How to Treat Roundworm in Feral Cats
Roundworms are very common intestinal parasites. Roundworms have the appearance of a spaghetti noodle and often can be seen with the naked eye in a cat's stool or vomit. Most kittens are born with roundworms. If the mother cat has roundworms they can be passed to her kittens when she nurses them. (see reference 1) Roundworms produce eggs that are shed from the cat through their stool. If another cat comes in contact with the infected stool, that cat can then get roundworms. If you have a colony of feral cats nearby it is more than likely if one cat has roundworms then the entire colony is also infected. (see reference 2)
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Things You'll Need
- small trap cage
- heavy pair of work gloves
- access to a veterinarian
- cat food
- water
Instructions
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Caring For Feral Cats
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1
Place cat food and water in an accessible area. By feeding the feral cats they will begin to trust the area and will return daily for a meal. Feral cats are skittish by nature so it will take some time before you are able to capture them.
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2
Set up a small trap cage and put the food and water inside the cage. A feral cat will eventually enter the trap cage to get to the food and water. Once they enter the cage, the door will shut, trapping them inside. Wear gloves to protect your hands before trying to move the trap cage.
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3
Transport the feral cat to a local veterinarian or shelter. Most feral cats are in need of a health check. If roundworms are suspected the veterinarian can confirm by testing a stool sample obtained from the cat. Allow the veterinarian to diagnose and treat the feral cat.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Many veterinarians and animal shelters offer low cost care or free services to people who help capture and treat feral cats.
Once a cat is treated for roundworms they may need treatment again in the future; treatment gets rid of the parasite but does not prevent future infestations.
Never try to treat a feral cat yourself, as feral cats can be dangerous.
Do not try to give roundworm medication to feral cats by putting the medication in their food because there is no guarantee they will eat the food with the medication in it.
