Cat's Fecal Worms Treatment Varieties

Intestinal worms are extremely common in cats. They are easily transmitted from cat-to-cat, or via insect bites (fleas and ticks) and can cause a host of health problems. Fortunately, treatment for feline fecal worms is relatively easy, safe and inexpensive in most cases. A visit to a veterinarian is usually necessary to diagnose and treat intestinal worms in your cat.

  1. Symptoms

    • According to Vet Info, symptoms of intestinal worms in your cat include: vomiting, weight loss, lethargy, unhealthy coat, bloody stool, diarrhea, lack of growth (in kittens), anemia, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, appearance of a pot belly and evidence of tapeworm segments.

    Tapeworms

    • According to the Long Beach Animal Hospital, tapeworms are the most common intestinal parasite in cats. Tapeworms are transmitted via ingested fleas. You will know your cat has tapeworms if you find segments that look like grains of rice around your cat’s anus, on her tail, on her bedding or around the house. Tapeworms are easily eradicated with oral medications. Other worms your cat may acquire include roundworms, hookworms and whipworms.

    Medications

    • Deworming medications, also called anthelmintics, are available with a prescription from your veterinarian. Dewormers are administered as oral treatments (like Drontal) or as topical treatments (like Revolution). Depending on the level of outdoor activity your cat enjoys, deworming treatments should be given on a regular basis as a prophylactic.

    Isolation

    • When you have a cat infected with intestinal parasites, it is important to begin treatment by isolating the animal from all other pets, according to Pet Education. If your cat has tapeworms she also may have fleas that can easily infect other animals in the house. Make sure to provide a litter box for each cat to avoid exposure to eggs or larvae in the infected cat’s feces.

    Treating the House

    • Keeping your cat’s environment clean and keeping her indoors can prevent infection with intestinal parasites. Additionally, monitoring your pet closely for symptoms and treating at the first sign of trouble can clear up the infection quickly and minimize the potential for any long-term complications or more serious consequences from infection like kidney failure and liver scarring, according to the Long Beach Animal Hospital.