The Ways Cats Get Worms: A Comprehensive Guide
Dec 06,2024 | puaintapets
Cats are wonderful companions, but they are vulnerable to worm infestations which can have a negative impact on their health. "The Ways Cats Get Worms: A Comprehensive Guide" is an exploration into the various channels through which these pesky parasites find their way into our feline friends. There are multiple ways in which cats can become hosts to worms. Some of these are related to their natural behaviors, such as hunting and grooming. Others are associated with their living environment, like the presence of fleas or poor hygiene. By delving into these aspects, cat owners can be better equipped to protect their pets from the discomfort and potential health risks that worm infestations bring.
Types of Worms That Infect Cats
Roundworms: The most common intestinal parasite in cats, often transmitted through contaminated soil or mother’s milk.
Tapeworms: Acquired by ingesting fleas or eating infected prey.
Hookworms: These blood-sucking parasites can penetrate the skin or be ingested.
Heartworms: Transmitted through mosquito bites, heartworms affect the heart and lungs, posing a serious threat to a cat’s health.
1. Coughing
Heartworms parasitize the blood vessels in your cat's heart and lungs and can irritate the respiratory tract, causing a cough. This cough may be intermittent, start out mild and get progressively worse as the condition progresses.
2. Difficulty in breathing
When large numbers of heartworms collect in the blood vessels of the heart and lungs, they can affect the functioning of the heart and lungs, causing your cat to have difficulty breathing. Cats may breathe with their mouths open and their respiratory rate accelerated, and they may experience significant shortness of breath after exercise or while resting.
3. Tiredness and weakness
Due to compromised heart and lung function and insufficient oxygen supply, cats may show lethargy and reluctance to move. Originally active cats may become lazy all day long, and even simple jumping movements may seem to be a struggle.
How Do Cats Get Infected With Worms?
Mode of transmission of worm infection
1. Ingestion of infective worm eggs or larvae
Cats may accidentally ingest food or water containing worm eggs or larvae while eating or drinking. For example, a cat may walk through an area with worm eggs or feces of a sick cat and ingest worm eggs or fecal pellets while cleaning its fur and feet.
2. Contact infection
Cats may become infected with worms through direct contact. For example, if cats come into contact with each other, especially in multi-cat households, if one cat is infected with worms, other cats may also be infected with worms through contact with infected cats or by sharing contaminated environments (e.g., litter boxes).
3. Intermediate host transmission
Some worms require intermediate hosts to complete their life cycle. For example, cats may become infected with worms by feeding on rodents infected with worm larvae. When a cat eats prey infected with worm larvae, the cat may become infected with the worms as the larvae mature in the cat's intestines.
4. Mosquito bites
Mosquitoes can transmit certain types of worms, such as heartworm. Cats may become infected with heartworm after being bitten by mosquitoes.
5. Hereditary infection
Certain worms can be transmitted from mother to kitten. For example, the larvae of roundworms and hookworms can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta or infected through the milk when the kitten is fed.
6. Environmental infection
Cats may become infected with worms in unclean environments. If the cat's living environment is not kept clean, it can be a breeding ground for worms. Dirty litter boxes, unwashed food and water bowls, and soiled bedding can all contribute to the presence of worm eggs and larvae. For example, if a cat's water bowl is contaminated with roundworm eggs, the cat may ingest them while drinking.
For example, cats like to burrow in small, warm places, and if parasite eggs are present in these places, the cat may become infected with parasites.
How to Treat Cat Worms?
I. Internal deworming
- Choosing the right medication
There are various brands of internal deworming drugs on the market. Choose the suitable product according to your cat's age, weight and health condition to ensure that the medication can effectively deal with tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms and other common internal parasites.
- How to use the medication
Usually oral, given according to the instructions on the package or the dosage recommended by the veterinarian. For cats that do not cooperate with the medication, you can try mixing it into food or using a special feeder.
- Deworming Frequency
It is generally recommended that adult cats be internally dewormed every 3 months. Kittens or high-risk cats (e.g., frequently outside, with predatory habits) may need to be dewormed monthly or more frequently.
