How to Get Rid of Wolf Worms in Your Cat

Wolf worms burrow into the skin of cats, feeding on wounded tissue and infection.

Cats, especially outdoor cats or cats with access to the outdoors, are prone to picking up parasites, including fleas, ticks and mites. Worms are another parasite your cat may encounter. Wolf worms occur in cats when a botfly lays its eggs in an open wound. The eggs hatch and become larvae, or wolf worms, that feed on the wounded tissue. These parasites release deadly toxins and must be eliminated for the health of your pet.

Things You'll Need

• Warm water
• Cloth or gauze pad
• Tweezers
• Rubbing alcohol
• Antibacterial ointment

Instructions

1. Create a warm compress by soaking a clean cloth or gauze pad in warm (not hot) water.

2. Place the compress on the wounded area of the cat's body where the wolf worm is, holding the compress in place for five to ten minutes. If you have trouble locating the wolf worm, look for a lump on your cat's skin with a hole in it.

3. Pluck the wolf worm from the cat's body using tweezers when it comes to the surface of the cat's skin. The wolf worm is 1/2-inch long and tan in color. It has a brown spot on one end of its body.

4. Clean the affected area using a solution of one part rubbing alcohol to two parts water.

5. Apply antibacterial ointment to the area after it has been thoroughly cleaned.

6. Repeat Steps 4-5 twice daily until you get to your vet for treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Your cat may be infected with more than one wolf worm. Repeat the steps of this article for each area of your cat's skin that is affected by wolf worms.

• Do not press too hard when plucking the worm from your cat's body. This could cause the worm to burst and release toxins into your cat's bloodstream or muscles, creating a deep tissue or blood infection.

• Seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible to ensure that your cat is thoroughly cured of wolf worms. These worms can release deadly toxins into your cat's bloodstream, and if they have entered a wound, the wound may need further treatment.

• Veterinary treatment is necessary for all wolf worm cases.

References

• AllAboutWorms.com: All About Parasite Wolf Worm
• "Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat, Not a Sour Puss"; Pamela Johnson-Bennett; 2000