Worms in Cat Poop:💩🐛 Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

Types of Worms in Cats

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in cats. They’re long, cream-colored worms that resemble spaghetti. Cats get roundworms from their mother’s milk, by consuming infected animal feces, or by eating infected small animals. Symptoms include:

• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Pot-bellied appearance, especially in kittens

Tapeworms are another frequent culprit. These flat, segmented worms often appear like rice grains near a cat’s rear end or in their poop. Cats usually contract tapeworms by eating infected fleas or small animals like mice. Symptoms may be subtle, but you might notice segments in their poop or around their rear end. Severe cases can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Hookworms are smaller, thread-like worms that latch onto the intestinal lining and feed on blood. Hookworms infect cats through larvae in the soil or by ingesting them from contaminated food or water. They can also burrow through the skin, particularly on the paws or belly. Symptoms include diarrhea, severe anemia, and lethargy, primarily affecting kittens.

Whipworms are relatively rare in North America but still a threat. These worms are named for their whip-like appearance, with one thin end and one thicker end. Cats usually get whipworms by consuming contaminated soil or food, causing issues like diarrhea and weight loss.

Diagnosing specific worms requires a vet’s expertise. Fecal float tests are used to detect eggs in your cat’s poop, while identifying segments can suffice for tapeworms. Treatment involves deworming medications prescribed by your vet, and regular worming schedules can prevent re-infestation. Ensuring a clean environment, using flea preventatives, and keeping your cat indoors can significantly reduce the risk of worm infestations.¹

Causes of Worms in Cats

Cats can become infected with worms in many ways. One of the primary infection routes is through the ingestion of eggs or larvae from the environment, often lurking in contaminated soil, water, or even on the fur of other pets. When cats groom themselves, they might unknowingly swallow these microscopic invaders.

Another common route of worm transmission is through intermediate hosts, such as fleas and rodents. Fleas carry tapeworm larvae, and when a cat inadvertently ingests an infected flea during grooming, it disrupts the parasitic life cycle. Likewise, hunting and consuming rodents can expose cats to a variety of worms, as these tiny mammals often act as carriers for worm larvae.

Kittens are particularly vulnerable to roundworm infections as they can contract these parasites directly from their mothers via milk during nursing.² This vertical transmission underscores the importance of deworming both mother and offspring to break the cycle.

Outdoor cats are at a higher risk due to increased exposure to contaminated soil and hunted prey. Even indoor cats can fall victim if they share their living space with other infected animals. Other pets in the household, such as dogs, can also carry and spread parasites that can infect cats.

Maintaining a clean environment, practicing good hygiene, keeping all pets on a regular deworming schedule, and using effective flea control products are vital preventative measures to reduce the risk of these unwanted parasites.

Symptoms of Worms in Cats

A cat infested with worms can exhibit a wide array of symptoms. Weight loss is a hallmark sign, often despite a normal or even voracious appetite, and is particularly evident in kittens, who might also develop a swollen belly.

Changes in your cat’s coat can provide clues, as a normally sleek and shiny fur can turn coarse and rough, losing its typical luster. This is usually an indication that something is amiss with your cat’s health, possibly linked to an underlying worm infestation.

Vomiting is another significant symptom, especially if worms are visible in the vomit. Diarrhea can vary from mild to severe, sometimes containing blood or mucus, leading to dangerous dehydration.

Worms can cause anemia due to blood loss, characterized by pale gums. If the gums appear white or pale pink instead of a healthy pink, it warrants an immediate trip to the vet. Severe anemia can lead to lethargy and weakness.

However, not all cats will show symptoms, making regular vet check-ups vital. Some cats can remain asymptomatic carriers of worms, harboring the parasites without displaying overt signs of illness. This silent presence makes routine veterinary care essential for early detection and treatment.³

Diagnosis of Worms in Cats

Diagnosing worm infestations in cats requires a multifaceted approach to ensure accurate identification and appropriate treatment. Veterinarians deploy several diagnostic methods, starting with fecal flotation tests. This procedure involves mixing a small sample of your cat’s stool with a special solution that causes any worm eggs to float to the surface, which are then examined under a microscope. This method is effective for detecting eggs of roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, though it may not always reveal tapeworms.

