Grubs in Kittens

Kittens that play or live outside are at risk of picking up a range of parasites. Grubs on kittens are cuterebra larva, 3/4-inch-long parasites active in the late summer months. Adult flies resemble bees and lay eggs where host animals are likely to pass closely by. These grubs look like worms and make small holes, most commonly in the chest or neck areas.

  1. How Kittens Get Grubs

    • Kittens get grubs from the places the female fly lays eggs. These clever flies choose egg locations like openings to squirrel and bird nests, burrows and garden or field paths frequently used by animals. Eggs hatch, attach themselves to a passing kitten and reach the skin. Grubs then burrow into the skin. Some even gain access to the nose or mouth tissues during later grooming sessions. After approximately a month, the grub, or larvae has completed feeding and comes out of the hole, dropping onto the ground.

    Home Treatment for Grubs

    • Grubs cause swollen lumps with a tiny hole in the middle in the kitten's skin. Look carefully into this opening, and the wormlike grub's movements are visible. If the worm is intact, it may be squeezed gently out. After the grub is gone, squirt peroxide into the hole once and follow up by cleaning the hole with warm water, three times a day. Apply triple antibiotic ointment inside and around the wound. Feed the kitten well; try warm chicken broth for animals without appetites.

    Vet Treatment for Grubs

    • Signs your kitten need a vet rather than a home grub removal include obvious illness or a dead grub. Ruptured grubs are a job for your vet, because the toxins grubs contain spread diseases. Kittens with little appetite, sore lumps and unkempt fur can be tested for grubs at your local vet office. A vet can confirm there's a grub problem, even if it's not visible, after examining and testing the kitten's stool sample. To give kittens prescribed grub medicines, secure your pet's body safely inside a thick towel or blanket. Next, open the mouth, pop in the pill and use a blunt object, such as a pencil with an eraser, to gently touch the back of the throat. Quickly pull the pencil out and tap the kitten on the nose. When the kitten licks its nose, it will swallow the pill.

    Prevention

    • Keeping kittens inside the house is the most effective way to minimize the chance they'll suffer from grubs. Outside cats get more exercise and have less risk of obesity. Encourage inside-dwelling kittens to play by adopting another as a companion, hanging toys within reach and making scratching posts available. Yearly veterinarian examinations and up-to-date vaccines, monthly heartworm prevention medications and a balanced, nutritious diet make up a good health regime for all kittens. Regular baths with kitten shampoos and vet-recommended tick and flea collars between March and December are also helpful in controlling parasites. Keep water and food bowls very clean, make sure kittens cannot catch and eat birds, mice or rabbits, and change bedding frequently.