How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Worms?

Are you curious whether your cat might have worms but unsure how to identify the signs? Detecting symptoms of intestinal parasites like roundworms or tapeworms becomes much simpler when you know what to watch for. Our team of pet care professionals has outlined the most common indicators every cat owner should be aware of. Check if your feline friend displays any of these signs and learn the following steps to restore your cat's health quickly.

Symptoms To Look For

Cats are known for their ability to hide illnesses, including parasitic infections. It's not uncommon for your cat to be affected by worms without showing obvious signs of discomfort. Worm infestations are frequently seen in both cats and kittens, and if not addressed, they can result in significant health complications. Therefore, recognizing the symptoms of worm infestations is crucial. Some common signs include:

  • Bloody stool
  • Constipation
  • Coughing
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Poor coat condition
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Visible worms in stool or near the anus

To ensure your cat's health, following a regular deworming schedule is essential. Deworming can be done in conjunction with their vaccination routine. Kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until they are twelve weeks old to ensure effective parasite control. After that, monthly treatments are recommended until six months of age, and regular deworming every three to six months after that. Consult your veterinarian to develop a tailored parasite control program for your cat.

Cats are commonly affected by four types of worms, making early detection and prompt treatment essential to maintaining your pet’s health and well-being.

Roundworms

Roundworms are commonly found in the small intestines of kittens, where they can form clusters that may cause intestinal blockages. Kittens can become infected with roundworms by nursing from an infected mother, whereas adult cats may contract them by ingesting infected rodents or the feces of another infected cat. The presence of roundworm eggs in the stool or around the anal area is usually the only visible indication of a roundworm infestation.

Tapeworms

Two types of tapeworms infect cats, the most common of which are transmitted through flea bites. Tapeworms latch onto the intestinal lining, leading to irritation and digestive issues such as diarrhea. They also absorb vital nutrients from the cat's diet, often resulting in poor coat condition. Tapeworms can be identified by their appearance in the cat's stool, resembling grains of rice.

Hookworms

Hookworms are particularly dangerous as they can cause significant bleeding in the intestinal tract. Young kittens are at higher risk, as severe hookworm infections can lead to life-threatening blood loss. Treatment may require blood transfusions alongside medications to eliminate the worms.

Whipworms

Whipworms typically reside in a cat's cecum and colon, causing persistent irritation. Symptoms include watery, bloody diarrhea, weakness, and weight loss. Whipworms are one of the more harmful types of worms in felines.

If you suspect your cat has worms, seeking prompt veterinary care for proper treatment and diagnosis is essential. As your veterinarian advises, regular deworming is key to preventing these infestations. Remain attentive and contact your veterinarian promptly if you observe any shifts in your cat's behavior or health to ensure timely care and treatment.

Leave a comment

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published

Best Selling Combo

Best Selling Combo

Heartgard Nexgard Combo for Dogs Flea, Ticks & Heartworm Treatment

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.8 / 5 from 1134 reviews.

Customer photo review of Custom Duty

Fast shipping great quality and price

Custom Duty

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Two sweet girlies decided to make our deck their home. Mosquitoes are a big problem where we live and we had to get them protected. This was the best bang for the buck. I’ve ordered from 79Pets several times and while delivery is not fast it is very consistent.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Teresa!

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

As a retired veterinary technician I was extremely happy to finally see a flea and heartworm medication that actually does tapeworms too!!!!!!! This is a 1st to my knowledge....I live in a tropical climate where fleas never die so this is heaven sent.

Nexgard Combo For Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Kimberly.

Customer photo review of Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Very happy with the price of Stronghold heart worm med for my dog. Seems to be working well.

Stronghold Teal For Dogs 44-88lbs (20-40kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Dory!

Customer photo review of Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

My dog loves this product, never got any issue. Good price , deliver on time. We will definitely keep purchasing with 79 pets.com. Thanks!

Simparica Trio For Dogs 22.1-44 lbs (10-20 kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elle!

Customer photo review of NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

I have 3 of these little rascals so Michigan flea/tick season can be financially brutal! Thank you for keeping NexGard so affordable.

NexGard Chew For Small Dogs 10-24lbs (4-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thank You Elaine

Customer photo review of Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

After Seresto collars failed to get rid of fleas, I didn't know where to turn. I saw a post on a page I follow (Kentucky Kitty Cats) saying that they use Nexgard Combo for the cats they shelter. I decided to try it and IT WORKS!

Nexgard Combo for Cats 5.5-16.5 lbs (2.5-7.5 kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Cari.. We are glad that you found treatment which works for your Cats..

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

This is Lexi Marie! She was wondering why mom was so excited for buying flea medicine. I explained to her that we saved $100 and that she would understand some day when she grows up.

Revolution Plus For Large Cats 11.1-22lbs (5-10kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Tammy!!

Customer photo review of Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Last year, I made a visit to the vet. I told them that Kattie/cat had ear mites. They gave me an ointment costing $80canadian. I used it up and purchased another bottle. $160. total not including the cost of the vet visit. No results. The ear mites have been there for a long time. Canadian vets have control of what is sold in Pet stores and you cannot purchase off the shelf products not recognized by them. I jumped at the chance to purchase your produce with a recommended 100% effectivity. I was willing to try, but was suspicions. After a month there was still a little scratching but after 6 weeks, the mites are gone and the scratching is gone. Thank you very much for this mite solution. I recommend it heartily. Harry P.S. Do not tell the Canadian vets as they will outlaw your product.

Revolution Plus For Medium Cats 5.6-11 lbs (2.6-5kg)

Store owner replied: Thanks Harry for review!!