9 Most Common Ways Indoor Cats Get Worms
This article will cover the majority of typical indoor cat worming scenarios and offer solutions or prevention measures.
You want to do all in your power as a pet parent to keep your beloved buddy healthy and content.
That includes keeping an eye out for widespread health issues like worms.
Worms are parasites that can reside in the intestines of your cat. It’s crucial to understand the signs of an infestation and how to avoid and cure one because some worm species can also infect humans.
There are several types of worms that can infect cats, but the most common are roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms.
Roundworms are the most common type of worm found in cats. They’re white or light-colored and can grow up to four inches long.
Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that can grow up to 15 inches long.
Hookworms are small, thin worms that attach themselves to the intestine wall.
Cats can get worms from infected prey, contaminated soil, or fleas.
The best way to prevent worms is to practice good hygiene and keep your cat’s environment clean.
Signs Your Cat Has Worms
If you think your cat has worms, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
The vet will likely prescribe a dewormer, which is a medication that kills the worms.
There are a few common signs that your cat has worms. These include the following:
- Your cat is constantly scratching and licking its back and sides.
- Your cat is losing weight and having trouble eating.
- Repeatedly vomiting.
- Your cat has a sudden change in personality, becoming more aggressive or withdrawn.
- Your cat has a discharge from its eyes or nose.
- Noticeable abdominal pain.
- Your cat has red, inflamed skin.
- Your cat has difficulty walking or standing.
- Your cat has blood in its urine or feces (diarrhea).
- Sudden poor coat or bald patches.
- Your cat has died from a worm infestation.
If you notice any of these symptoms, take your cat to the vet right away.
Ways Indoor Cats Get Worms
Worms are dangerous to cats and can make them very sick, so it’s important to get them treated as soon as possible.
Your indoor cat may seem like the picture of health, but there are a few ways they can pick up worms.
Here are some of the common ways indoor cats get worms:
From Their Mother
Cats can pick up worms from their mother while they’re still in the womb, or during nursing.
The most common type of worm passed from mother to kitten is roundworm.
If your cat has roundworms, they may have a pot-bellied appearance, and you may see worms in their poop.
If you think your cat has roundworms, take them to the vet for treatment.
From Hunting
Even though they’re indoor cats, some kitties can’t resist the urge to hunt within or outside their home.
If your cat catches and eats a mouse or bird, the cat can also consume the parasites that live in its prey.
The most common type of worm transmitted this way is the tapeworm. Tapeworms attach to the intestines and can grow up to 30 feet long!
If your cat has tapeworms, you may see segments of the worm in their poop, or around their anus.
Treatment for tapeworms is easy, and your vet can prescribe the appropriate medication.
From Eating Raw Meat
If you feed your cat raw meat, they’re at risk of contracting parasites like worms.
The most common type of worm transmitted this way is the Toxoplasma gondii.
This parasite can cause toxoplasmosis, which can be fatal in kittens.
If you think your cat has toxoplasmosis, take them to the vet immediately.
From Eating Infected Fleas
Fleas are not just a nuisance, they can also transmit diseases. If your cat ingests an infected flea, it can develop tapeworms.
As we mentioned before, tapeworms can grow up to 30 feet long and attach to the intestines.
If you think your cat has tapeworms, take them to the vet for treatment.
From Grooming
Cats are fastidious groomers, but sometimes they can ingest parasites while cleaning themselves.
The most common type of worm transmitted this way is the hookworm.
Hookworms attach to the intestines and feed on blood. If your cat has hookworms, it may have diarrhea, and you may see blood in its stool.
If you think your cat has hookworms, take them to the vet for treatment.
From Soil
If your cat likes to dig in the dirt or eat grass, it may ingest parasites that live in the soil.
The most common type of worm transmitted this way is the roundworm.
As we mentioned before, roundworms can cause a pot-bellied appearance in cats, and you may see worms in their poop.
If you think your cat has roundworms, take them to the vet for treatment.
From Other Cats
Cats can pick up worms from other cats, either through direct contact or indirectly.
The most common type of worm transmitted this way is the hookworm.
As we mentioned before, hookworms attach to the intestines and feed on blood.
If your cat has hookworms, it may have diarrhea, and you may see blood in its stool.
If you think your cat has hookworms, take them to the vet for treatment.
From the Environment
Cats can pick up worms from the environment, either through contact with contaminated soil or water or by eating infected prey.
The most common type of worm transmitted this way is the roundworm.
As we mentioned before, roundworms can cause a pot-bellied appearance in cats, and you may see worms in their poop. If you think your cat has roundworms, take them to the vet for treatment.
From humans
Yes, you can transmit worms to your cat! The most common type of worm transmitted this way is the Toxoplasma gondii.
This parasite can cause toxoplasmosis, which can be fatal in kittens.
If you think you may have toxoplasmosis, see your doctor immediately.
If you think your cat has worms, the best thing to do is take them to the vet for treatment.
Pets have a wide range of products to help you protect your cat from worms, including monthly preventatives and dewormers.
It’s no secret that cats can get worms. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 30% of all indoor cats have at least one type of worm.
While some types of worms are more common than others, there are a few that are particularly prevalent in indoor cats.
Types of worms that affect cats
Here are some of the most common types of worms indoor cats get:
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are long, flat worms that attach themselves to the lining of your cat’s intestine.
They’re usually acquired by eating infected prey, but can also be transmitted via fleas.
Tapeworms can range in length from a few millimeters to over a meter and can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting in your cat.
If you suspect your cat has tapeworms, take them to the vet for a diagnosis.
Treatment usually involves giving your cat a pill or injection that will kill the worms.
Roundworms
Roundworms are the most common type of worm found in indoor cats.
They’re also the most likely to be passed on to humans, so it’s important to get them treated as soon as possible.
Roundworms are long, thin, and white, and look like strands of spaghetti.
They usually live in the small intestine, but can sometimes be found in the stomach or lungs.
Roundworms can cause weight loss, vomiting, and diarrhea in your cat.
If you think your cat has roundworms, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment usually involves giving your cat a pill or injection that will kill the worms.
Hookworms
Hookworms are small, thin worms that attach themselves to the lining of your cat’s intestine.
They’re usually acquired by coming into contact with contaminated soil, but can also be passed on to humans.
Hookworms can cause anemia, weight loss, and diarrhea in your cat.
If you think your cat has hookworms, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment usually involves giving your cat a pill or injection that will kill the worms.
Whipworms
Whipworms are long, thin worms that live in the large intestine. They’re usually acquired by eating infected prey, but can also be passed on to humans.
Whipworms can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia in your cat.
If you think your cat has whipworms, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment usually involves giving your cat a pill or injection that will kill the worms.
Ringworms
Ringworms are fungi that live on the skin of your cat and can cause excessive shedding.
They’re usually acquired by coming into contact with contaminated soil, but can also be passed on to humans.
Ringworms can cause bald spots, itching, and redness on the skin of your cat.
If you think your cat has ringworms, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment usually involves applying a topical antifungal cream or ointment to the affected areas.
Giardia
Giardia is a protozoan that lives in the intestines of your cat. It’s usually acquired by drinking contaminated water, but can also be passed on to humans.
Giardia can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting in your cat.
If you think your cat has giardia, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment usually involves giving your cat a pill or injection that will kill the protozoan.
Coccidia
Coccidia is protozoans that live in the intestines of your cat. They’re usually acquired by eating infected prey, but can also be passed on to humans.
Coccidia can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting in your cat. If you think your cat has coccidia, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment usually involves giving your cat a pill or injection that will kill the protozoans.
Cryptosporidium
Cryptosporidium is a protozoan that lives in the intestines of your cat.
It’s usually acquired by drinking contaminated water, but can also be passed on to humans.
Cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting in your cat.
If you think your cat has cryptosporidium, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment usually involves giving your cat a pill or injection that will kill the worm.
Toxoplasma
Toxoplasma is a protozoan that lives in the intestines of your cat.
It’s usually acquired by eating infected prey, but can also be passed on to humans.
Toxoplasma can cause weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting in your cat.
If you think your cat has toxoplasma, take your cat to a qualified veterinarian.
Learn more about: Cats and ear mites.
Ways of preventing worms in cats
There are many ways of preventing worms in cats which are as follows:
- Regular worming: Worming is the best way to prevent worms in cats. It is important to get your cat vaccinated against worms and to perform regular worming treatments.
- Cleaning up: Make sure your cat’s surroundings are clean and free of potential sources of worms. Clean up any food or water spills, and remove any fecal material.
- Feeding a high-quality diet: Feed your cat a high-quality diet that is low in worms. This will help to prevent worms from developing in your cat.
- Avoid exposure: Avoid exposing your cat to worms by keeping them away from potential worm sources.
- Treating an outbreak: If your cat develops an outbreak of worms, be sure to treat them promptly.
- Monitoring your cat’s health: Monitor your cat’s health regularly, and if you notice any changes, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
- Regularly cleaning the cat’s litter box.
Treatment of worms in cats
There are a few ways to treat worms in cats. Some people recommend using a natural wormicide like apple cider vinegar or garlic; others use prescription medication.
Some people also recommend using a dewormer like fenbendazole.
It’s important to keep in mind that worm treatment is only a temporary solution and that cats will need to be treated again in the future if they continue to have worms.
Whichever way you want to take we strongly advise you take your cat to a qualified veterinarian if you notice any signs of worms.
Learn more about cats and fleas.
Ways worms affect cats
Here are some common ways worms affect cats if not treated:
- Worms can cause intestinal blockages in cats.
- Worms can spread diseases to cats.
- Worms can cause skin irritation and parasitic infections in cats.
- Worms can cause hair loss and diarrhea in cats.
- Worms can affect a cat’s taste and smell.
- Worms can affect a cat’s weight.
- Worms can affect a cat’s overall health.
Conclusion
If your cat has worms, don’t panic! Many types of worms can infect cats, but luckily, they can all be treated relatively easily.
The most common type of worm found in cats is the roundworm, which is usually spread through contact with contaminated soil.
If your cat has roundworms, you may be able to see them in their stool.
Other types of worms, such as hookworms and tapeworms, are usually spread through contact with infected animals.
Symptoms of worms in cats can include weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and a rough coat.
If you think your cat has worms, take them to the vet for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
