How to Prevent Worms in Cats

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:

• Worming Medicine
• Flea Fogger
• Flea/tick Spray
• Scratching Posts
• Cat Flea/tick Collars
• Cat Shampoos
• Flea Combs
• Flea Shampoos
• Veterinarian

1. 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.
2. Limit your cat's contact with soil and dirt, which can contain worms in their larval and egg stages.
3. Prevent your cat from catching and eating rodents and birds, which almost always harbor intestinal parasites in their intermediate life stages (larvae and eggs).
4. Isolate your cat from stray or newly adopted cats, dogs, kittens and puppies until they can be checked for worms and treated if necessary.
5. 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.
6. Groom your kitty regularly to be aware of any infestation with fleas. Then take measures to prevent infestation with tapeworms.
7. Consider keeping your cat indoors to reduce the chance of parasite infestation.
8. 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.