Direct stool sample examination is another crucial diagnostic tool, where veterinarians inspect the sampled feces microscopically for signs of worms or eggs. The presence of eggs can confirm an infection even if the worm is not visibly apparent. This inexpensive and quick test is often included in regular wellness checks.

Sometimes, visual identification of worms in a cat’s stool is possible without a microscope. Tapeworms often make their presence known through segments resembling grains of rice or sesame seeds, frequently found around the cat’s anus or in their bedding. Similarly, roundworms may be visible in vomit or feces, appearing as long, spaghetti-like creatures.

For a more comprehensive diagnosis, a combination of these methods may be used, especially if initial tests are inconclusive but clinical signs suggest an infestation. In more severe or complex cases, additional tests such as blood tests can determine the extent of anemia or other issues caused by worm infestations.

Regular vet visits and proactive screenings are essential for early detection and effective management of these pesky parasites, ensuring accurate identification and appropriate treatment plans.

Treatment and Prevention of Worms in Cats

Treating worms in cats involves utilizing various medications and preventive measures to ensure the complete eradication of the parasites and to prevent future infestations. Treatment is often customized to the specific type of worm identified, as well as the overall health and age of the cat.

Oral medications are among the most common treatments, typically prescribed by a veterinarian to effectively target multiple types of worms. Administering oral medications can sometimes be challenging, but veterinarians can offer tips or alternatives, such as hiding the pill in a favorite treat or using specially designed pill pockets.

Topical deworming treatments provide a convenient alternative, offering a broad-spectrum solution that covers various types of worms. These treatments are applied directly to the cat’s skin, usually at the base of the neck, where they can be absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream.

In cases where oral or topical treatments are not suitable, injectable medications might be recommended, particularly for severe infestations or for cats that cannot tolerate other forms of medication. Your veterinarian will handle the administration of these injections, ensuring the correct dosage and effectively monitoring your cat’s response to the treatment.

Preventive measures are equally vital in managing and reducing the risk of worm infestations. Regular deworming is paramount, especially for kittens, who are more susceptible to worms from their mother’s milk. Veterinarians typically recommend monthly deworming treatments for kittens until they reach six months of age, with continued regular treatments every three months for adult cats.

Flea control is another essential aspect of prevention, as fleas serve as intermediate hosts for tapeworms. Using effective flea control products consistently can drastically reduce the likelihood of your cat contracting tapeworms.

Maintaining good hygiene around your home plays a critical role in prevention. Key steps include:

• Regularly cleaning litter boxes
• Promptly disposing of feces
• Ensuring fresh water and food supplies
• Washing the litter box with a diluted bleach solution periodically to eliminate any eggs or larvae

Environmental control also matters. Keeping your cat indoors minimizes their contact with infected soil, rodents, and other outdoor threats. In multi-pet households, ensuring that all animals are on a regular deworming and flea control regimen is crucial to prevent the spread of worms from one pet to another.⁴

Regular veterinary check-ups and adherence to treatment protocols ensure that your cat remains protected from these common but manageable parasites, alongside robust preventive measures such as regular deworming, effective flea control, and maintaining high standards of hygiene in the home.

1. Bowman DD. Georgis’ Parasitology for Veterinarians. 10th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2014.
2. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Current advice on parasite control: intestinal parasites – kittens. Published 2020. Accessed [current date].
3. Little SE, Johnson EM, Lewis D, et al. Prevalence of intestinal parasites in pet dogs in the United States. Vet Parasitol. 2009;166(1-2):144-152.
4. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Current advice on parasite control: intestinal parasites – cats. Published 2020. Accessed [current date].