How To Treat A Cat With Worms

Introduction

Are there worms in your cat’s poop? Generally, a cat with worms will show no signs of the problem. But if you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to get your pet to the vet right away:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Lack of appetite
Weight loss
Dull coat and skin problems

There are several different types of worms that can infect cats, and they can be treated with medication. Here are some common types and what you should know about them:

Roundworms

Roundworms are the most common type of worm that cats can get. They’re parasites, which means they feed off another animal’s body, and they can live in the cat’s intestine. Roundworms lay hundreds or even thousands of eggs. The eggs leave the cat through its droppings, so if you have a cat who goes outside and you don’t check your yard often enough, chances are good that you’ll find some of those eggs there before long.

You can treat roundworms in two ways: using an oral medication called “Panacur” or with a dewormer like Feline Panleukopenia vaccine (FPV) or Drontal Plus dewormer tablets. You’ll need to give both types of treatments—the first one kills just adult worms; the second helps prevent new infections from developing in your cat’s intestines by killing any larvae and eggs still inside him or her

Tapeworm

If you see a worm coming out of your cat’s anus, it is most likely a tapeworm. Tapeworms are the longest worms in the cat’s body and they can grow up to 20 feet long. They are not dangerous, but they can be annoying because they cause their host to itch and scratch themselves.

You will want to get rid of them as soon as possible with medication that is available online or at your local pet store.

Hookworms

Hookworms are the most common type of intestinal parasite found in cats.
They tend to be more prevalent in areas where there is poor sanitation or less access to clean water, or when there’s a lot of outdoor activity.
Hookworms can be treated with medication, which should be prescribed by your veterinarian.
Hookworms can also infect humans, so it’s important that you’re careful not to contract them yourself while treating your cat’s worm infestation.

Heartworms

Heartworms are a type of parasite that can cause serious heart disease in cats. Heartworm is spread by mosquito bites, and it’s also known as “feline heartworm disease.”

Heartworm infection is a serious condition for your cat that can be fatal if left untreated. Symptoms include weight loss, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. If your cat shows any signs of heartworm disease (or if you think he might have it), go to the vet immediately!

Preventative medication like Interceptor or Revolution will keep your cat from getting infected with heartworms.

Lungworm

Lungworm is a parasite that can infect cats and dogs. It’s contracted by eating infected slugs, snails and freshwater shrimp.

The lungworm larvae then migrate through the body to reach the lungs. If this occurs in adult animals, it can cause serious illness including pneumonia (an infection of the lungs).

The only way to treat lungworm is with medication prescribed by your vet – usually worming tablets that are administered orally.

GET IT CHECKED OUT BY A VET

You can’t properly diagnose and treat a cat with worms unless you know what kind of worms it has. The best way to get that information is by taking your cat to the veterinarian, who can perform diagnostic tests like stool samples and bloodwork. If your vet finds signs of intestinal parasites in their test results or physical examination, they will prescribe medication or other treatment options.

If your cat needs worming, take it back to the vet for confirmation that he’s been infected with the right type of worm—and then give him his dose of dewormer based on instructions from your vet.

Conclusion

Cats with worms can be difficult to spot. The symptoms may be mild, but they are still important to pay attention to. If you’ve noticed something unusual about your cat’s behavior or appearance, get it checked out by a vet.