How Worms In Cats Are Diagnosed & Treated
Before your cat can receive treatment for worms, a stool test must be performed by a trained veterinarian so the proper deworming medication can be prescribed. Expect the process to take a few days.
Then, a follow-up visit three to four weeks later confirms that all worms have been eliminated from your pets system. To prevent another episode, consider keeping your cat indoors or start using preventative wormer medication.
The Importance Of Deworming Your Cat
In general, testing all household pets for parasites is the best way to prevent them from getting parasites however, if an animal is discovered to be infected, it is critical to follow the vets instructions. Tapeworms and roundworms, the most common parasites in cats, can both be treated with a dewormer. After receiving treatment, cats should be wormed every three months until they are six months old, then every three months after that. If a cat is inactive or inside, no worming should be required.
How To Prevent Tapeworms
Keeping your cat free of flea infestations with flea and tick medication is the best protection against tapeworms. However, if infestation does occur, the environment must be treated along with the cat to prevent recurring infestations.
Since cats are fastidious groomers, you may not see the fleas that they are ingesting or know that they are contracting tapeworms until there is an infestation.
Ask your veterinarian which flea and tick prevention products are safe for your cat. Keeping your cat indoors and away from dead animals and garbage may also help prevent them from ingesting tapeworms.
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Spread The Cost Of Worming Treatments With The Medivet Health Plan
When you sign up to the Medivet Health Plan, your dogs worming treatments are included in the monthly cost. This enables you to spread the cost of worming treatments and receive reminders when a worming is due.
Other benefits of the Medivet Healthcare Plan include:
- Full course of vaccinations
- Complete flea, worm and tick protection for the year
- Six month health check by a vet
- Discounts on vet care, dental and food
What age should I get my kitten wormed for the first time?
A lot of kittens dont show any signs of worms which is why its important to start worming within the first few weeks of birth. Most vets recommend worming them at two, four, six and eight weeks of age and then monthly until theyre six months old.
Can indoor cats get worms?
Because worm eggs may survive in soil which can be brought indoors on shoes and clothes, Indoor cats can get worms just as easily as those who love to roam outdoors, the only difference is theyre exposed less often to parasites so they might not need worming quite as regularly. Indoor cats usually require preventative treatment every three months while cats that hunt and love to scavenge will need a treatment once a month.
How should I worm a cat?
It all depends on what treatment your vet prescribes. They may administer the treatment themselvesut there are also treatments which can be given with their food at home or placed on their skin.
Can I Prevent My Cat From Catching Worms
Other than keeping your feline indoors, the best way to prevent a worm infestation is by using dewormers.
Your vet will probably suggest antiparasitic treatments either annually, or more frequently, depending on your pet’s lifestyle, as a preventive measure.
This protocol is also very important for young animals, as they often have worms.
Flea control is also an effective and important strategy, as is good litter hygiene!
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Preventing An Infestation Of Worms In Cats
Once your cat has been treated for worms, its important to continue to be proactive about keeping her safe. Adhering to a strict year-round flea prevention regimen can help reduce the risk of tapeworm infection, since fleas carry worms.
Equally, if your cats are avid hunters and especially if they spend time both indoors and outdoors, preventative deworming every 3 months can help eliminate any intestinal worms before they can become a large burden for your pet. Finally, pay attention to your cats litter box, keeping it fresh and clean on a daily basis.
There are some worms that can be harmful to humans. In order to protect yourself, along with your cat and any other pets, clean up cat feces immediately, wash your hands, and if possible, wear gloves whenever cleaning the litter box.
Tapeworm Symptoms In Cats
While most cats will never show any symptoms of having a tapeworm, some may exhibit the following: weight loss, a change in appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or a distended abdomen. If your cat has any of these symptoms and you suspect they may have a tapeworm, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
The cestode is a type of intestinal parasite that can cause tapeworms. They are flat, long, and have the appearance of off-white ribbons that have been shaved into their shapes. They must be eaten in order for the cat to become infected with this virus. It is very common in cats for them to be infested with tapeworms. They are effectively eliminated when treated. The owner of a cat discovered tapeworms while cleaning out his litter box. To determine the type of worms that have infested the cat, fecal tests will be performed.
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Everything You Need To Know About Worms In Cats
Written bySmall Door’s medical experts
Discovering your cat has worms can be shocking and upsetting. Whether theyre external or internal, these parasites can wreak havoc on your cats health. But with proper diagnosis and treatment, worms in cats can be effectively treated and eliminated.
In This Article
Signs Your Cat Might Have Worms
Intestinal parasites are most common in outdoor cats and kittens that grew up in unsanitary conditions. They are rarely found in indoor cats. However, regardless of your pets living situation, you should keep an eye out for these signs to help you tell if your cat has worms:
- Vomiting and diarrhea: Whether caused by worms or another problem, these symptoms are a sign of digestive distress and warrant a trip to the vet.