II. External deworming
- Selection of products
In vitro deworming commonly used drops. There are also products in the form of collars, but their deworming scope is limited. Make sure the product you choose can target fleas, ticks, mites and other external parasites.
- Method of use
Drops are usually applied to the skin on the back of the neck, where cats are less likely to lick them. Follow the product instructions, determine the dosage according to body weight, and do not allow the medication to come into contact with your cat's eyes or mouth.
- Deworming frequency
External deworming is generally recommended once a month, especially during the warm and humid seasons when the parasites are more active.
III. Other Precautions
- In the first deworming, adoption of stray cats or suspected infection, several consecutive dewormings may be required to completely remove the parasites.
- It is best to ensure that the cat is in good health before deworming, and if there is any disease, it should be dewormed under the guidance of a veterinarian.
- Avoid bathing the cat within 24 hours before and after deworming to avoid affecting the absorption or effect of the medication.
- Regularly clean the cat's living environment, especially the cat's nest, cat litter box, and frequent activity areas, etc. Maintaining environmental hygiene can reduce the breeding of parasites.
- For young cats with low resistance, old cats or sick cats, extra care should be taken when deworming, and if necessary, be guided by a professional veterinarian.
- Record the time and drugs used for each deworming to facilitate tracking and maintenance of the deworming program and timely updating of relevant records such as vaccine book.
When choosing deworming drugs, you can refer to the experience and recommendations of other cat owners, but the final decision should be based on the specific situation of the cat and the veterinarian's advice. At the same time, pay attention to the instructions and dosage of the medication to avoid overdose leading to adverse reactions.
How to Prevent Cat Worms?
1. Regular deworming
Regular internal and external deworming of cats is the key to preventing worm infections. It is recommended to deworm your cat internally every 3-4 months, especially if they have access to outdoor play. External deworming can prevent parasitic bites such as fleas and ticks, and is recommended once a month.
2. Healthy diet
Provide cats with nutritionally balanced and fresh food and avoid feeding raw meat or uncooked food. In addition, make sure the water source is sufficient and clean, and avoid cats drinking unhygienic water.
3. Vaccination
Vaccination can enhance the cat's immunity and reduce the risk of contracting parasites. According to the recommendation of the veterinarian, vaccinate the cat with appropriate vaccines and follow the vaccination schedule.
4. Observe the health condition of the cat
Closely observe the health condition of the cat. If the cat is found to have symptoms of parasitic infection, such as diarrhea, vomiting, emaciation, hair loss, etc., take the cat to the veterinarian promptly.
Related: Home Treatment for Cat Hair Loss
5. Pay attention to hygiene
Keep the cat's living environment clean and disinfected, and regularly wash the cat's toys, eating utensils and litter box. Cleaning the litter box every day, as well as changing the litter and scrubbing the litter box on a regular basis are essential to minimize the chances of your cat coming into contact with contaminated faeces.
6. Avoid contact with the source of infection
Limit the cat's outdoor activities and avoid contact with stray animals and environments that may carry parasites. If the cat has a hunting habit, try to prevent it from hunting prey that may carry parasites.
The above preventive measures can effectively reduce the risk of cats being infected with worms and protect the health of cats.
Can Indoor Cats Get Worms?
- Risks Even for Indoor Cats
Although the risk is lower, indoor cats can still get worms from fleas, contaminated food, or exposure to other infected animals.
- Ways to Minimize Exposure
Keep indoor spaces clean, use flea preventatives, and ensure your cat doesn’t have access to raw or unclean food.
How to Protect Kittens From Worms?
Early Deworming Protocols
Kittens should be dewormed every 2-3 weeks starting at 2 weeks of age, continuing until 8-12 weeks, and then regularly as advised by a vet.
Special Care for Pregnant and Nursing Cats
Pregnant cats should be treated for worms to prevent transmission to their kittens through milk or in utero.
FAQs
Conclusion
In conclusion, cats can get worms through various means, including hunting, contact with feces, flea infestation, and poor environmental hygiene. Cat owners should be vigilant and take preventive measures such as regular deworming, keeping the environment clean, and controlling fleas to ensure the health and well - being of their cats.
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