Worms in Domestic Cats

Up to 40 percent of cats get intestinal parasites, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, and many of these come in the form of worms. Most worms are easily treated if caught early.

  1. Types

    • Worms affecting the gastrointestinal tract of cats include roundworms, tapeworms, whipworms and stomach worms. Cats are also susceptible to heartworms, which infect the heart muscle.

    Diagnosis

    • Intestinal and stomach worms are often diagnosed when the cat owner spots live worms, worm segments or egg casings, which often resemble grains of rice, in the cat's feces or on its fur. Some internal worms do not cause outward symptoms until the cat starts suffering from malnutrition or dehydration.

    Treatment

    • Vets can prescribe specific medications targeted toward the individual type of worm. Each species of worm requires a separate medication to kill it.

    Prevention

    • Most worms are spread by fleas, when the cat eats a rodent or through the cat coming into contact with the waste of other animals. Keeping cats indoors and practicing preventive flea control are good ways to help them avoid contracting worms.

    Warning

    • While most worms in cats will only cause mild symptoms, if the cat is left untreated, the worms could develop into a serious illness and even cause death. Some worms, including roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms, can be transmitted to humans. Proper hygiene can usually prevent cat-to-human transmission.