You may notice roundworm infestations more quickly than other parasites in your cat. When these worms are passed, whether in your cat's stool or in her vomit, they are usually large enough to see--and they move. Not only are these parasites unpleasant to look at, they can take a large toll on the health of a cat or kitten.
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Features
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According to marvistavet.com, Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina are the scientific names of the roundworms that may infect your cat. These are long, thin worms that are sometimes passed in the cat's stool (she may also vomit them). Roundworms go through several development stages in the cat's body. When you see them in the stool you are seeing the worms in one stage--there may be roundworms still in larval form within the cat's body.
Causes
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Cats get infected through ingesting roundworm eggs--this occurs if they accidentally eat anything (soil, food, household dirt) contaminated with these eggs or prey that is infected. Kittens most commonly acquire the worms from nursing on an infected mother or before they are even born, while they are still in her uterus.
Symptoms
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Aside from visible worms in the cat's litter box, cats or kittens that have a poor coat, a pot belly and digestive problems--or even lung problems--may be infested with this parasite.
Treatment
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Several over the counter and prescription medications will treat roundworm in a cat. Active ingredients include pyrantel pamoate and piperazine. Types of medicine suitable for your cat depends on her age, general health and whether she has other parasites. For all cases of worms, it's best to take the cat to a veterinarian for tests. The veterinarian can, in many cases, determine which parasites your cat has and which medicine will be best. Most medicines will only affect the worms that are in the digestive trace. Worms at other stages won't be affected and, therefore, your cat will probably have to be wormed more than once.
Warning
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Roundworms can really tax a cat's or kitten's system. They may become seriously ill if it is left untreated. Dehydration from diarrhea, pneumonia from worms in the lungs and other problems are not rare.
According to the CDC, roundworm can infect humans and cause (sometimes) serious problems. Avoid the toxocariasis infection by worming cats (and dogs) and wearing gloves or washing your hands after handling cat or dog waste. Make sure children do the same. In addition, clean all areas of the home that may have been contaminated with infested dog or cat feces.
Considerations
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After you've rid your cat of these worms, you can prevent another infestation by keeping her indoors and thoroughly cleaning bedding, carpeting and any other areas where eggs may remain.
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