How to Worm Cats
Cats develop internal parasites from ingesting infected fleas, feces and rodents, or they acquire them as kittens from their mothers. They're susceptible to roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and heartworm. Symptoms indicating a worm infestation include diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, weight loss, coughing and visible segments in their stool. The ASPCA advises against treating worms yourself with over-the-counter medications, because some of the medications can be harmful. Fecal testing and examination by a veterinarian ensure the correct identification of parasites and proper treatment.
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Instructions
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Collect a fresh stool sample from your cat within 24 hours of the veterinarian appointment. Place it in a lidded jar or plastic baggie if your veterinarian does not provide a container for it. Refrigerate the sample if you don't collect it immediately before the appointment.
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Administer medications as prescribed by your veterinarian.
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Repeat the treatment three weeks later or as directed by the veterinarian. Roundworm medications won't kill migrating larvae during the first treatment. If the cat has tapeworms from fleas, a second treatment eliminates any they ingested during the course of flea treatment.
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Provide a monthly preventive treatment such as Heartgard or Interceptor to prevent heartworm, which cannot be cured.
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Collect a stool sample annually for fecal testing to ensure the cat remains free from worms, and return to the veterinarian in the meantime if you notice more symptoms of intestinal parasites.
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Tips & Warnings
Maintain a flea-free home to help prevent tapeworms.
Keeping cats indoors helps prevent exposure to infected animals.
References
Resources
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