How to Deworm Your Cat

Cats can become infected with a variety of worms such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and heartworms. These parasites pose a threat not only to the health of the cat but also to humans and other pets. Therefore, in addition to deworming kittens, newly adopted cats, and those showing symptoms of infection, it is important to consult with a veterinarian about regular testing and control programs. Knowing when to deworm is just as crucial as knowing how to do it.

Examine the cat's feces. The most common sign of worm infestation is seeing worms with the naked eye. You can check the cat’s feces to spot the worms. Segments of tapeworms often break off and pass through the stool. These segments resemble small grains of rice. You may even see them moving like small worms in fresh feces.

• Look for signs of diarrhea. Various conditions can cause diarrhea in cats, but all types of intestinal worms such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms can cause loose stools. In other cases, cats may suffer from colonic hemorrhaging or intestinal irritation.
• You should collect the worms in a bag and bring them to the veterinary clinic for testing.

Watch for signs of vomiting. Roundworms can cause vomiting in cats, and they may even vomit up large worms that resemble spaghetti. Vomiting is also a potential symptom of heartworms. Similar to issues with stool, try to collect your cat's vomit in a small bag. The vet can examine the vomit to diagnose roundworms and other illnesses. Keep in mind that vomiting is not exclusive to worm infestations, as it can indicate many other health conditions.

Monitor your cat's weight. Cats infected with intestinal worms or heartworms may experience weight loss. This change can be obvious or subtle, depending on the size and quantity of worms. In some cases, a cat may develop a distended abdomen, causing a bloated appearance. If a cat’s belly becomes noticeably rounder, it may be a sign of roundworm infection.

Check your cat's gums. Healthy cat gums are normally pink in color. Many parasitic worms can lead to anemia or even severe shock, which may cause the gums to appear pale. If your cat’s gums seem pale, it’s best to schedule a vet appointment. If your cat is also struggling to breathe or seems lethargic, take them to the vet immediately.

Learn about the types of worms your cat might encounter. It’s important to know which type of worms your cat may have before seeking treatment. A vet can identify the type of worm and recommend the appropriate medication and treatment plan. You don’t need to know every detail about each worm species, but it’s helpful to be familiar with common types found in cats, such as:

• Roundworms, the most common parasite in cats. Kittens nursing from their mother can acquire roundworms from her milk, and adult cats can contract them from feces.
• Tapeworms are segmented parasites typically found around a cat’s hind legs. Cats are at risk of tapeworms if they ingest a flea that carries the parasite.
• Hookworms, smaller than roundworms, live in the small intestine. Hookworms spread through skin contact or ingestion. They are more commonly a problem in dogs.
• Lungworms reside in a cat’s lungs and are less common than other worm types. Cats can get lungworms by eating infected hosts like birds or rodents.
• Heartworms are the most dangerous type of worm. When a mosquito bites an infected animal, it picks up heartworm larvae in the blood. These larvae grow and can be transmitted to another animal when the mosquito bites again.

Take your cat to the vet. You should not attempt to treat your cat’s worms without veterinary assistance. A vet can analyze a stool sample to diagnose worms in your cat. Collect the sample and bring it to the vet for testing. If you suspect heartworm infection, the vet may take regular blood samples. There are various types of worms, each requiring its own treatment, so it’s important to know exactly which type of worm your cat has before starting treatment.

• Usually, cats need deworming treatment every two weeks or monthly. Treating worms is not a one-time fix.
• You may come across websites that suggest home remedies for worms using “natural therapies” like herbs and spices. Don’t trust these claims and take your cat to the vet for proper care.
• Newborn kittens or recently adopted cats should be dewormed. This is a routine procedure, even if the kitten isn’t visibly infected. Kittens should be dewormed at 2-6 weeks old, again at 3 months, and monthly until they reach 6 months. Newly adopted kittens should also receive at least two deworming treatments spaced two weeks apart. Mother cats can pass worms to their kittens.

Administer prescribed medication for your cat. Obtain the required medication from your veterinarian. It is advised not to give over-the-counter deworming treatments to your cat, especially kittens, without consulting the vet. Cats may be treated with a variety of medications, including tablets, capsules, granules, chewable tablets, liquids, or topical treatments.

• Follow your vet's instructions regarding how and when to administer the medication, rather than choosing the treatment yourself. Once you know the type of medication and dosage frequency, ensure that you stick to the prescribed course of treatment. Whether it's oral or topical medication, you should continue the treatment until it's completed.

Be cautious of potential side effects. Medications are generally more toxic to parasites (worms) than to the host (kittens). This is why it is important to get guidance from your vet for the proper treatment. Some common side effects of deworming medications include diarrhea and vomiting. Consult your vet about possible side effects, and ensure your cat is responding well to the treatment.

Treating Roundworms and Hookworms. Common medications for treating roundworms and hookworms in adult cats include Pyrantel Pamoate, Milbemycin Oxime, and Selamectin. Pyrantel Pamoate and Milbemycin Oxime are oral medications, while Selamectin is a topical treatment. In the US, Pyrantel Pamoate is an over-the-counter medication, while Selamectin and Milbemycin Oxime are prescription-based. Selamectin should not be used in kittens under 8 weeks old, so only oral deworming treatments should be used for them.

Treating Tapeworms. The two main medications used for tapeworm treatment are Praziquantel and Epsiprantel. Both are oral medications. Praziquantel is available over-the-counter, while Epsiprantel requires a prescription.

