Feline Roundworms

Feline bodies are not the only hosts to roundworms; roundworms will also infiltrate dogs, foxes, rodents and insects. When humans come in contact with roundworm eggs they, too, may become infected. In fact, Doctors Foster and Smith report on their Pet Education.com website that thousands of U.S. residents contract roundworms each year.

  1. Types

    • Mar Vista Animal Medical Center explains that there are two types of roundworms that infect felines: Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina. Dogs are also susceptible to Toxascaris leonina roundworms, but have their own secondary species called Toxocara canis.

    Infection

    • Kittens can contract roundworms if their mother is infected.

      Felines contract roundworms by rolling around in dirt that is infected with roundworm eggs and grooming themselves afterward; through nursing from an infected mother; or by consuming a rodent or other prey animal infested with developing worms.

    Conditions

    • According to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, once infected, the Toxocara cati roundworm begins to develop and infiltrate the cat's tissues, working its way to his lungs and throat. Other Toxocara cati will remain in the feline's liver. Toxascaris leonina simply remains in the intestinal tract once ingested, and develop there.

    Symptoms

    • A "pot-bellied" appearance may indicate the presence of roundworms.

      Symptoms of roundworm infection include vomiting, diarrhea, coughing, pneumonia and a "pot-bellied" appearance followed by intestinal blockage in severe cases. In some cases roundworms, which look like white pieces of spaghetti, will be expelled through vomit or defecation.

    Treatments

    • Several prescription and over-the-counter roundworm treatments are available. In fact, some monthly flea treatments prevent infestation of round worms. Deworming medications usually include one of the following active ingredients: febantel, pyrantel pamoate, piperazine, fenbendazole, selamectin or emodepside.

    Considerations

    • Because the first round of treatment may not kill all of the larvae, numerous treatments may be required to clean the intestinal tract of roundworms completely. Ensuring a cat's monthly flea treatment contains roundworm pesticide and keeping her away from soils and prey that may be infested with roundworm eggs are critical to preventing future infestation.