- Mucus or worm segments in your pets stool: The intestines often secrete mucus as a defense mechanism against a parasitic invasion, making your pets stool slimy. Tapeworm segments may also break apart and end up in your pets stool.
- Lethargy and fatigue: These are possible symptoms of anemia and malnutrition.
- Dry skin and dull coat: The skin and fur are the first to suffer from nutritional deficiencies if your cat has worms.
- Odd appetite: Watch for sudden hunger caused by malnutrition refusal to eat or drink because of an upset stomach and rapid weight loss despite eating normally.
- Potbelly: Kittens, in particular, may develop a potbelly in response to intestinal parasites.
Not sure if your cat has worms? If youre in the Frederick County, MD area, contact Village Vet of Urbana to schedule a diagnostic appointment.
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Receive Cat Worm Treatment At Village Vet Of Urbana
The best way to treat worms effectively is to bring your cat to Village Vet of Urbana if you see any signs that parasites are living in the animals intestines. Of course, its critical to remember that some worms produce no symptoms, meaning they can go undetected for months or even years without routine screenings.
This makes annual wellness visits an important part of your pets preventative healthcare plan.
For any questions about your cats health, or to schedule a visit with our experienced vets at our Frederick County animal hospital, please contact us today.
What Worms Can Cats Get
The reality is that no matter how careful and how well you take care of your cat, there are some instances that just cant be avoided and could cause them to get worms. Thats why it is important to know what types of worms cats can get and how they might become infected in the first place. Lets look at which types of worms are most likely to infect your cat.
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Causes Of Roundworms In Cats
Cats often get roundworms by eating another small animal that was also a host, such as a mouse or other prey, though kittens may get roundworms through their mothers milk. Kittens get them from their mothers when they initially nurse, says Dr. Tash Taylor of the Cat Clinic of Johnson County in Lenexa, Kansas. go through the normal life cycle and some will encyst in the muscle and come out when the mother is pregnant. These migrate to the mammary glands and are transmitted to the kittens the first time they nurse.
Unfortunately, indoor cats are not immune to roundworms its possible for a sheltered housecat to contract roundworms by eating an infected insect that has wandered into your home. Roundworms in cats can also occur if you track an egg in on your shoes and your cat ingests the egg while grooming her sweet little jellybean toes.
Prevention Of Worms In Cats Is Easier Than Treatment
According to Nichols, the best way to prevent intestinal worms is to keep your cat on year-round preventative medications. Many heartworm preventatives can also protect your cat from getting roundworms and hookworms, and flea preventatives play an important role in protecting cats from tapeworms. Your cat’s veterinarian can help you find the best options for your pet. Nichols adds that keeping your cat indoors and cleaning his litter box regularly can help guard your cat against intestinal worms.
Because cats can have intestinal worms without showing any signs, Nichols emphasizes the importance of having your cat screened once a year. This involves bringing in a poop sample from your cat so your veterinarian can perform a fecal float test to look for parasite eggs. “The test is often part of your cat’s yearly wellness visit,” she says, “and it can identify the presence of roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and sometimes tapeworms.”
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What Are The Signs Of Cat Having Worms
- Presence of worms in the feces Observe your cats feces. …
- Lethargy If your cat seems tired,doesnt want to play anymore,isolates himself,or sleeps more often,he may be infested with worms. …
- Bloated stomach A cat with worms may have a swollen belly that is firm to the touch. …
Home Remedies For Worms In Cats
There is no one definitive answer to this question, as the best home remedy for worms in cats may vary depending on the type of worm infestation present.
However, some potential home remedies for worms in cats may include giving the cat pumpkin seeds .
Honey and papaya are also considered as an optional home remedy. Honey is a natural disinfectant and also has anti-inflammatory properties. Papaya contains an enzyme called papain, which has been shown to have anthelmintic activity.
Please note that whatever you decide to do at home regarding your cat’s worms and symptoms related to it – always consult with the vet and don’t make any decisions without a chat with a qualified veterinarian about it.
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Bayers Tapeworm Cat Dewormer: A Trusted Brand For Effective At
With Bayers tapeworm cat dewormer, you can use it to reduce your pets risk of tapeworm disease. A trusted brand that is approved for use in cats and kittens that are six weeks old can be administered via tablet in a single administration. Despite the fact that untreated tapeworms can live up to two years, they usually do not cause significant harm to their hosts. These worms can grow to be as long as 20 inches, but they are usually smaller in size. In cats, tapeworm infestations are quite common, and veterinary treatment is very effective at eliminating them. The Bayer tapeworm cat dewormer treatment typically requires only a single administration, which typically takes 3-4 weeks to work however, some cats may require a further 2-3 week period of treatment after the initial administration.
