Parasitic Worms Found in Cats

Several types of worms, including roundworms and tapeworms, can invade a cat's systems. Some of these parasites live inside a cat's body comfortably without causing symptoms, while other worms cause diarrhea or a distended abdomen. Worm medications are available to keep your cat free of parasites.

  1. Roundworms

    • Roundworms are thin white parasites that can grow up to 4 inches long. Roundworms are more common in warm tropical climates, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Infestation often results if your cat eats contaminated food or water. Roundworms also pass to kittens through their mother's milk.

    Tapeworms

    • Tapeworms are flat segmented worms that attach to an animals intestine, according to the Doctors Foster and Smith website. These parasites reproduce in your cat's digestive tract and absorb vitamins through the feline's intestinal wall. Tape worms can lose segments of their tail and continue to live. The segments resemble grains of rice your cat's stool. Cats are usually infected from fleas, fish or contaminated food.

    Coccidia

    • Coccidia is a microscopic parasite that lives inside the cells of the lining of a cat's intestine. This worm can cause diarrhea and weakness. Without proper treatment, your cat may become very sick and dehydrated. You will know if your cat is infected with coccidia because symptoms are always present.

    Hookworms

    • Hookworms are not microscopic, but they are still too small to be seen by the naked eye. These worms like to feed on the blood of felines. A severe hookworm infestation can cause your cat to develop anemia from blood loss. Hookworms can cause your cat to have abdominal pain and intense itching around their anus.