Can You Catch Worms From a Cat?

Cats are fun and loving animals to have as pets. There are some very minor risks to being a pet owner, but these risks can be eliminated by keeping the cat, the environment and the family clean.

  1. Answer

    • Yes, humans can catch worms from cats. There are three types of worms that humans can catch from cats, and three ways of catching them.

    Roundworms

    • Roundworms can be caught by humans when they are exposed to the larvae found in the cat's feces. This can occur by not washing hands after cleaning the litter box. Loss of appetite, abdominal pain, asthma symptoms and eye pain are among the symptoms.

    Hookworms

    • If a pet owner comes in contact with hookworm larvae, it will penetrate the skin and move several inches under the skin and cause inflammation. It is rarely serious, but can cause cardiac arrest. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, abdominal pain and dry skin and hair.

    Tapeworms

    • According to feline behavior consultant Jessica Bilenski, "You can catch Tapeworm from ingesting fleas. Not very common to contract tapeworm, but if you do, it will work its way through your excretory system and be eliminated. Signs of tapeworm include a "potbelly" caused by building fluids in the abdomen.

    Prevention

    • Hand washing after cleaning the litter box is the best way to prevent the contraction of worms. Make sure to keep the litter box clean, and practice flea control on your pet.