How do you know if a cat has worms?

Different worms exhibit different structures. Thus, you can lookout for signs of them in the feces of your pet cat. You can also be attentive to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, such as worms in cat vomit.

Can humans get worms from cats?

Yes, humans can also get infected by cats. This is why it is always advised to wear gloves while feeding your cat, or cleaning its litter. If you use your bare hands, then avoid putting them in your eyes or mouth and clean them thoroughly.

What should I do if my cats have worms?

If you suspect that your cats have worms, you should immediately take it to a vet. Administering medicines to your cat on your own can have a severe impact on your cat. Instead, you should always consult a vet for the treatment of worms.

How long does it take to get rid of worms in cats?

Worms can multiply in numbers at a rapid pace and can continue to do so even after the first dose of deworm cat medicine. Thus, the process of treatment for worm infection can last for a month to make sure not a single worm is left in your cat.

How to get rid of worms in cats naturally?

Foods like pumpkin seeds, chamomile, coconut, carrots, and apple cider vinegar can prove to be very effective against worm infections for your cat. But it is always advisable to visit a vet for a surer treatment against worm infection.

Are worms painful for cats?

Yes, having worms can be significantly painful, resulting in distress. Hookworms, for example, attach to the intestinal walls and may lead to internal bleeding and inflammation. Tapeworms and other parasites can cause ongoing irritation, weight loss, and poor coat condition. In severe cases, untreated worm infections may result in anemia or serious health complications. Recognizing the signs early and seeking treatment is the best way to keep your cat comfortable and healthy.

Types of Cat Worms, Its Symptoms And Treatments

Our fur babies are often susceptible to parasites, and knowing how to spot a worm in cats early can help protect both your feline friend and your home. Cats are at risk of contracting worms when they venture outdoors, come into close contact with other animals, or accidentally ingesting contaminated food or soil. Even indoor cats can be exposed if cat worm eggs are carried inside on shoes, clothing, or pests, or swallowed during grooming.

That’s why it’s so important for cat parents to recognize the warning signs. From spotting a worm in cat poop to noticing changes like weight loss or a dull coat, early detection makes all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover the common symptoms of cat worm infections, prevention tips, treatment options, and safe advice on how to deworm a cat at home with veterinary guidance.

What are the signs and symptoms of worms in cats?

As cat parents, it is important to look out for the signs and symptoms of worms in cats and when to get treatment if needed.

Worms in your cat's poop can be visible as spaghetti-like or rice-grain segments. These might also be found under the tail and anal area.
Since parasites and types of cat worms are commonly found in their stomach and bowels, diarrhea and vomiting(open in new tab) are among the common symptoms of worms in cats.
Pot-bellied appearance, weight loss despite good appetite
Dull coat
Lethargy
Pale gums
Open wounds and lesions on the skin

Some symptoms specific to tapeworms include:

Loss of appetite and rapid weight loss
Straining while trying to poop
Dark stool and blood in urine
Coughing
Labored breathing
Sudden collapsing
Seizures

Different Types of Worms in Cats

Roundworm

Roundworms in cats are highly transmissible. Roundworms in cats have typically rounded bodies, often resembling a piece of noodle, and are commonly found in the intestinal region. Symptoms of roundworms in cats include frequent vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and fatigue from roundworms in cats. Roundworms in cats and the symptoms of roundworms can also be passed on to humans from close contact.

Tapeworm

Like roundworms and hookworms in cats, tapeworms(open in new tab) in cats are also often found in the intestine and are characterized by long, flat bodies. However, tapeworms in cats are difficult to diagnose in adult cats, making regular check-ups from a veterinarian important if you suspect tapeworms in cats. Signs of tapeworms in cats include rapid weight loss, poor fur condition, straining while pooping, and discomfort around the anus.

Hookworms

Hookworms in cats are more commonly observed in kittens and young cats. These worms can spread through soil, fleas, or any other contaminated environments. Symptoms of hookworms include rapid loss of weight and blood, often leading to anemia from hookworms in cats.

Whipworms

Whipworms in cats are found in the intestinal walls of cats, resulting in symptoms such as inflammation of the intestinal lining, weight loss, and watery diarrhea.

