Worm infestations cause only mild health problems for some cats, but kittens or cats in poor health may suffer severe anemia or dehydration (from diarrhea) if infested with worms. Although worms may not directly cause major illness in healthy adult cats, parasites weaken them and leave all cats more susceptible to other illnesses. For these reasons, it is important that cat owners know signs of worm infestation and get prompt treatment for any cat or kitten that has worms.
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Types
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Roundworm and tapeworm are the most common cat worms. Cats also get whipworms, threadworms and hookworms, but these parasites are more common in dogs.
Identification
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A cat with worms may or may not show symptoms. In bad roundworm infections, cats sometimes throw up live worms. You will notice these right away if you investigate the vomit, because these thin, pale worms move.
If your cat has tapeworm, you will see yellow, off-white or white sections around the rectum or in the feces.
If the cat has hookworm, threadworm, or whipworm infestation, you will not notice any worms. However, in any worm infestation the cat may eventually show signs of illness, such as pale gums, poor coat, and vomiting or diarrhea.
Effects
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Worms may cause anemia, diarrhea, vomiting, and a general decline in a cat's health. Bad worm infestations in kittens or ill adult cats, especially roundworm or tapeworm, can kill them.
Time Frame
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For bad infestations, you will need to repeat roundworm treatment after two weeks. This is because most roundworm medicines only kill roundworm in the intestines. Any dormant stage of roundworm larvae, in other areas of the body, will not be affected.
Because worming medicines contain, essentially, toxins, you should not worm a cat more than once a year, unless a veterinarian recommends otherwise.
Prevention/Solution
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If you suspect your cat may have worms, consult with your veterinarian. She may ask you to bring in a stool sample from your cat and will test the stool for worms. If the vet discovers any, he will prescribe the appropriate medication. You can treat tapeworm or roundworm with over-the-counter wormers; however, these medicines only kill one type of worm---tapeworm or roundworm. If your cat has more than one kind of worm, you will usually need a prescription medicine such as Drontal. Drontal kills tapeworm, roundworm, and hookworm.
Cats get roundworm from ingesting eggs in infested soil or feces. Roundworm is transmitted to kittens in these ways, plus directly through nursing or while kittens are still in the womb. Keep your cat inside, if possible, and her area clean to prevent future roundworm infestations, and treat your cat for fleas in order to prevent tapeworm, which is transmitted through fleabites.
Warning
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Since tapeworm and roundworm can be fatal for kittens and ailing cats, early detection and treatment is very important. If the cat or kitten is ill, do not treat her with an over-the-counter wormer. Take her to a veterinarian for a diagnosis and for the safest worming treatment.
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