How to Tell If a Cat Has Worms

Worms are a common problem in cats and dogs. In fact, most puppies and kittens are born with them which is why it is important to worm them once they reach the appropriate age. Although most worms do not cause any serious problems they can deplete your pet of necessary nutrients. Here are a few ways to tell if your cat has worms.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Observe whether any worms can be seen in your cat's stool. Sometimes live worms will be passed in your cat's feces and are easily visible. This is the most obvious way to tell if your cat has worms.

2. Notice the belly size. Young kittens with worms often have a distended abdomen. A big belly may be a sign that the stomach is full of worms. The kitten should be seen by a veterinarian.

3. Eliminate any fleas in your home or on your pet. Worm infestations can occur when cats ingest fleas through biting and licking while attempting to remove them from their coats during grooming. If you eliminate the fleas, there will be less chance of your pet suffering from worms.

4. Don't let mom pass them on. Kittens can get worms from the mother. Make sure your cat has been wormed but don't worm a pregnant or nursing cat. Make sure mom is free of fleas also, otherwise newborn kittens can become infested. Once they are old enough to begin grooming themselves, they can ingest the fleas that may also put them at risk of a worm infestation.

5. Examine your cat's stool. No, you don't have to get out the microscope and take an up close look but you can get a look at the cat's droppings while changing the litter box. Notice if there is any blood in the stool. Does it have a dark, tar-like appearance? Does your cat seem to have frequent diarrhea? These are all signs of possible worm infestation.

6. Notice whether your cat vomits frequently. Vomiting is another symptom of a possible infestation of worms. In fact, the vomit may sometimes contain actual worms or worm segments.

7. Worm and worm again. You should worm kittens when they are young approximately between 10 and 12 weeks of age. Some veterinarians recommend worming as young as between 6 and 8 weeks. If you are uncertain consult your veterinarian. Worm infestations often recur so you should worm your cat periodically. You can purchase worm medication from your local pet store or possibly the veterinarian's office. Follow the instructions accordingly and repeat as instructed. If your cat seems to suffer from a severe worm infestation, conuslt your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

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[jull14]

on 7/19/2009 Excellent article many of us should write article as inspiring as yours. I always love to read article that can help me live better and this is one of this article, thanks so much for sharing. This article is very clear and provided easy steps to follow. Thanks