🪱 Worms in Cats: The Ultimate Vet Guide – 2025 🐱

Hello dedicated feline caregivers! 😺 I’m Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, and in this comprehensive 2025 guide, we explore everything you need to know about worms in cats: types, signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and how Ask A Vet supports you from your couch. Let’s keep your whiskered friend healthy and parasite-free! 🧡

1️⃣ What Are “Worms” in Cats?

“Worms” refer to parasitic infections—most commonly intestinal nematodes and cestodes. These parasites inhabit the digestive tract and, in some cases, lungs or urinary system. They include:

• Roundworms (e.g., Toxocara cati)—common, spaghetti-like worms (~3–6″) :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Hookworms (e.g., Ancylostoma species)—tiny, blood-feeding nematodes (~1 cm) :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum, Taeniaspp.)—flat, segmented worms up to ~18 in :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Whipworms (Trichuris spp.)—rare, inhabit colon :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Lungworms (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus)—rare; affect lungs :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• Bladder worms (Capillaria feliscati)—rare; in urinary system :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

2️⃣ How Cats Get Worms 🧭

• Ingesting eggs (round/hook/whipworms) from feces, soil, or contaminated surfaces :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Eating prey (rodents/birds) with larval stages (round, tapeworms) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Flea ingestion leads to tapeworms :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Larvae penetrating skin (hookworms) :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Drinking from contaminated water (lung/bladder worms) :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

3️⃣ Common Clinical Signs 🧐

Symptoms vary by parasite load/type:

• Diarrhea (may include blood/mucus), vomiting
• Weight loss, poor growth (especially kittens), pot‑bellied appearance :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Coughing (roundworm larvae migrating through lungs) :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Pale gums, anemia (hookworms) :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Lethargy, dehydration, dull coat :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Visible worms/segments in feces or around anus (tapeworm segments look like rice) :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

4️⃣ Risks to Human Health 🌍

Some worms can infect people:

• Roundworms can cause visceral or ocular larva migrans—especially in children :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Hookworm larvae can penetrate human skin causing creeping eruptions :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Tapeworms pose low risk but rare human infection via flea ingestion :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

5️⃣ Diagnosis 🧪

• Fecal flotation to identify worm eggs in stool :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Repeat fecals (3+ samples) due to intermittent shedding, especially for whipworms :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Visual recognition of worms or segments :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Clinical signs and history—especially coughing in lungworm cases :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Additional tests: bloodwork for anemia, imaging in severe cases

6️⃣ Treatment & Deworming 💊

✔️ Roundworms:

Fenbendazole, pyrantel, piperazine, milbemycin—repeat after 2–3 weeks to catch maturing larvae :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

✔️ Hookworms:

Fenbendazole, pyrantel, milbemycin; also address anemia & pale gums :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

✔️ Tapeworms:

Praziquantel or epsiprantel; manage fleas to break lifecycle :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

✔️ Whipworms:

Fenbendazole for several days + repeat treatment in 3–4 months :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

✔️ Lungworms & Bladder worms:

Fenbendazole or milbemycin; lung lavage or urinary sediment may be needed for diagnosis :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

✔️ Supportive care:

• Fluid therapy for dehydration
• Nutrition support for weight loss
• Iron supplementation in anemia

7️⃣ Prevention Is Key 🛡️

• Monthly broad-spectrum parasite prevention (includes intestinal worms and fleas) :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
• Routine fecal screening every 6–12 months
• Clean litter regularly; disinfect boxes and bedding daily :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
• Limit hunting and exposure to raw prey
• Manage fleas diligently to prevent tapeworms

8️⃣ Monitoring & Prognosis 📈

• Treatment outcome is usually excellent :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
• Repeat fecals at 2–4 weeks post-treatment to verify clearance
• Long-term success depends on consistent prevention

9️⃣ When to Contact Ask A Vet 📲

Let us help if you notice:

• Visible worms/segments in feces or vomit
• Chronic diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss
• Pale gums, lethargy, pot-bellied kittens
• Coughing associated with respiratory worms
• Post-treatment concerns or questions on prevention

Ask A Vet can help guide testing priorities, dosing plans, environment cleanup, and follow-up timing. Expert care is just a message away—anytime! ❤️🐾

🔟 Quick Reference Table 📊

💡 Dr Duncan’s Final Thoughts

Worms are common, but entirely preventable and treatable. With vigilant prevention, timely testing, and proper deworming, your cat can live a vibrant, healthy life. And if you ever worry or need guidance, Ask A Vet is here 24/7 to support you every step of the way! 😊🐾

Dr Duncan Houston BVSc — your partner in feline parasite prevention. Visit AskAVet.com and download the app for expert care anytime. 📱