Are Certain Cats More Likely To Get Tapeworms
Fleas are the intermediate host for tapeworm. In other words, the tapeworm is unable to complete its life cycle without the presence of fleas in the environment. Regardless of whether the owner has seen fleas on the cat, or in the home, the cat must have ingested a flea in order to have tapeworms.
“Fleas are the intermediate host for the tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum.”
Consequently, tapeworms are more common in environments that are heavily infested with fleas. It is recommended to treat your cat for fleas if tapeworms are noted, and use flea control to prevent future flea infestations and tapeworm infections.
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Can The Symptoms Be Caused By Something Else
Though these symptoms are signs of a worm infestation, they can be related to many other health problems. Diarrhea, for example, could be caused by something as innocuous as food that didnt agree with your cat or as serious as toxicity from chemicals or poisonous plants. Other potential causes include bacteria, viruses, food intolerances, and allergies.
Its important to take your cat to the vet for any prolonged symptoms. An occasional bout of diarrhea or vomiting may be nothing to worry about, but if it continues, it warrants a vet visit. This is also true of other symptoms, such as fatigue or inappetence, which could be an off day or could indicate something more insidious.
How Do Cats Pick Up Worms
Worm eggs are passed in cat faeces can infect other animals if eaten. Often, cats will get worms because theyve come into contact with contaminated grass, food or water. If your cat loves to hunt, they may pick up worms from their prey while raw or undercooked meat can harbour tapeworms. They can also get them from fleas, which is why regular flea treatment is important too. It’s important to note that indoor cats can also get worms.
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How To Spot The Symptoms Of Worms In Cats
Wondering if the cat in your life has worms but not sure how to find out? Spotting the symptoms of intestinal worms such as roundworm and tapeworm is much easier when we know what to look for. Thats why our pet experts have shared the most common signs us pet parents need to be aware of. See if your cat has any of these and find out what to do next to help your cat get back on track.
One in four cats carries intestinal worms.1
What to look out for
Spotted these signs in a kitten?
If you think your kitten has worms, ask your vet for advice now. Heavy worm infestations can cause serious sometimes even deadly complications in kittens, so your vet will need to recommend a worm treatment thats right for your kittens age and body weight.
Spotted these signs in an adult cat?
Take a look at our quick guide to treating worms in cats.
Not seen these symptoms?
Its good to remember that not all cats show these signs. A healthy-looking cat can mean the problem goes unnoticed, but worms could still be living off our cats food and blood and shedding worm eggs into the environment. Thats why regular worming is important just because we cant always see signs of worms, it doesnt mean theyre not there. With the right treatment, our cats can overcome the problems worms can cause before they become a bigger issue.
Up Next
Why Are Worms In Cats Dangerous
The most common intestinal worms in cats include roundworms and tapeworms. These are present in many animals digestive systems. As long as they live in small numbers, they are quite harmless.
However, if the parasites grow too numerous, these freeloaders start to cause health problems for their host. Kittens may experience stunted growth as the worms in their intestines steal vital nutrients. Malnutrition, dehydration, and anemiaa shortage of red blood cells that may cause fatigue, dizziness, and a fast heart rateare also possible when parasites attach to the intestinal wall and start feeding off your cats blood.
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What Happens If Worms Go Untreated In Cats
Worm infestations that are left untreated can be dangerous, even fatal, for your cat.
Migration of larvae through the organs and tissues of the body as they make their way to the intestine could result in severe skin infections, blindness, convulsions, or pneumonia, depending on the path of larval migration.
Ongoing losses of blood and vital nutrients, which should be absorbed by the intestines, can result in progressive anemia, weight loss, dehydration, and death.
Worms In Cats: Causes Symptoms And Treatment
Pet motherhood has many responsibilities, but one of the most crucial is taking care of your feline family members health and well-being. To care for their cats properly, cat owners must keep up with immunization schedules, learn to read their cats signs and body language, and ensure that their cats are clean and well-groomed at all times. In addition, pet parents must take precautions against parasite illnesses. Our feline friends are frequently infected with intestinal parasites or worms, and cat owners should be aware of how these parasites affect cats, as well as the best methods of prevention and treatment for their feline friends.
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Summary Of Worms In Cats
There are many different types of worms that can infest cats, so be aware of the signs and symptoms. Immediate treatment will not only help prevent the infestation in your cat from becoming worse, but it will also help protect the other pets in your household. Discovering that your cat has worms may be disturbing, but with effective treatment from your vet, your cat will be worm-free before you know it!