How do cats act if they have worms?

Recognizing Worm Infections in Cats: Signs, Causes, and Prevention

Parasitic infections are one of the most common health concerns in cats, especially in kittens, newly adopted pets, or outdoor felines. These infections can result from a variety of internal parasites, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and protozoa like coccidia and giardia. Understanding the signs and behavior changes in cats with worm infestations is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.

Common Symptoms of Worms in Cats

When a cat is infected with worms, their behavior and physical condition may change in noticeable ways. Some of the most frequent symptoms include:

• Diarrhea – Sometimes with blood or mucus present
• Vomiting – May contain visible worms
• Weight loss – Despite normal or even increased appetite
• Pot-bellied appearance – Especially common in kittens
• Dull or rough coat – Indicates malnutrition or anemia caused by parasites
• Lethargy – General weakness or reduced activity level
• Pale gums – May signal anemia from blood-feeding worms like hookworms
• Coughing or respiratory issues – In cases of lungworm or heartworm infection
• Visible worms or segments – Seen in feces, near the rectum, or in vomit

Types of Intestinal and Systemic Parasites in Cats

Different worms present different challenges. Here's a breakdown of common types:

1. Roundworms – Cream-colored, spaghetti-like worms affecting mostly kittens. Causes pot-belly, vomiting, and diarrhea.
2. Hookworms – Small, thin worms that feed on blood, leading to anemia, dark stools, and lethargy.
3. Tapeworms – Flat, segmented worms whose parts resemble rice grains. Causes mild digestion issues.
4. Whipworms – Rare in cats but can cause bloody diarrhea and weight loss when present.
5. Lungworms and Heartworms – May cause coughing, labored breathing, or sudden death in severe cases.
6. Bladder worms and Liver flukes – Rare but can impact urinary or liver function.
7. Coccidia and Giardia – Microscopic parasites that lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration, especially in kittens.
8. Toxoplasma – Often asymptomatic in cats but a risk to pregnant women and immunocompromised humans.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Veterinary diagnosis is essential. Your vet may request a fresh fecal sample and perform a fecal flotation or direct smear test to detect parasite eggs, larvae, or cysts. Some parasites may only be visible in vomit or stool with the naked eye. Treatment options include:

• Oral or injectable dewormers – Prescribed specifically for the type of worm diagnosed
• Topical medications – Particularly effective for external parasites that may carry internal worms (e.g., fleas and tapeworms)
• Supportive care – Including fluids or blood transfusion for severely affected cats

Cats may need multiple rounds of treatment due to worms’ life cycles. Kittens should be dewormed frequently during early life stages.

Preventing Parasites in Cats

Prevention is the best defense against parasitic infections. Consider these strategies:

• Regular deworming – Particularly for kittens and outdoor or rescue cats
• Routine fecal testing – Twice a year for indoor cats; more often for outdoor cats and kittens
• Flea control – Prevents tapeworm infection via flea ingestion
• Maintain hygiene – Clean litterboxes daily, wash hands after handling cats or cleaning waste
• Keep cats indoors – Reduces chances of ingesting infected prey or contaminated materials
• Use monthly preventive medications – For heartworms, fleas, and ticks

Risks to Humans

Some parasites found in cats can be transmitted to people, particularly children and immunocompromised individuals. Good hygiene is essential:

• Avoid direct contact with cat feces
• Wear gloves when cleaning litterboxes
• Wash hands thoroughly afterward

When to See a Vet

Veterinary care is crucial if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms. Untreated parasitic infections can lead to:

• Severe anemia
• Malnutrition
• Intestinal blockage
• Organ damage

With early intervention, most cats recover fully with proper medication and care. Regular monitoring and preventive strategies go a long way in maintaining your pet’s well-being.