Symptoms of Cats With Worms

Parasitic worms are an issue for many cats. Sometimes these cause few health problems, but in some cats, illness from worms can becomes severe--especially for kittens. However, no matter the age of your cat, worms are, at the very least, an unpleasant nuisance and will keep your kitty from feeling her best.

Types

Cats most commonly get roundworm and tapeworm.

Roundworm Symptoms

Worms are sometimes seen in the cat's bowel movements (or vomit) and can cause severe diarrhea. Other serious health problems, such as bowel blockage, can occur.

Tapeworm Symptoms

Tapeworm symptoms are not usually as severe as roundworm. Look for pieces of worm in fresh stool or on the rear of the cat.

General Symptoms

In the absence of visible worms, consider pale gums, lethargy, bloated belly and poor coat to be possible signs of worm infestation.

Prevention/Solution

Cats get tapeworm by eating fleas. Prevent this parasite by keeping your cat away from fleas.
Cats usually get roundworm by eating roundworm eggs. Keep cats indoors and away from infected animals.

Treatment

According to marvistavet.com, roundworms are killed with the drug piperazine, among many other kinds of medicine, and tapeworm is usually treated with praziquantel.

Resources

• More about roundworm symptoms in cats
• More about tapeworm in cats