• Typically, your vet will need to recheck your cat's stool to ensure the deworming treatment has been effective. Be sure to follow your vet's instructions during the deworming process and take your cat for follow-up appointments to verify the effectiveness of the treatment.

Take your cat for a follow-up visit. Your veterinarian will inform you of the next appointment. Be sure to follow the instructions and take your kitten for the next treatment or to confirm that the worms have been completely eliminated. It's important to schedule these check-ups as advised by your vet to ensure your cat stays healthy and happy.

Prepare the medication. Shake the bottle if necessary, or remove the tablets from the container. You can use a syringe or dropper to administer liquid medication. Your vet may recommend the most suitable tool for the job.

• Keep the medication out of your cat's sight. Cats can often spot a pill or a bottle of liquid medicine and might try to escape. It's sometimes best to prepare the medication a few minutes ahead and wait for your cat to calm down to ensure the process goes more smoothly.

Keep your cat calm. After your vet prescribes the medication, it’s important to know how to administer it effectively. Giving your cat medicine can be tricky, but it can go smoothly if you keep your cat calm and happy. If your cat needs to take medicine at home, you’ll need to find ways to soothe them to make the process easier for both of you.

Wrap your cat up. You can wrap your cat in a small blanket, pillowcase, or towel, leaving only their head exposed. This method prevents scratching or resistance. However, make sure your cat isn't too frightened or at risk of suffocation during the wrapping process. You may also try giving your cat medication without wrapping them up, which could reduce anxiety, though it might make the process a bit more challenging.

Keep your cat safe. Sit on the floor and hold your cat between your legs or place them on your lap. You can also ask someone else for help to hold the cat. The process of giving medication will be much easier with an extra pair of hands.

Hold your cat's head properly. Place your thumb and index finger on either side of your cat's mouth. Be cautious, as the cat might try to bite you. However, the cat will still struggle to escape your hold.

Tip your cat's head back. During this step, gently press on the sides of their mouth to open it. Stay calm—if you're anxious, your cat may sense it and become even more fearful. You should use your other hand to press on the lower jaw to open the mouth wider.

Place the medication in your cat's mouth. Insert the pill into the mouth or squeeze the liquid medication into the inside of one cheek. Be careful not to push the medication too far down their throat to avoid choking.

Help your cat swallow the medication. Here's how to help your cat swallow the medication effectively:

• Allow your cat to close their mouth.
• Lift their chin so that their nose points upwards.
• Gently massage their throat to stimulate the swallowing reflex.
• Hold this position for a few seconds or until your cat swallows the medication. Be gentle during this process to avoid causing choking.

Ensure the medication has been swallowed. Release your cat's mouth, but be cautious in case the cat hasn't swallowed the medication and spits it out. Only release your cat's mouth when you're sure the medication has been fully ingested.

• Spitting out medication is common when cats take capsules. Cats are less likely to spit out liquid medication.

Praise your cat after successfully giving medication. You can remove the blanket or towel wrapped around your cat and praise them for behaving well. Offer your cat a treat to show affection for their good behavior. This helps make the next medication session easier. Your cat will associate taking medication with positive experiences rather than fear. If forced or frightened, your cat may resist or escape during the next round of medication.

Administer regular parasite prevention medication to your cat. You should consult your veterinarian for more information. Some medications, like Selamectin, protect against a variety of pests such as fleas, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and other parasites.

Consider keeping your cat indoors. To prevent your cat from contracting worms, fleas, or parasites from rodents, it’s recommended to keep your cat inside to reduce the risk of infection. Many owners hesitate to keep their cats indoors because it feels like taking away their freedom. "Why can't cats express their natural instincts in fresh air and sunshine?" This question often influences their decision. To make an informed choice, you should weigh the pros and cons.

• Are the risks too great? You should consider road conditions, disease factors, environmental issues, and animal and human interactions before deciding. If you choose to keep your cat indoors to avoid these risks, make sure to design your home to resemble the outdoors with scratching posts, windows, and climbing structures for your cat's enjoyment.

Get rid of fleas from your home and yard. Generally, you don't need to worry about outdoor areas if your cat is kept indoors. Cats are skilled at killing fleas, especially if they aren't in a heavily infested area. Therefore, focus on treating areas your cat frequently visits.

• Home: The best flea control strategy is thorough cleaning. You should wash the pillows, blankets, and items your cat frequently uses. Remove fleas, eggs, larvae, and flea pupae completely. Similarly, vacuum carpets to eliminate any traces of fleas. If the infestation is severe, consider using a flea spray. When using flea sprays, follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that all humans and animals stay away from the treated area. Afterward, thoroughly clean your home and vacuum again to remove dead fleas, eggs, and any lingering pesticide residue.
• Yard: Outdoor flea control is much more challenging. Start by clearing away organic debris like grass clippings, leaves, and straw. Fleas tend to thrive in dark, damp, and shaded areas. You should purchase an eco-friendly flea spray and follow the instructions for use to effectively eliminate fleas.

Regularly clean your cat's litter box. It's important to remove waste frequently to prevent the spread of worms. Wear disposable plastic gloves and a mask, if possible, to avoid inhaling any dust from the litter. Dispose of all waste in a trash bag. You can also use paper towels and a natural disinfectant spray to wipe down the inside of the litter box. Alternatively, you can wash the litter box thoroughly with soapy water, replace the litter, and start fresh. Aim to clean the litter box 1-2 times a week, depending on your cat's usage.

• Cat
• Blankets, pillowcases, or towels
• Medication
• Cat treats