Cat Worms

Intestinal parasites, which many people refer to as cat worms, may never be a problem for your cat, especially if he or she stays indoors. However, cats that spend time outdoors can become infected with worms and can transmit the worms to indoor cats as well. This not only causes nasty symptoms for the cats, but worms can also be transmitted to humans. If your cat goes outside, it is extremely important to watch for signs of cat worms. Also, be scrupulous about keeping her litter box clean. If your cat uses the outdoors as her litter box, do not let her use an area of the yard where children play or where you spend any time. In many cases, cat worms do not cause symptoms immediately. That’s why it is very important to have a stool sample tested for parasites when you bring your cat to the vet for her annual check up. Common types of cat worms are roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms.

Roundworms

Roundworms are the most common type of worm that infects a cat’s intestinal system. These worms are between 2 and 4 inches long with tapered ends. Cats that are heavily infected with roundworms may vomit or eliminate them whole. This can be a frightening sight for humans. Cats infected with roundworms may have symptoms like a bloated belly, diarrhea and excessive hunger. Roundworms can be transmitted to humans and cause a dangerous infection that may result in inflamed muscles and even blindness. If your cat has any symptoms of roundworms or if you see worms in her litter, call your veterinarian immediately. Roundworms can be treated with wormer medications such as Erliworm.

Hookworms

Hookworms are parasites that suck blood. As a result, cats infected with hookworms may become anemic. These tiny worms cannot be seen with the naked eye. They more commonly affect kittens, while older cats tend to become immune to them as they age. Symptoms of hookworms include intestinal bleeding, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The same symptoms may appear in humans, as hookworms will burrow into the skin of human feet and legs. Medications used to de-worm cats infected with hookworms include pyrantel pamoate and fenbendazole.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can be seen with the naked eye and are most commonly transmitted to cats that swallow fleas carrying tapeworm eggs. Pieces of live tapeworms that have broken off from adult parasites attach to a cat’s intestinal tract and can be seen moving around a cat’s rectum or in his stool right after he eliminates. Once tapeworms die, the pieces look something like uncooked wild rice. Tapeworms are more disgusting than they are harmful, and they do not typically infect people. Many cats do not have any symptoms associated with tapeworm infection other than the sight of the worms themselves. The best treatment for this type of cat worms is effective flea control. If your cat does become infected with tapeworms, the condition can be treated with oral tape worm medications or injections.

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