Worms in cats

Worms in Cats and How to Treat Them

Worms are very common in cats. The most common types are roundworms and tapeworms. These mainly cause gastrointestinal issues. Cats can also suffer from hookworms, lungworms, or heartworms.

Roundworm

Roundworms are long, cylindrical worms that live in the cat’s intestines and release larvae. Infection occurs through the environment or by eating raw meat and prey animals. The mother cat’s milk can also contain roundworms, infecting all kittens. Roundworm larvae can be transmitted to humans, with children being particularly vulnerable. Therefore, roundworms can pose a public health risk.

Tapeworm

Tapeworms resemble grains of rice and are sometimes visible around the cat’s anus. Infection always occurs through an intermediate host such as a flea or a mouse. Cats with fleas are therefore very likely also infected with tapeworm.

Hookworm

Hookworms are round and about 1 cm long. Infection occurs through ingestion of larvae from the environment. Infected cats can develop chronic diarrhea with blood, and in severe cases, anemia.

Heartworm

Heartworm is an exotic worm that does not occur in the Netherlands. Around the Mediterranean, there is a risk that cats may contract this worm. The larvae are transmitted to the animal by mosquitoes. If a cat has heartworm, heart failure can result, so preventive treatment with the right medication is very important.

Lungworm

Cats usually contract lungworm by eating infected slugs. Larvae can also be ingested by eating frogs, mice, and birds. If infected, cats may show symptoms such as coughing and difficulty breathing. Lung changes can sometimes be seen on X-rays.
Even indoor cats can become infected with worms and don’t always show symptoms. Worms are usually not visible in the stool. Diagnosis is made through stool examination.

Kittens are routinely dewormed at 4 and 6 weeks of age, and then monthly until they are 6 months old. Mother cats should be dewormed at the same time as their kittens. From 6 months of age, it is advisable to deworm four times a year. Besides deworming, it is recommended not to feed cats raw meat.