Parasites (Worms ) in Cats

 You Just Got a Cat What You Should  do First ?

Many of you when got a cat don’t really know what to do first .Should you vaccinate them or give them anti parasitic medications .💊 

The first and most important thing is to get rid off the endoparasites and ectoparasites .They can be very harmful and also many of them are zoonoses , which means they are harmful for humans too.

If you notice that your cat has pale gums, is having trouble breathing or vomiting or not eating .You should get them to the Vet.

Types of Worms in Cats

The most common types of worms in cats are gastrointestinal worms. They include:

Roundworms are the most common type of intestinal worm in cats, specifically in kittens. Roundworms are 3 to 6 inches long, cream-colored, and resemble spaghetti when found in the stool.

Hookworms are tiny, thin, white worms. They are so small ,most people do not notice them on the cat’s stool. If you do see them, they look like tiny, thin strings. Hookworms get their name from their hook-like mouthparts and aggressive bloodsucking behavior,they attach themselves to the lining of the intestines and suck blood.

Whipworms are 2 to 3 inches in length with one thicker end and one thinner end, resembling a whip, hence their name. Whipworms are not easily seen in the stool and are diagnosed only under a microscope.

Tapeworms occur when a kitten or cat eats a flea while grooming or eats a rodent infected with tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms look like grains of rice and are found around the anus or in a cat’s stool.

Other worms in cats 

• Hartworms
• Lungworms 
• Bladderworms
• Liver Flukes

Symptoms of Worms in Cats

Symptoms of worms in cats may vary. You can usually determine the type of worm based on your cat’s symptoms:

• Diarrhea or loose stool you may see worms in the stool
• Vomiting (worms may be seen in the vomit)
• Distended abdomen
• Weight loss thin body condition 
• General unhealthy appearance dull hair 
• Pale gums (hookworms only)
• Trouble breathing and Coughing can be seen if worms migrate to the lungs (hookworms, roundworms)

How Cat get Infected with Worms 

Most kittens are infected with worms while nursing their mother, when they ingest tiny worm larvae directly from their mother’s milk. 

Worms in cats typically occur when worm eggs are ingested. This can happen when a cat licks their fur after exposure to a contaminated environment or when they eat an animal infected with the worm or its eggs.

Hookworm larvae can penetrate directly into the skin between the toes, causing skin infections.

Treatment of Worms in Cats

Roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and tapeworms are treatable with oral and topical medications, and sometimes injectable formulations, prescribed by your veterinarian.

Some worms in cats are killed with a single treatment. Other worms require multiple dosages of a medication given on a strict schedule over a certain period.

It’s important to carefully follow the directions provided by your vet !

How often should you give anti parasitics to Your  Cat?

Kitten Deworming  Schedule :

Start deworming a kitten between 4-6 weeks old

Then again at 8 weeks old

And again at 12 weeks old

Deworm every 4 weeks until 6 months old

And after every 1-3 months depending on lifestyle

To ensure your feline friend is healthy, you’ll need to clean (deworm) them regularly .

Do Indoor Cats Need Deworming?

All cats need consistent deworming no matter where they live.

Fleas — potential tapeworms carriers — can enter homes by riding on clothing, people, or other pets. When indoor cats groom themselves, tapeworm transmission can occur by accidentally ingesting an infected flea. Similarly, mosquitos can easily enter homes through screen doors and windows, where they can then bite pets and transmit hartworms.

How to Deworm (clean) a Cat

Go to the vet .They’ll be the best source of information about the dosage of dewormer ,how to give it to your and on what timeline.

 

What to Expect After Deworming a Cat

Anti-parasitic products typically take between two and four days to take effect. In some cases, a second dose is also required. The worms should be gone in-two to three weeks after giving a medication. A second deworming might be needed a few weeks later to eliminate all the worms because the medication affects life cycle stages differently.

Side effects of Cat’s Anti-parasitics 

Anti parasitic medications are quite safe and rarely have side effects when used at the correct dose. However, some cats might have diarrhea, vomiting, increased salivation, or decreased appetite. These symptoms are typically seen within 24 hours of administering the medication and should resolve on their own.

Prevention 

In veterinary medicine prevention is a key to keep your pet healthy.

Cat’s anti parasites products only treat the current infection. Prevent future infestations with a monthly preventative medications. 

Written by Imrana Sljivo DVM 🐾