Worms in cats are a common problem, but they often go unnoticed until symptoms become more severe. These intestinal parasites can affect a cat’s overall health, causing discomfort, malnutrition, and other serious health issues. Identifying whether your cat has worms early can help ensure that they receive the treatment they need.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common signs that your cat may have worms, the different types of worms that commonly infect cats, and what you can do if you suspect your cat is infested.

Common Types of Worms in Cats

Before diving into the signs of worm infestations, it’s helpful to understand the types of worms that commonly affect cats:

1. Roundworms: These are the most common type of worm in cats, especially kittens. Roundworms can be transmitted from the mother to her kittens or through contaminated food or soil. They resemble spaghetti noodles.
2. Tapeworms: Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that attach to the walls of the intestines. Cats often become infected with tapeworms after ingesting fleas or rodents that carry tapeworm larvae.
3. Hookworms: Hookworms attach to the walls of the intestines and feed on blood. They are less common than roundworms but can be particularly dangerous, especially for young or immunocompromised cats.
4. Whipworms: Less common in cats than in dogs, whipworms cause similar symptoms. These worms live in the large intestine and can cause diarrhea and weight loss.
5. Heartworms: Though less common in cats than dogs, heartworms are transmitted through mosquito bites and can affect a cat’s heart and lungs, causing severe respiratory issues.

Signs Your Cat May Have Worms

1. Visible Worms in Your Cat’s Feces or Around the Anus

The most obvious sign of worms in a cat is the presence of worms or worm segments in the cat’s stool or around the anus.

• Roundworms: These are long, spaghetti-like worms that can sometimes be seen in your cat’s feces or vomit. In some cases, you may also notice them around your cat’s anus, as they may emerge from the body.
• Tapeworms: You may notice tapeworm segments (small, flat, and white, resembling grains of rice) around your cat’s anus, in the litter box, or on your cat’s fur. These segments can move and may appear as small, white, rice-like particles.

2. Vomiting

Cats with worm infestations, especially roundworms, may vomit frequently. In some cases, the worms may be visible in the vomit, particularly if your cat is severely infected.

• Roundworms are often expelled through vomiting, especially in kittens. If your cat is vomiting and you see long, spaghetti-like worms in the vomit, it’s a strong indication that they have roundworms.
• Tapeworms are less likely to be visible in vomit, but vomiting can still occur if your cat has a heavy worm load.

3. Diarrhea or Changes in Stool

Worm infestations can cause gastrointestinal issues, leading to diarrhea, constipation, or changes in the texture and appearance of your cat’s stool. If your cat is experiencing prolonged diarrhea or appears to be straining during bowel movements, this could be a sign of worms.

• Hookworms and whipworms can cause blood in the stool, resulting in black, tarry stools.
• Roundworms and tapeworms may lead to soft, loose stools, but they are more likely to cause other symptoms such as weight loss or vomiting.

4. Weight Loss or Poor Coat Condition

If your cat is eating normally but still losing weight or seems lethargic, worms could be the cause. Worms steal nutrients from your cat’s digestive system, leading to weight loss, malnutrition, and poor coat condition.

• Roundworms and hookworms are particularly notorious for causing weight loss in kittens, as the worms absorb the nutrients from the food before your cat can benefit from them.
• Cats with a worm infestation may also have a dull, lackluster coat and may appear thin or unhealthy.

5. Scooting or Itching Around the Anus

If your cat is constantly scooting its bottom across the floor, or appears to be itchy around the anus, this could be a sign of tapeworms. Tapeworm segments can cause discomfort and itching around the anal area. Cats may try to scratch, lick, or scoot their behinds on the floor to relieve the irritation.

• Fleas are often involved in tapeworm infestations, as cats usually become infected by swallowing fleas during grooming.

6. Bloated Abdomen or Potbelly

In kittens, a bloated abdomen or a "potbelly" is a classic sign of roundworm infection. The roundworms can cause swelling in the stomach, making the kitten appear distended.

• This bloated appearance is due to the large number of worms present in the intestines. In severe cases, the abdomen can appear very swollen and firm to the touch.

7. Lethargy or Weakness

Worms, especially in severe infestations, can cause overall lethargy and weakness. Your cat may become unusually tired, inactive, or sluggish. This is often due to the malnutrition caused by the worms, as they steal vital nutrients from your cat’s body.

• Kittens with roundworm infestations, in particular, may be weak, frail, and may have difficulty gaining weight despite eating normally.

8. Coughing or Difficulty Breathing (For Heartworms)

Though heartworms are less common in cats, they can cause coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. This can be accompanied by lethargy and loss of appetite. Heartworm infestations can be more difficult to detect and often require veterinary intervention for diagnosis.

• Coughing and respiratory issues caused by heartworms are usually most apparent in cats who are heavily infected.

What to Do if You Suspect Your Cat Has Worms

If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s important to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Your veterinarian will likely perform a fecal exam to check for worm eggs or larvae. Depending on the type of worm, your vet may recommend specific deworming medications.

1. Deworming Medication

Your vet will likely prescribe deworming medication that is specifically tailored to treat the type of worms your cat has. The most common dewormers for cats include:

• Pyrantel pamoate (for roundworms, hookworms)
• Praziquantel (for tapeworms)
• Fenbendazole (for roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms)

The medication may come in pill, liquid, or injectable form, depending on your cat’s needs. Your vet will guide you on the proper dosage and schedule for treatment.

2. Flea Control

If your cat has tapeworms, it’s important to also treat any flea infestations, as fleas are often the source of tapeworms. Your vet may recommend a flea treatment in conjunction with deworming medication.

3. Follow-Up Care

After the deworming treatment, it’s important to follow up with your vet to ensure that the worms have been fully eradicated. A fecal exam can confirm whether or not the worms are gone.

Prevention Tips

Preventing worms in cats involves a combination of good hygiene and regular veterinary care:

• Routine deworming: Kittens should be dewormed at regular intervals, usually starting at 2-3 weeks of age. Adult cats should also be dewormed as part of their regular veterinary check-ups.
• Flea control: Use regular flea prevention to prevent tapeworm infections. Fleas are the primary source of tapeworms in cats.
• Proper hygiene: Keep your cat’s environment clean by regularly cleaning the litter box and disposing of feces. Avoid letting your cat roam in areas where they might ingest contaminated food, rodents, or other parasites.
• Limit hunting: Keep your cat indoors or monitor them if they hunt, as hunting rodents increases the risk of tapeworms and other parasitic infections.

Conclusion

Worms in cats are a common health issue, and while they can be tricky to detect, there are several signs to look for. If you notice symptoms like vomiting, weight loss, scooting, or changes in appetite, it’s essential to take your cat to the vet for a proper diagnosis. With the right treatment and prevention, your cat can quickly recover from a worm infestation and live a healthy, happy life.

Regular check-ups, good hygiene, and flea control are key to preventing worms in the future. By staying vigilant and acting quickly, you can keep your cat free from the discomfort and health risks associated with worms.