Wolf worms (or screw worms) infect all kinds of animals, including pet cats. Of the genus Cuterebra, wolf worms are the parasitic larvae of the Cuterebra fly. The wolf worm enters the cat's body through the pet's mouth, nose or a wound in the skin. It then migrates through the pet's body and comes to rest at a location under the skin. When it nears maturity, the wolf worm may be up to an inch long and is easily visible with the naked eye.
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Infection
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A female Cuterebra fly lays her eggs near the nest of rodents. The larva, or maggot, senses body heat and hatches when a mammal---such as your pet---is nearby. The larva is light tan and has a brown spot at one end. It forms a hole in the cat's skin through which it breathes. In rare instances, the worm will migrate to the cat's brain, creating a fatal infection.
Symptoms
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You will see the cyst, formed by the wolf worm creating its breathing hole. Most often the cyst is visible on the cat's head or neck. Your cat may aggressively groom the area where the worm is located. The veterinarian will diagnose a wolf worm infection based upon the appearance of the lesion.
Professional Care
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It is best to take your pet to a veterinarian to have the wolf worm removed. If you attempt to remove it at home and the worm's body bursts, it can cause a severe allergic reaction in some cats. There may also be additional wolf worms in the cat's body that you do not see. A veterinarian will be able to inspect the cat for additional infection.
Treatment
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It is important that the larva be removed in one piece. Most often, the veterinarian will use surgical scissors or a scalpel to enlarge the worm's breathing hole. This makes it easier for the worm to be removed in one piece. The veterinarian will likely use a local anesthesia or may give your cat a general anesthesia before performing the procedure. Once the breathing hole is enlarged, the veterinarian will remove the worm using a hemostat. The area will then be flushed and disinfected. The cat may also be sent home with antibiotics to ensure that a secondary infection doesn't occur.
Prevention
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The only way to prevent a wolf worm infection in your cat is to keep her indoors, or to allow her outside only under close supervision. If you do allow your cat outdoors, you should inspect her skin often for possible wolf worm infections. Your pet is most likely to be infected with a wolf worm in the summer and fall.
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