What Can Pet Owners Do if They Notice Symptoms of Worms in a Cat?

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms and tapeworms are all parasites that can infest your cat's intestinal tract. According to an article published by vetinfo.com, some types of worms, such as the tapeworm, can cause extreme debilitation in cats if left untreated. If a pet owner notices symptoms of parasitic worms in their cat they should take immediate action. A worm infestation can not only mean live worms in your carpet or cat's bedding, but it could threaten your cat's life.

  1. Symptoms of Parasitic Intestinal Worms

    • Diarrhea, vomiting worms or worm pieces or eliminating worms in the feces are signs that your cat may have a serious worm infestation. If you have noticed these symptoms in your cat, call your veterinarian immediately.

      If you suspect your cat has worms, clean feces from the yard and dispose of all feces and litter from the litter box. Keep the litter box meticulously clean until the infestation has been resolved.

      Wash or dispose of all cat bedding and do not let your cat sleep with you or your children. Some types of parasitic worms, such as roundworms, can be transmitted from animals to people.

      If you have multiple cats do not allow them to use the same litter box or share bedding until the worms have been treated.

      Watch other household pets carefully to see if they also display symptoms of worms.

    Home Remedies for Parasitic Intestinal Worms

    • If you can not get your cat to the veterinarian right away, you may want to try a natural wormer. Raw garlic and pumpkin seeds are considered to be natural wormers. You can give both of these items to your cat in small amounts without side-effect concerns.

      Natural worming compounds can be found and most health food stores. These compounds contain ingredients such as pumpkin seeds, mint leaf, clove, betel nut, garlic and wormwood.

      It is important to remember that, just as with humans, plant extracts are drugs that can cause unwanted side effects. While natural wormers can be effective, they tend to work more slowly than the pharmaceutical compounds your veterinarian might prescribe. If your cat has a life-threatening infestation, your veterinarian may discourage the use of a natural wormer over pharmaceuticals due to their slower results.