Last Updated on March 1, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Deworming cats is crucial for cat owners. When we talk about worms, we usually think about the long wiggly ones we see in the soil.
But worms that live in animals like dogs and cats are different and can be a big problem. They’re like tiny pests that can make your cat sick.
It’s really important for cat owners to deworm their cats. Doing this can actually save your cat’s life. Kittens, especially, can get very sick if they have worms in their bodies.
This is because kittens are still growing and need enough good food to grow properly. Worms take away these important nutrients from kittens, which can make them unhealthy.
As a pet owner, it’s important to know about the different types of worms that can affect your cat, what signs to look for if your cat has worms, what things make it more likely for your cat to get worms, and how to treat and prevent worms in your cat.
Types of Worms in Cats
Deworming cats is an important thing to do because cats can get different kinds of worms that can make them sick.
Some common worms that cats can get are:
Roundworms: These worms are the most common in cats and dogs. They live in the intestines and can make cats sick, especially when they are young. Cats can get roundworms from eating things like roundworm eggs, mice, or drinking milk from a mom cat who has roundworms.
Hookworms: These worms live in your cat’s intestines and eat their blood. They are very dangerous, especially for young kittens, because they can cause bleeding in the intestines. Cats can get hookworms from contaminated soil or poop.
Tapeworms: These worms are long and skinny, and they stick to your cat’s intestines. They have different parts called segments, and each segment can make more worms. You might see these segments in your cat’s poop, and they can look like tiny seeds or rice grains. Cats can get tapeworms from eating fleas or infected rodents.
Sometimes, cats can also get other worms and parasites like whipworms, stomach worms, coccidia, giardia, or toxoplasma, but this is rare.
Cat Worm Symptoms
How can you know if your cat has worms? Well, it depends on what kind of worms they have and how bad it is. But generally, your cat might show these signs:
- Fur not looking shiny
- Coughing, hacking, or wheezing sounds
- Throwing up
- Runny poops with mucus or blood
- Not wanting to eat much
- Gums inside the mouth looking pale
- Tummy looking big or swollen
- Feeling weak because of not having enough red blood cells
- Not having enough water in their body
Cats with a lot of worms might lose weight, feel itchy around the bottom, and not grow well. Sometimes, cats can pass on these worms to people, making them very sick.
Cat Worm Risk Factors
Outdoor cats have a higher chance of getting worms than indoor cats, but even indoor cats can get them. There are a few ways your cat could get worms:
From their mom: Kittens can get worms from their mom’s milk when they’re born.
Prey: Worms can be in poop from other animals. If a cat touches or eats something with worm eggs, like infected stools, they could get worms.
Environmental: Worms can be in places like grass that’s been contaminated by poop or other animals. If a cat touches or eats something from there, they could get worms.
Hunting: Cats that hunt small animals like rabbits or mice might get worms from eating those animals.
Fleas: Fleas can carry worms, like tapeworms. If a cat has fleas and swallows them, they could get worms.
Food: If a cat eats meat that’s not cooked enough, it could have worms in it.
If you don’t treat and deworm your cat, it could have serious problems like blocked intestines, heart issues, swollen arteries, or even die. So it’s important to keep your cat healthy by deworming them regularly.
Identifying Worms in Cats
If your cat is having diarrhea and tummy troubles, it might mean they have worms. Take them to the vet. The vet will check their poop to find out which worms they have using a special test called an ova & parasites fecal exam. This test is good at finding worms like giardia, coccidia, and other worms.
You can also ask for another test called a fecal PCR test, which checks for even more things like bacteria or viruses. Both tests need a small poop sample. The vet will send it to a lab to check.
Treating and Preventing Worms in Cats
If you’re wondering how to make sure your cat doesn’t have worms or how to get rid of them if they do, then you might want to think about deworming cats.
When you suspect your cat has worms, it’s crucial to promptly administer deworming cat medicine. Kittens, especially, can become seriously ill from worms, underscoring the importance of swift treatment.
Fortunately, deworming cats medicines effective for kittens, provided you administer the correct dosage.
