Salt Water Enema to Treat Worms in Cats

There are various treatments and home remedies to treat the infestations of worms in felines. The use of a salt water enema may be helpful to cure a pet of intestinal worms.

Types of Worms

There are several different types of worms that can be found in a cat's intestinal tract. These include roundworms and hookworms, as well as tapeworms.

The Saline Enema

Your veterinarian will most likely provide your with either a recipe or the actual enema itself. Human enema formulas cannot be used on cats and can be harmful if they are attempted on a cat.

Providing Treatment

Many people will have an enema given to their pet at the veterinarian's office, however, this can be done at home with two individuals. One person will be needed to restrain the cat and one will need to provide the enema rectally with the use of a lubricating agent.

Effects of Treatment

After the enema has been administered, the cat should have a bowel movement. The fecal mass should be more soft than usual and may even be watery. Dr. Pollen suggests that it is common for cats to vomit during or after an enema has been administered.

Risks

For the obvious reasons, cats do not like the enema treatment. Enemas commonly irritate the cat's rectum. Be sure to be gentle when inserting the enema if you are doing it yourself. Never use soap enemas. The soap will agitate the rectum and anal tract. If your cat does vomit, be sure to lay it on its side and help clear the airway of the throat. Sever vomiting can be fatal for cats.

Continuing Treatment

According to Dr. Pollen, founder of the Vancouver Animal Wellness Hospital, enemas can take up to several hours to soften the fecal mass. Even after the mass has been softened and released from the cat's body, more enemas will need to be administered to ensure the all the worms are removed from the cat's system. She suggests one per day for three days.

References

• The Pet Center
• Treating Consitpation in Cats: Enemas

Resources

• Pet Education