How Do I Treat Pinworms in Cats?

Cats are self-sufficient animals, normally requiring little care beyond basic feeding and vaccinations. However, cats do like to scavenge and are prone to picking up parasites during their exploration. Pinworms do not normally infect cats, but they can be carried on the cats' fur and still represent a health risk to humans and other animals.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat pesticide shampoo
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Washer and dryer
  • Antibacterial hand soap
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the cat in for a veterinary examination. You may see small, rice-like particles in the cat's feces or around the anus and mistake these for pinworms. Pinworms cannot survive in the feline intestinal tract, although the cat may be infected with another type of parasite. The vet will dose the cat with a feline dewormer to kill offending internal parasites.

    • 2

      Wash the cat with a pesticide shampoo designed for cats. Pinworms and their eggs can survive for up to three weeks outside a host body and can be transmitted to humans and other animals by contact with infected cats. Place the cat in the sink and wet the fur with warm water, applying a handful of shampoo. Massage the shampoo down to the skin and allow the lather to sit for five minutes before rinsing.

    • 3

      Vacuum your home thoroughly to remove pinworms from areas the cats frequently visit. Carpets and furniture around the cat's sleeping area and litter box should be vacuumed daily to minimize the risk of transmission.

    • 4

      Wash any bedding the cat sleeps on in hot water and dry on the highest temperature setting on your dryer. Pinworms are susceptible to radical changes in temperature and will be killed during the washing and drying process.

    • 5

      Cleanse the skin with warm water and antibacterial soap after coming in contact with cats. Pinworms thrive in humans, especially children under the age of 15 who commonly put their hands in their mouths. Hands should also be washed after using the restroom and before meals to prevent accidental pinworm transmission.