How to Prevent Worms in Cats

By eHow Pets Editor

Rate: (13 Ratings)

When your cat has worms, not only is it unhealthy for the animal but it's also a health risk for you and your family. Learn how to prevent this common problem, experienced by indoor as well as outdoor cats.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Take your cat to a veterinarian for a complete physical exam. Request that a fecal specimen be checked for intestinal parasites (worms), then administer any medication as prescribed.
Step2
Limit your cat's contact with soil and dirt, which can contain worms in their larval and egg stages.
Step3
Prevent your cat from catching and eating rodents and birds, which almost always harbor intestinal parasites in their intermediate life stages (larvae and eggs).
Step4
Isolate your cat from stray or newly adopted cats, dogs, kittens and puppies until they can be checked for worms and treated if necessary.
Step5
Treat your cat and your home with products that control all stages of fleas - adult, larval and egg - since fleas can transmit tapeworms to cats.
Step6
Groom your kitty regularly to be aware of any infestation with fleas. Then take measures to prevent infestation with tapeworms.
Step7
Consider keeping your cat indoors to reduce the chance of parasite infestation.
Step8
Have a stool specimen checked twice yearly to be certain that your cat remains parasite-free.

Tips & Warnings

  • Treatment of kittens at three weeks of age is recommended, as they are likely to be born infested with worms.
  • Bathing your cat will remove fleas, flea debris and eggs, reducing environmental contamination.
  • Ask a veterinarian about safe and effective new products for parasite control.
  • Select products that are friendly to the environment as well as safe for your family and your cat.
  • Avoid home remedies and over-the-counter products, which may be toxic and ineffective.
  • Never give your cat worm medication without your veterinarian's approval.
  • Contact your veterinarian immediately if your cat shows any signs of illness (vomiting, diarrhea, tremors or poor coordination) after administration of worm medication.

Comments

| View All Comments
Flag This Comment

on 12/7/2007 Hi everyone, I have an indoor cat. When I look at her stool, it sometimes has these little worms crawling. Does this mean she has worms? This month my budget is tight and I don't know if I can afford to take her to a Vet. Does anyone have any suggestions or remedies or even know a low price vet in NYC?

Flag This Comment

on 12/7/2007 Hello everyone. I have an indoor cat and when I look at her stool it sometimes has these little live worm crawling. I am a single mom of two kids and this month is a difficult month for me to spend money to take her to a vet. Does anyone have any remedies or suggestions or even know of a low price vet in NYC?

vasha said

Flag This Comment

on 11/4/2007 What idiot recommended giving garlic to cats? It's toxic to cats.
NEVER EVER put anything in or on your pet from Hartz!!!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 6/30/2006 Hartz products are known to have killed cats. If you suspect your cat has worms, please have a vet check it out. Don't buy over the counter products.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 3/15/2006 I have an indoor cat that sleeps with us and I didn't want to use Frontline or anything like that. The veterinarian suggested Capstar. It's safe enough to use everyday for cats or dogs. It's a small tiny pill that I put on the back of her tongue and she swallows it. It starts killing fleas within 30 minutes and lasts for 24 hours. I only use Capstar when I see a flea on her, and that's not often since she's a totally inside cat.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Prevent Worms in Cats

eHow Pets Editor

eHow Pets Editor

Category: Pets

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads