Intestinal worms in cats: what they are, how many types exist, how to prevent them and how to treat them

Although most people think that intestinal worms are a problem that only affects dogs, the truth is that cats can also be infected by these parasites. In fact, intestinal worms are one of the most common health problems in cats. When you discover worms in your cat’s stool, or suspect that he is infected with these parasites, panic and worry will surely set in in no time. The good news is that there are many effective, available and useful treatments to eliminate this problem, just as there are ways to prevent infection.

What you need to know about intestinal worms in cats

There are three main types of intestinal worms that are most commonly found in cats and which can infect them and cause discomfort or even serious illness. I am: roundworms, flatworms (or tapeworms), hookworms.

Nematodes – These worms which look like small spaghetti (5-10 cm) are more frequent in kittens in our country. They live in the cat’s intestines, where they feed on partially digested food. Roundworms can cause digestive upset, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and a «bloated» appearance in the feline. These worms do not depend on an intermediate host to be transmitted, however the cat can contract the parasites by ingesting the eggs from the feces of an infected cat. If left untreated, roundworms can lead to serious health problems or even death.

Flatworms (or tapeworms) – Tapeworms are long, flat parasites that live in the intestines of cats, where they absorb nutrients from partially digested food that passes through their bodies. Unlike other types of worms that primarily affect kittens and young adult cats, tapeworm infections occur most commonly among middle-aged or older felines. To complete their life cycle, tapeworms depend on an intermediate host, be it a bird, a rodent or even a flea, which is why a cat will not be able to contract this parasite from a dog or another cat. The most common symptoms if your cat is suffering from tapeworms are weight loss, digestive disorders, increased appetite or even intestinal blockage.

Hookworms – these parasites are another type of worms that commonly affect cats. These tiny creatures attach themselves to the lining of the cat’s intestines and feed on blood, which can lead to anemia, abdominal pain, weakness, weight loss and diarrhea. Cats can become infected with this parasite by taking it from the feces of another infected animal, eating infected rodents or simply by entering the larvae through the feline’s skin, especially in the paw area.

How to protect your cat from intestinal worms

One of the most important things you can do to protect your cat from intestinal worms is to keep him up to date on vaccinations and deworming. Intestinal worms are more common in unvaccinated kittens and cats, so make sure your kitten is up to date on all vaccinations. Additionally, good hygiene practices can help prevent the spread of intestinal worms. Therefore, it is essential to clean the sanitary litter box daily, to prevent the feline from coming into contact with contaminated feces, as well as regular cleaning and disinfection of the litter box.

Intestinal worms do not only pose a danger to your cat’s health. They can also be dangerous to family members because some parasites can cause serious illness in humans, particularly young children and those with weakened immune systems. Contamination of humans with cat intestinal worms can occur through direct contact with feces or contaminated soil (through gardening without gloves, walking barefoot on infected soil, poor hygiene, etc.).

Tips for Treating Intestinal Worms in Cats

1. Anti-parasitic products: There are many different types of anti-parasitic medications available from your vet. These include oral pills, topical solutions, and injectable medications. Your vet will be able to determine which type of medication is best for your cat, depending on your cat’s age, overall health and the severity of the infection.

2. Home Remedies: Some people prefer to treat their cat’s intestinal worms with home remedies instead of conventional medications. However, it is important to note that these home remedies have not been proven to be effective and may make your cat’s condition worse. If you choose to try a home remedy, be sure to talk to your veterinarian first and follow all directions carefully. Furthermore, once a treatment has been administered at home, it is extremely important to check that it has had an effect and that the feline is safe from any danger.

If you think your family cat may have intestinal worms, it’s important to take him to the vet for diagnosis and then treatment. The sooner it is treated, the better the chance of a full recovery.