Heartworm

Heartworms, as the name suggests, are parasites found in the heart and blood vessels of cats, and can cause significant damage. Heartworms in cats are of substantial concern in cats, as there is limited heartworm prevention for cats or heartworm treatment for cats, and without the necessary heartworm prevention for cats, can often prove fatal for cats irrespective of their age. Symptoms of heartworm in cats include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, coughing, and vomiting.

Lung flukes

Although the cases of lung flukes in cats are significantly rare, cats can contract lung flukes by ingesting contaminated water or through close contact with other animals already infected by lung flukes. Lung flukes can have severe symptoms in cats including coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Causes and Transmission of Worms in Cats

Cats of all ages, regardless of indoor or outdoor, can pick up worms from many different sources. Here are some common transmission methods:

Ingesting infected soil or prey (e.g. rodents or birds)
Grooming themselves and ingesting worm eggs on their fur
Being born to or suckled by an infected mother
Indoor cats may also get infected by worms that are transported into the house on clothes, shoes, other pets, or from pests like fleas and rodents

Preventing Worms in Cats

The best practices to prevent worms in cats include:

Regular deworming with vet-approved products
Regular health checkups with your veterinarian
Good hygiene around pet areas (e.g. keep litter boxes clean)
Limit outdoor exposure where possible
Use monthly parasite preventives
If your cat has been infected before, ensure that pet areas have been disinfected by washing in hot water.

How to Diagnose and Deworm a Cat

If you suspect a worm infection in your cat, it’s important to take the right precautions. Many cat parents try to self-medicate and read guides on how to deworm a cat at home, but this can sometimes do more harm than good. Not all treatments are safe, and the wrong approach may leave the cat worm infection untreated or even make your cat sicker.

The safest option is to consult your veterinarian, who can recommend the right deworming medicine and guide you on how to administer it properly at home. Here are the best steps you can take:

Avoid natural and home remedies (e.g. garlic or apple cider vinegar) since they can be unsafe and are not necessarily effective. Always visit a vet if you suspect a worm infection and follow the recommended treatment.
Bring a fresh stool sample to your veterinarian for fecal testing. This allows your vet to identify which cat worm is present.
Most treatments are available in tablets, pastes, powders, or spot-ons, usable for home administration under vet guidance. Once treatment begins, make sure to monitor your cat closely and report any changes in their condition to your vet.

Managing Worms in Cats

Worms in cats can cause discomfort and serious health problems if left untreated, but with the right care and prevention, your feline friend can stay safe and healthy. Along with regular vet check-ups and deworming, one of the best ways to protect your cat is by ensuring they eat safe, high-quality, and contaminant free cat food.

With WHISKAS® cat food,(open in new tab) you can be confident your cat is getting meals that are safe, delicious, and nutritionally complete and balanced. For more tips on keeping your cat happy and healthy, take some time to visit the WHISKAS® blog for expert tips on cat and kitten care(open in new tab).

Frequently Asked Questions

All Questions Types of Cat Worms, Its Symptoms And Treatments

How do you know if a cat has worms?

Different worms exhibit different structures. Thus, you can lookout for signs of them in the feces of your pet cat. You can also be attentive to symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, such as worms in cat vomit.
Can humans get worms from cats?

Yes, humans can also get infected by cats. This is why it is always advised to wear gloves while feeding your cat, or cleaning its litter. If you use your bare hands, then avoid putting them in your eyes or mouth and clean them thoroughly.
What should I do if my cats have worms?

If you suspect that your cats have worms, you should immediately take it to a vet. Administering medicines to your cat on your own can have a severe impact on your cat. Instead, you should always consult a vet for the treatment of worms.
How long does it take to get rid of worms in cats?

Worms can multiply in numbers at a rapid pace and can continue to do so even after the first dose of deworm cat medicine. Thus, the process of treatment for worm infection can last for a month to make sure not a single worm is left in your cat.
How to get rid of worms in cats naturally?

Foods like pumpkin seeds, chamomile, coconut, carrots, and apple cider vinegar can prove to be very effective against worm infections for your cat. But it is always advisable to visit a vet for a surer treatment against worm infection.
Are worms painful for cats?

Yes, having worms can be significantly painful, resulting in distress. Hookworms, for example, attach to the intestinal walls and may lead to internal bleeding and inflammation. Tapeworms and other parasites can cause ongoing irritation, weight loss, and poor coat condition. In severe cases, untreated worm infections may result in anemia or serious health complications. Recognizing the signs early and seeking treatment is the best way to keep your cat comfortable and healthy.