Roundworm Remedies for Cats

Roundworms are among the most common forms of parasitic infection found in cats and kittens. They can be ingested directly from where they live or through small mice and other animals that carry larvae. Kittens may contract infection through mother's milk as well. Adult roundworms end up in the intestines and, if left untreated, can ultimately prove lethal. Because symptoms often do not show, regular veterinary testing is highly recommended. Early diagnosis of roundworms can be treated effectively at home through a number of remedies.

  1. Diagnosis

    • Treating a roundworm infection in your cat must begin with a proper diagnosis. Roundworms are long and white and often described as looking like spaghetti. Weight loss, dull hair and a pot-bellied appearance are common signs of infection. One of the most sure signs is if your cat vomits a roundworm. Fecal testing by a veterinarian is another way to diagnose roundworm infection. Fecal testing detects worm eggs and is considered a reliable diagnosis tool.

      It is important to note that most cats contract roundworms at some point in their lives, yet often show no symptoms. Regular veterinary examination can help unearth such hidden infections.

    Deworming

    • Once you have diagnosed roundworms in your cat, a variety of deworming products is available to tackle infection. Over-the-counter and prescription products offer monthly deworming, widely considered the most effective tool in combating roundworm infection. Popular products include HeartgardPlus, Drontal and Strongid. Some heartworm medications additionally control roundworms.

      Deworming works by anesthetizing the worm so that it releases the host intestine and passes through the cat's stool. Once passed, the worm cannot survive, although it might still be alive and moving for a short time.

      While deworming products are effective at combating adult roundworms, they are rendered useless against larvae in migration. Worm larvae that are migrating through the cat's digestive tract will replace the adult worms that were flushed from the intestine. Follow-up dewormings are encouraged to treat subsequent waves of roundworm infection. Veterinarians generally recommend waiting a few weeks before administering a second deworming treatment to your cat.

      For kittens, deworming treatment is recommended starting at 2 weeks of age until 9 weeks, followed by monthly treatments. Fecal tests should be administered between two and four times during your cat's first year of life, while one to two tests are generally recommended for adult cats.

    Prevention

    • While roundworm medications are effective, prevention is the surest weapon against infection. Keeping your cat's living area clean and regularly cleaning out the litter box is highly recommended. Preventing your cat from ingesting wild animals that carry roundworms is another frequent suggestion. Preventing infection in outdoor cats is obviously more challenging, as they have easy access to rodents and other prey that might be carriers. Prevention among indoor cats is much easier.