Cats can get a variety of intestinal
parasites, including some that are commonly referred to as “worms.”
Infestations of intestinal worms can cause a variety of symptoms. Sometimes
cats demonstrate few to no outward signs of infection, and the infestation can
go undetected despite being a potentially serious health problem. Some feline
parasitic worms are hazards for humane health as well.
What Are the Most Common Types of Worms
in Cats?
· Roundworms
are the most common internal parasites in cats. Resembling spaghetti, adult worms are three to four inches long. There are several ways cats can become infected. Nursing kittens can get roundworms from an infected mother’s milk, while adult cats can acquire them by ingesting an infected rodent or the feces of an infected cat.
are the most common internal parasites in cats. Resembling spaghetti, adult worms are three to four inches long. There are several ways cats can become infected. Nursing kittens can get roundworms from an infected mother’s milk, while adult cats can acquire them by ingesting an infected rodent or the feces of an infected cat.
· Hookworms
are much smaller than roundworms-less than an inch long-and reside primarily in the small intestine. Because they feed on an animal’s blood, hookworms can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in kittens. Hookworm eggs are passed in the stool and hatch into larvae, and a cat can become infected either through ingestion or skin contact. Please note, hookworms are more common in dogs than in cats.
are much smaller than roundworms-less than an inch long-and reside primarily in the small intestine. Because they feed on an animal’s blood, hookworms can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in kittens. Hookworm eggs are passed in the stool and hatch into larvae, and a cat can become infected either through ingestion or skin contact. Please note, hookworms are more common in dogs than in cats.
· Long and flat, tapeworms
are segmented parasites and range from 4 to 28 inches in length. An infestation can cause vomiting or weight loss. Cats acquire tapeworms by ingesting an intermediate host, like an infected flea or rodent. When cats are infected, tapeworm segments-actual pieces of the worm that resemble grains of rice-can often be seen on the fur around a cat’s hind end.
are segmented parasites and range from 4 to 28 inches in length. An infestation can cause vomiting or weight loss. Cats acquire tapeworms by ingesting an intermediate host, like an infected flea or rodent. When cats are infected, tapeworm segments-actual pieces of the worm that resemble grains of rice-can often be seen on the fur around a cat’s hind end.
Unlike intestinal parasites, lungworms reside in
the lungs of a cat. Most cats will not show any signs of having lungworms, but
some can develop a cough. Snails and slugs are popular intermediate hosts of
this type of parasite, but cats are usually infected after eating a bird or rodent
who has ingested an intermediate host.
How Do Cats Get Worms?
Though means of transmission can vary, one of the main ways that
cats get worms is through the ingestion of the feces of infected felines.
Mother cats can also pass on worms to their kittens.
What Are the General Symptoms of
Worms?
Symptoms differ depending on the type of parasite and the location
of infection, but some common clinical signs include:
· Diarrhea
· Worms visible in stool or segments of
worm seen near anus
· Bloody stool
· Bloating or round, potbellied
appearance to abdomen
· Weight loss
· Vomiting
· Constipation
· Coughing
· Trouble breathing
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