litter box for signs of worms.
- Tapeworms may leave egg sacs attached to the surface of the stool. These sacs resemble sesame seeds or cucumber seeds, and may sometimes move or wriggle.
- It is often difficult to spot an entire tapeworm in your cat's stool, but if visible, they appear as flat, cream-colored worms made up of segments. Adult tapeworms can grow up to 60 cm long.
- Roundworm eggs are typically too small to see with the naked eye, but sometimes a whole roundworm may pass in the stool or even be vomited up. Roundworms resemble spaghetti: long, smooth, and about the size of a piece of pasta. Adult roundworms typically measure 7.5-15 cm long.
- Hookworms are also very small and often go unnoticed. Adult hookworms are typically only 2-3 mm in length, making them difficult to detect.
Check Your Cat's Anus. Tapeworm egg sacs can sometimes crawl out of your cat's anus and get caught in its fur. If you find small, white, opaque egg sacs resembling sesame seeds stuck to the fur, it's likely that your cat has a tapeworm infection.
Inspect Your Cat's Sleeping Area and Favorite Spots. Sometimes, tapeworm egg sacs can get stuck in areas where your cat frequently sits, such as its bed or soft furniture. If you suspect your cat may have worms, it's a good idea to check these areas for any signs of eggs.
Testing
Call the Veterinarian to Schedule an Appointment. If you suspect your cat has worms, one of the most reliable ways to confirm it is by bringing a stool sample to the vet for analysis. The sample will be examined under a microscope to look for worm eggs.
- Each type of worm lays eggs that have distinct shapes, so this is the most effective method to identify which worms your cat might be infected with.
- When calling the vet, be sure to describe any symptoms your cat is showing.
Collect a Stool Sample. If your vet asks for a stool sample, you'll need to collect some of your cat's feces and store it in a bag until you can bring it to the clinic.
- Worm eggs are easy to store, but it’s best to keep the sample in a cool, dark place, like a garage or a shaded shed.
- Do not store the stool sample in a food preparation area, and be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
- To reduce the risk of a false negative result, some vets may request a pooled stool sample, meaning you'll collect three separate stools over three days and place them in the same bag.
Bring the Stool Sample to the Vet. The vet will examine your cat and perform stool tests if necessary.
- If your cat is infected with worms, the vet will prescribe medication. Follow the vet’s instructions for administering the medication, and your cat's condition should improve soon.
Advice
- You should be aware that cats can become hosts to certain types of worms, especially roundworms, without showing any symptoms of illness. However, if the worms reproduce and accumulate in the intestines, they can absorb nutrients, depriving your cat of essential vitamins and minerals. Over time, this can negatively impact your cat’s health. Regular veterinary checkups are important to prevent this and other health risks.
- You can help reduce your cat’s risk of parasitic infection by keeping their litter box clean. Remove solid waste daily and regularly disinfect the litter box with a small amount of bleach diluted with water (1:30 ratio) or a mild dish soap.
- Vacuum your home at least once a week to prevent fleas.
Warning
- If you suspect your cat has worms or have already tested for worms, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling the litter box and dispose of the waste. Keep young children away from the cat until you have taken it to the vet for treatment.
- Keep in mind that sometimes a negative stool test result can be misleading. Some parasites lay eggs inconsistently, so even if your cat is infected, there might not be signs in the sample you collected. Multiple tests may be required to diagnose certain parasites.
