Symptoms of Pinworms in Cats

Cats are not carriers of pinworms, but it is a common misconception that they are. Humans are the only carries of pinworms. If your cat has worms, it is most likely infected by tapeworms, roundworms or hookworms. Your cat can become infected when it eats infected fleas or lice or worms can be transmitted to a cat from its mother before birth. It can also get certain types of tapeworms from eating infected rodents.

  1. Butt Scooting

    • Since worms irritate a cat's anus, one symptom of worms is if your cat tries to itch by scooting his butt across the floor or carpet.

    Vomiting and Diarrhea

    • Your cat may throw up an adult tapeworm that has migrated into his stomach. Vomiting and diarrhea are both symptoms of worms in cats.

    Fecal Matter

    • You may start to notice segments of the tapeworm inside the cat's feces. The segments will look like grains of white rice. If the cat has a hookworm, you will see digested blood in its stool.

    Appearance

    • The coat of your cat may lack luster and shine. It may appear that your cat has stopped grooming. Your cat will start to lose weight. This weight loss will occur despite him constantly being hungry. Increased appetite is another symptom of worms. A bulging abdomen is also a symptom.

    Coughing

    • If your cat has roundworms and they infest the lungs, coughing will occur. The cat may catch pneumonia and may develop respiratory problems as well.

    Treatment

    • If you suspect that your cat has worms, take him to a veterinarian. A vet will be able to prescribe an effective de-worming medication that will kill the worms. Once dead, the worms will be digested along with your cat's food. Repeated cycles may be needed to ensure that all of the worms and eggs are eliminated. In rare cases of hookworm, cats may require a blood transfusion. The only reason this would be needed is because of severe anemia.

    Prevention

    • Regular de-worming cycles should be maintained to prevent worms in cats. Control and limit your cat's contact with soil or dirt that may have worms in their larval and egg stages. Keep your cat from catching and eating birds and rodents. Keep the area where your cat sleeps clean. You may want to start checking your cat's fecal matter twice a year to be sure that your cat remains worm-free. Take the stool sample to your veterinarian to get it tested.