Cats face the risk of a worm infestation, and every worm infestation poses a health risk. Up to 45 percent of cats suffer from intestinal worms. Fortunately, treating worms in your cat is easier and more affordable than ever.
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Types
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In cats, heartworms affect lungs, pulmonary arteries and the heart. Intestinal worms include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms. Stomach worms, although rare in cats in the United States, include Physaloptera and Ollanulus tricuspis.
Symptoms
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Heartworms cause respiratory symptoms such as coughing and, less often, vomiting. Intestinal and stomach worms cause coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, poor coat condition and loss of appetite.
Identification
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Cats sometimes vomit roundworms resembling spaghetti. Their feces might contain rice-like tapeworm segments, thread-thin hookworms, stomach worm larvae or microscopic whipworm eggs. Antigen and antibody tests can identify heartworms.
Treatment
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Prednisone controls heartworm symptoms. Species-related intestinal and stomach worm treatments include selamectin, praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate and imidacloprid. Your vet will prescribe the correct one.
Considerations
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Parasite reinfection is a serious risk unless you follow strict sanitation practices. Dispose of feces every day and disinfect all your litter boxes every week. Use a monthly flea and tick repellent to keep parasite-transmitting insects at bay.
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