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What Leads to Worm Infestation in Felines

What Leads to Worm Infestation in Felines

Jan 08,2025 | puaintapets

Worms in cats are common, but understanding what causes these parasitic infections can help you take steps to prevent them. Cats can get worms from various sources, and certain behaviors or environmental factors can increase their risk. In this article, we'll explore what causes worms in cats, how they get infected, the types of worms commonly seen in cats, and the best ways to protect your feline friend.

worms in cats

What are the Symptoms of Worm Infection in Cats?

Cats infected with worms may experience the following symptoms.

  • Digestive problems

A worm infection may cause your cat to experience digestive discomfort such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or loss of appetite. This is because the worms are parasitized in the intestines and interfere with normal digestive function. 

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  • Weight loss

If the cat is infected with worms, the worms will consume the nutrients in the cat's body, resulting in weight loss and difficulty in gaining weight even with normal food intake. 

  • Hair Problems

Worm infections may cause the cat's coat to become rough and lack luster, or even shedding. This is because the worms affect the cat's nutrient absorption, which in turn affects the health of the coat. 

  • Swelling of the abdomen

Certain types of worms, such as roundworms, may proliferate in your cat's intestines, leading to a swollen abdomen. 

  • Anemia

Some worms, such as hookworms, can feed on your cat's blood, leading to anemia. Anemic cats may exhibit pale gums, eyelids, and other mucosal tissues, as well as weakness and lethargy. 

Also Read: How to Treat Anemia in Cats Naturally

  • Behavioral changes

Cats infected with worms may exhibit behavioral changes such as irritability and excessive licking or gnawing on specific parts of the body. This may be because the discomfort caused by the worms causes the cat to try to find relief through these behaviors. 

Certain worms, such as lungworms, may infect your cat's respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing. 

If your cat is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you take it to your veterinarian for prompt examination and treatment. Regular deworming is an important measure to prevent your cat from contracting worms and can effectively protect your cat's health. 

worms in cats

What Causes Worms in Cats?

Cats can get worms from a variety of sources. Here are some of the most common causes:

  • Ingesting infected prey

Cats are natural hunters, and if they catch and eat infected rodents or birds, they can contract worms.

  • Flea infestation

Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae. When a cat ingests a flea while grooming, it can become infected with tapeworms.

Related: Flea in Cats: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

  • Contact with infected feces

Cats can pick up worm eggs or larvae from soil or litter boxes contaminated with the feces of infected animals.

  • Mother-to-kitten transmission

Kittens can get worms from their mother, either in the womb or through her milk.

  • Poor hygiene

Living in a dirty environment or not cleaning the litter box regularly can expose cats to worm eggs and larvae.

  • Eating raw or undercooked meat

Feeding cats raw or undercooked meat can transmit parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii.

  • Mosquito bites

Mosquitoes can transmit heartworms to cats.

  • Walking barefoot outdoors

Cats that walk outdoors barefoot can pick up worm larvae from the ground.

  • Drinking contaminated water

Water sources contaminated with worm eggs or larvae can infect cats.

  • Contact with other infected animals

Cats can get worms from direct contact with other infected cats or animals.

Preventing worm infestations in cats involves regular deworming, flea control, and maintaining a clean living environment. It's also important to keep cats indoors and avoid feeding them raw or undercooked meat. If you suspect your cat has worms, consult a veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Risk Factors for Worm Infestations in Cats

Outdoor Cats vs Indoor Cats

Outdoor cats are at a significantly higher risk for worm infections because they are more likely to come into contact with contaminated food, water, soil, and animals. Indoor cats, however, are less exposed to these risks but can still get worms if they have access to fleas or contaminated items brought into the home.

Kittens and Immune-Compromised Cats

Kittens and older cats, especially those with weakened immune systems, are more susceptible to worm infestations. Kittens are more likely to be born with worms if their mother was infected, while older cats may struggle to fight off infections due to compromised immunity.

How Worms Are Transmitted in Cats

Ingestion of Worm Eggs or Larvae

The most common way worms spread to cats is through ingestion of worm eggs or larvae present in contaminated environments, such as soil, food, or water. Cats typically ingest these eggs while licking or eating infected items.

Flea Bites and Tapeworms

As mentioned, fleas serve as the vector for tapeworms. When a flea bites a cat, the tapeworm larvae are ingested and can grow in the intestines.

From Mother to Kittens

Kittens can acquire worms from their mother during birth or through nursing. This is especially true for roundworms, which can pass from the mother to her kittens before they are even born.

worms in cats

How to Treat Cat Worms?

Treatments for cat infestations usually include the use of deworming medications and improved sanitation. The following are some common treatments.

1. Use of deworming drugs

Different deworming drugs can be chosen according to different parasite species. For example, praziquantel can be used for tapeworms and albendazole or fenbendazole for roundworms. These medications usually need to be taken orally and may require multiple doses to completely remove the parasites. 


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2. Topical anthelmintics

For external parasites such as fleas and ticks, topical dewormers containing ingredients such as ivermectin, amitraz, praziquantel, and selamectin can be used. These medications are usually applied in the form of drops, which need to be applied to the back of the cat's neck or other areas that are difficult to lick. 

3. Environmental cleaning

In addition to deworming treatment, the cat's living environment needs to be thoroughly cleaned to prevent re-infection of the parasites. This includes regular cleaning of the cat's bedding, toys and litter box, as well as the use of insecticides to treat areas in the home where parasites may be present. 

4. Preventive measures

In order to prevent the occurrence of cat infestation, it is recommended that cats be dewormed regularly. It is usually recommended that cats be dewormed internally every 3-6 months and externally once a month. In addition, keeping the cat's living environment clean and avoiding exposing the cat to environments and food that may be infected with parasites are also important measures to prevent cat worm infestation. 

Before using any medication to treat cat worm infestation, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian to ensure that the appropriate medication and dosage are selected and the veterinarian's instructions are followed for treatment.

worms in cats treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cats poop out worms after being dewormed?

Conclusion

Worms are a common problem for cats, but with proper understanding of their causes, prevention, and treatment, you can keep your feline friend healthy and worm-free. By practicing good hygiene, using flea prevention, and scheduling regular vet check-ups, you can significantly reduce the risk of worms in your cat.

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