Treating Worms in Cats: Medications and Home Remedies
Jan 08,2025 | puaintapets
Worm infestations are a common health problem for cats, and treating them promptly is essential to ensure your pet’s well-being. Whether your cat has been diagnosed with roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, or other types of worms, there are effective treatments available. In this guide, we’ll cover the types of worms that affect cats, how to spot the symptoms, and how to treat and prevent worm infestations.
How To Know If Your Cat Is Infected With Worms?
To determine if your cat is infected with worms, you can look for the following common symptoms.
Vomiting and dry heaving: worm infection can affect the cat's intestines and bowels, causing frequent dry heaving and vomiting.
Drowsiness: If the cat suddenly develops the symptom of frequent lethargy, it may be due to the absorption of nutrients in the body by the parasites, resulting in a weakened body.
Weight loss: the nutrients eaten by the cat are absorbed by the parasites, resulting in weight loss, and the cat will not gain weight even if the amount of food is increased.
Rough hair: Parasite infection will cause the cat's hair to be dry and lusterless because the nutrition is robbed by the parasites.
Rubbing buttocks: Cats infected with tapeworms may rub their buttocks frequently because of itching discomfort around the anus.
Worms in the feces: when cleaning the cat's feces and finding parasitic worms in it, it means the cat is infected with parasites.
Shortness of breath and coughing: Cats that do not exercise too much but show symptoms such as shortness of breath and coughing may be infected with heartworm and toxoplasma gondii.
Loss of appetite: Parasites multiply in the digestive system, robbing nutrients and leading to loss of appetite in cats.
Swollen abdomen: Parasites multiply in the intestines and cause gas to build up in the intestines, causing the abdomen to bulge.
Anemia: Some parasites may cause anemia in cats, which manifests as pale gums.
If your cat shows any of these symptoms, it is recommended to take it to the veterinarian for examination and treatment. Meanwhile, regular internal and external deworming of cats is an important measure to prevent parasitic infections.
Types of Worms in Cats
Worms are intestinal parasites that can affect cats of all ages, although kittens and outdoor cats are particularly at risk. The four main types of worms that typically infect cats are:
Roundworms
Roundworms are the most common type of worm found in cats, especially kittens. These worms are long, white, and cylindrical and can grow several inches long. They are usually contracted from the environment, where they may be found in contaminated feces.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a pot-bellied appearance in kittens.
Treatment: Oral dewormers, such as pyrantel pamoate or fenbendazole, are effective in eliminating roundworms.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that are typically visible in your cat’s feces or around the anus. They are transmitted through the ingestion of fleas or infected rodents.
Symptoms: Scooting, visible segments of worms around the anus, weight loss, and an itchy bottom.
Treatment: Praziquantel or epsiprantel are prescription medications commonly used to treat tapeworms.
Hookworms
Hookworms are smaller but dangerous worms that attach to the intestines and suck blood. Cats can become infected with hookworms by ingesting contaminated soil, prey, or by direct contact with infected feces.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, anemia, and lethargy.
Treatment: Hookworm infections are usually treated with a deworming medication such as milbemycin or ivermectin.
Whipworms
Whipworms are relatively less common in cats but can still cause severe infections. They attach to the intestinal lining and can cause significant damage.
Symptoms: Chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration.
Treatment: Fenbendazole or milbemycin are commonly used to treat whipworm infestations in cats.
Diagnosing Worm Infections in Cats
To properly diagnose worms, your veterinarian will conduct several tests:
Fecal Examination
A fecal sample is usually examined under a microscope to identify worm eggs or larvae, particularly for roundworms and hookworms.
Blood Tests
Blood tests can detect signs of anemia, which may be caused by hookworms or other blood-sucking parasites.
Physical Examination
Your vet will perform a thorough physical exam, checking for signs of illness, weight loss, or visible worms around your cat’s bottom.
How to Treat Worm Infection in Cats?
When a cat is infected with worms, treatment usually includes the use of deworming medication and improved sanitation. Here are some common treatment measures.
1. Use of deworming drugs
- Common deworming drugs
Such as fenbendazole, praziquantel, etc. These drugs can kill or inhibit the growth of worms.
- Drug selection
The specific drug to be used needs to be determined according to the type of worms the cat is infected with, so it is best to take the cat to the veterinarian for an examination before treatment to determine the exact type of parasite.
- Precautions on the use of medication
The use of deworming drugs should follow the doctor's instructions and be carried out according to the correct dosage and frequency to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
2. Home Remedies
- Clean the litter box
Regularly clean the litter box to minimize the risk of re-infection in cats.
- Disinfect
Clean and disinfect the environment where the cat lives, especially the places that the cat often touches, such as the litter box and toys.
- Flea Control
Since tapeworms can be transmitted through fleas, it is essential to control fleas in your cat's environment. Use flea preventatives such as topical treatments, collars, or oral medications for your cat. Also, vacuum your home frequently, especially areas where your cat likes to rest, to pick up fleas and their eggs.
- Outdoor Areas
If your cat has access to the outdoors, keep the yard clean. Remove feces promptly and avoid areas that are likely to be contaminated with worm eggs, such as areas where other animals defecate.
- Avoid raw food
Avoid allowing your cat to eat food that may contain parasites, such as raw meat or undercooked food.
- Prevent flea infection
Fleas are a common vector of tapeworm, so controlling flea infection is also an important measure to prevent tapeworm infection.
If you suspect that your cat is infected with worms, it is recommended that you take it to the veterinarian for examination and treatment as soon as possible to prevent the condition from worsening. Meanwhile, regular preventive deworming is also an important measure to keep your cat healthy.
3.Dietary Considerations
A healthy diet can also play a role in helping a cat recover from a worm infestation and prevent future infections.
- High - Quality Cat Food
Feed your cat a high - quality, balanced diet that meets its nutritional needs. A diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help boost the cat's immune system, making it more resistant to worm infections.
- Probiotics
Probiotics can be beneficial for a cat's digestive health. They can help maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which may be disrupted during a worm infestation. Probiotics can be added to the cat's food in the form of supplements or certain types of cat food that already contain them.
Preventing Worm Infestations in Cats
Preventing worms in cats is easier than treating them. Here are some preventative measures:
Regular Deworming Schedule
Kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old. Adult cats should be dewormed at least once every 3-6 months, depending on their lifestyle.
Flea Control
Since fleas are a common vector for tapeworms, using a flea prevention product regularly is essential.
Maintaining a Clean Environment
Keep your cat’s environment clean, and remove feces regularly to prevent contamination.
When to See a Veterinarian
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if your cat is showing signs of illness, it's important to consult your veterinarian immediately. Early intervention will help prevent the condition from worsening and ensure that your cat receives the appropriate treatment.
FAQs
Can I deworm my cat myself?
Conclusion
Worms in cats are a serious but treatable condition. By understanding the types of worms that affect cats, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking timely veterinary care, you can help your feline friend recover and prevent future infections. Regular deworming and flea control are essential for maintaining your cat’s health.
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