Quick Help for Kittens With Worms

The round worm and the tapeworm are two types of worms that commonly affect cats and kittens, though heart worm, whip worm and hookworm are prevalent in other countries. For a new kitten owner, the fear of parasites is a genuine concern. If the mother had tapeworms, it is almost always passed to her kittens through her milk. Proper identification and immediate action ensure a kitten will grow to a healthy, happy adult cat.

  1. Risks

    • A worm infestation may lead to loss of blood, diarrhea, dehydration and anemia. A general feeling of malaise, or uneasiness, and consequent loss of energy may lead to increased susceptibility to other diseases. As the number of worms increase within the intestine, the cat will begin to lose weight, while also becoming bloated in the midsection, often vomit, and start to lose hair. An infection is most serious to kittens, causing slow growth, or worse, intestinal blockage, leading to death.

    Symptoms

    • Signs of infestation are all indicative of a need for immediate treatment. Other symptoms include watery, discolored stools, as well as the appearance of small, white, maggotlike worms in the kitten's fur or its feces. Tapeworms, similar to grains of rice, are easy to identify, but roundworms are usually not visible, and a stool sample will need to be viewed under a microscope by a veterinarian.

    Treatment

    • There are many safe liquid and tablet deworming products available without a prescription. These will kill all adult worms within 24 hours of treatment. A second worming will be required in another three to four weeks to kill any hatched eggs or larvae. As with any medication, it is advisable to speak to a veterinarian prior to beginning treatment. A licensed vet will recommend the safest deworming regime, as well as treat any secondary infections.

    Prevention

    • Roundworms are consumed orally, whether by the kitten ingesting a minute amount of fecal matter in dirt or a rodent. Tapeworms, on the other hand, are generally passed from one animal to another by fleas. Though many possible infestations can be averted by keeping the animal inside and treated for fleas, most cats will be contaminated at some point in their lives. Proper assessment and regular dewormings as recommended by a vet are the safest methods for maintaining a parasite-free kitten.