There are different kinds of medicine you can use to deworm cats, and they’re not all the same. Some you can get without needing a vet’s prescription, but these over the counter (OTC) medicines might not work as well as the ones you get with a prescription from a vet.
It’s better to talk to a vet to make sure your cat gets the right treatment. When you talk to the vet, they’ll think about things like what kind of worms your cat might have, how old and heavy your cat is, and if they’ve had any health issues before.
If the vet gives you a prescription for medicine, make sure to follow the instructions exactly. Sometimes cats can get worms again even after they’ve been treated, so it’s important to do things to stop them from getting worms in the future.
That means keeping their area clean, using special cleaners for their litter box, and making sure they’re not around too many other animals or bugs like fleas, ticks, or mice.
How Frequently Should Cats Be Dewormed?
Deworming cats is important to keep them healthy and happy. How often you deworm your cat depends on its age, where it lives, and if it goes outside.
If your cat goes outside a lot, it should be dewormed every three months. Some vets say once a month is even better, especially if your cat spends a lot of time outdoors.
Even if your cat stays inside most of the time, it should still be dewormed every three months if it has contact with outdoor animals or goes outside sometimes.
If your cat hangs out with a lot of other cats, it might need to be dewormed more often to stay healthy.
Deworming kittens is essential because they are more susceptible to roundworms than adult cats. Starting deworming early is crucial, with kittens as young as three weeks old needing deworming every two weeks until they reach eight weeks of age. After that, they should be dewormed once a month until they reach six months old.
Note: Deworming cats price over $15 per treatment, depending on factors such as the type of medication and the size of the cat. If anyone wants to learn more about pets, they can read our articles at harpersatelier.
Frequently Asked Question
How to Deworm a Cat at Home?
To deworming cats at home, you can use over-the-counter deworming medication specifically formulated for cats. Follow the instructions provided on the medication packaging or consult your veterinarian for guidance. Additionally, keeping your cat’s living area clean and practicing good hygiene can help prevent reinfestation.
What is the Dosage for Deworming Cats?
The deworming cats dosage varies depending on the specific deworming medication being used and the weight of the cat.
It’s crucial to follow the instructions provided on the medication packaging or consult your veterinarian for the appropriate dosage based on your cat’s individual needs.
What to Expect After Deworming a Cat?
After deworming a cat, expect a reduction in worm-related symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, and possibly the presence of worms in the stool. Temporary deworming cats side effects like lethargy or mild gastrointestinal upset may occur but typically resolve quickly.
How often to Deworm Indoor Cats?
Indoor cats should typically be dewormed at least once every three to six months, depending on their risk factors and exposure to potential sources of parasites.
However, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate deworming schedule for your specific cat based on their individual needs and circumstances.
How do you Worming Kittens Under 12 Weeks?
Indoor cats should typically be dewormed at least once every three to six months, depending on their risk factors and exposure to potential sources of parasites.
However, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian to determine the most appropriate deworming schedule for your specific cat based on their individual needs and circumstances.
How to Perform External Deworming on Cats?
For external deworming cats, utilize topical treatments like spot-on solutions or flea collars containing active ingredients. Apply as directed to effectively eliminate and repel external parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, ensuring continuous protection.
What is Deworming Cats?
Deworming cats meaning as the process of administering medication to eliminate internal parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, from a cat’s gastrointestinal tract.
What are the Aftereffects of Deworming Cats?
The deworming cats after effects can vary depending on the type of medication used and the individual cat’s reaction. Common aftereffects may include temporary lethargy, mild gastrointestinal upset, or changes in appetite.
It’s essential to monitor your cat closely after deworming and consult your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms.
What are the Benefits of Deworming Cats?
Deworming cats benefits include eliminating internal parasites, which improves their health and reduces the risk of transmission to other pets and humans.
When to Give Second Dose of Dewormer for Cats?
Give the second dose of dewormer for cats two to four weeks after the initial treatment, following instructions from your veterinarian or the dewormer packaging.
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