How Do Cats Get Worms?

Compared to dogs, cats are more prone to internal parasitic infection. There are numerous intestinal parasites that infect felines, which are commonly called as “worms”. Infection caused due to intestinal worms can cause a variety of health condition with numerous symptoms. Some cats may not show the symptoms in the earlier stage and this brings in a potential threat to health leading to complications. Moreover, some feline parasitic worms are dangerous for human health also.

How do cats get worms?

There are different ways through which felines get infected with worms. Though the medium of transmission varies, the most common source of infection is through the ingestion of the feces of infected cats. Mother cats can even pass on the worms to their new born.

Some of the Major Symptoms of Worm Infection

Cats show different signs of infection according to the type of parasite they are infected with. However, some of the most common clinical symptoms of worm infection include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weight Loss
• Coughing
• Bloody Stool
• Worms visible in stool
• Constipation
• Trouble breathing
• Bloating or potbellied appearance to abdomen
• Anemia

How are Worms Treated?

If your pet is infected with worms, proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary. If you find any of the above symptoms prevalent in your tabby, visit your vet for treatment. It is not the best idea to treat your pet yourself when you are not confirmed with the presence of worms. Your pet will be diagnosed by your vet for worm infection. Finding from which worm infection your kitty is suffering, the veterinarian will devise the treatment.

There are certain Cat dewormers that treat only a particular intestinal worm. For example, a deworming product used for tapeworm infection cannot treat roundworms. There are also over-the-counter dewormers that are useful for preventing all types of worms. For example, cat drontal, cazitel are useful in preventing all types of worms. When used regularly, these worming products will protect your cat from any future infestation. 

How to Prevent My Cat from Catching Worms?

• Make sure your yard is free from feces. Pick poo before your cat tries to play with it.
• Keep your surroundings, yard, furry pal and house free from flea infestation.
• Ensure to keep your cat indoors to avoid exposure to infected cats, rodents, fleas and feces.
• Good hygiene habits need to be practiced. Wear gloves while cleaning feces and yard and changing litter box. It’s crucial to routinely dispose of stool.
• Ask your vet to prescribe an appropriate cat worm control product or worm management program for your feline friend.

Though worm infection in cats is precarious, a proper treatment and preventive strategy can help fight against this disease and aid in preventing intestinal worm infection in felines.