How Do Cats Get Worms? A Vet’s Guide on How to Avoid Them

After treating hundreds of different pets as veterinarian, parasitic infection is one particular condition that I observed rapidly prevailing in domesticated animals like cats.

One of the most common concerns I address is worms in cats, a problem that can affect any cat, even those that never set paws outside. Now, you might be wondering, how do cats get worms? Or what are the signs of worms in cats? Do not worry because I got you covered!

This article is specifically written to provide clear and expert insights on how cats get worms, the various types they might encounter, and how to treat and prevent these infestations efficiently.

By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in your ability to recognize, treat, and prevent worms in your feline companion. So, let’s start by addressing the basics first.

What are Worms in Cats?

Worms in cats are parasitic organisms that live in the intestines or other parts of a cat's body. Most of the cats get infected by worms by accidentally eating their eggs. If these are not timely diagnosed and treated, they can cause severe health issues in cats, specifically in kittens. According to a study published in the Veterinary Parasitology specialized magazine, more than 45% of the cats in the United States suffer from worms.

Gastrointestinal worms are the most common worms that usually infect cats, but due to their regular occurrence, medical science has already found several solutions and treatments to get rid of them.

Other worms include heartworms and lungworms, but both are way less prevalent in cats and primarily affect dogs. However, the consequences can be severe when they infect cats since even a few worms can cause significant damage.

Types of Worms in Cats

Several types of worms can infect cats; each has its own characteristics and health impact, but cats are highly likely to be affected by gastrointestinal worms, as they are the most common occurrence.

These intestinal parasites generally include:

Roundworms

Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasites found in cats. These are between three and five inches long and visible to the naked eye. With their appearance somewhat similar to spaghetti noodles, they like to steal nutrients from the food your cat ingests. More than 20% of the cat population globally is affected by them.

Tapeworms

Tapeworm is another intestinal parasite found and matured inside a cat’s intestines. Their appearance is flat and ribbon-like inside the intestine and they can grow several inches long, but some parts of the worms can resemble small grains of rice or sesame seeds in your cat's stool. These worms are not always found during a fecal examination because they are passed irregularly.

Hookworms

Hookworms are small, thin worms that latch onto the gastrointestinal wall and feed on the cat's blood. These tiny internal parasites get their name from the hook-like teeth they use to attach themselves to the lining of the intestine.

Hookworms are whitish and are so small that most people do not even notice them on their cat's stool. These are the most harmful internal parasites because of the possibility of intestinal bleeding. Fortunately, this parasite is less common in cats than other worms.

Whipworms

Whipworms are small, thin worms that are 2 to 3 inches long, inhabiting a cat's large intestine and cecum. These parasites are whip-like, thicker from one end and thinner from the other. These are not easily seen in the stool and are diagnosed by your vet, who can identify the eggs under a microscope.

Miscellaneous Worms

Apart from the several common types of worms discussed above, there are also other worm types that can affect cats.

These rare species include parasites like bladder worms and heartworms. These worms are rarely detected in cats because they show no clinical signs that can help detect them.

How Do Cats Get Worms?

There are different types of worms, and all of them vary in how they are contracted, but there are a few common ways that are almost similar in every case.

Contaminated Soil, Water and Feces

Cats can contract worms like whipworms and hookworms by ingesting eggs or larvae in contaminated environments. This can happen when they groom themselves after walking on contaminated soil or come into contact with infected feces. Another rare parasite called lungworm is also contracted when a cat drinks contaminated water.

Eating Infected Prey

Cats that hunt or eat small animals, such as rodents, birds, or insects, are at risk of getting worms like tapeworms and roundworms, which can be transmitted by consuming infected prey.

Swallowing the fleas

When a cat grooms itself, it often ingests fleas that are present on its fur. If these fleas are infested with tapeworm larvae, the cat can become infected with tapeworms.

Mosquito Bites

Rare parasites like heartworms that affect a cat’s heart, blood vessels and lungs are mainly transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitos.

Transmission from Other Pets

If a setting has multiple pets, worms can spread from one animal to another through shared environments, such as litter boxes, sleeping areas, or even shared grooming behaviors.

Parasites Risk in Indoor Vs Outdoor Cats

While both indoor and outdoor cats can get worms, the prevalence and risk of parasites differ. Outdoor cats are at a higher risk of contracting worms due to increased exposure to contaminated soil, water, and infected prey like rodents and birds. They are also more likely to come into contact with other animals, which can carry parasites. In contrast, indoor cats face a lower but still significant risk, primarily from fleas, or contaminated objects.

Personalized deworming treatments, specially curated by vets after examining a cat’s health, should be utilized as a preventive measure to subdue the risks of parasites.

Generally, indoor cats require one or two deworming treatments every year, alongside regular flea control treatments. Outdoor cats, due to their higher exposure risk, may require more frequent deworming, typically every three months, depending on their level of outdoor activity and exposure to other animals.

How to Know If My Cat has Worms?

Knowing if your cat has worms can be challenging, as some cats may not show obvious symptoms. However, there are several signs and indicators you can look out for that may suggest your cat is infected with worms:

Visible Worms in Feces or Vomit

Some cat owners may notice small, white, rice-like segments (tapeworms) or longer, spaghetti-like worms (roundworms) in their cat’s feces, around their anus, or in their vomit. This is one of the most direct signs of a worm infestation.

Increased Appetite

An infected cat may experience a change in appetite, usually resulting in an increased hunger for food. As the worms deprive your cat of vital nutrients, they will demand more food to maintain their body condition.

Vomiting

Vomiting can be a significant sign that your cat may be suffering from a worm infection. While it’s common for cats to vomit occasionally, it’s important not to consider this behavior as normal and treat it as a medical emergency, especially if it becomes frequent. In severe cases, you may even notice worms in the vomit, which is a clear indication of an infestation.

Unusual Weight Loss

Despite a normal or increased appetite, an infected cat might lose weight. This is especially common with tapeworms, which absorb nutrients from your cat's food.

Change in Color of Gums

The gums of a healthy cat should be nice and pink, but if they appear pale or white, your cat may be experiencing anemia due to the worms.

Poor Coat Condition

A dull coat or poor coat condition can be a significant symptom of worms in cats. When a cat is infested with parasites like worms, their body diverts essential nutrients towards combating the infestation rather than maintaining a healthy coat. This nutrient diversion can result in a lackluster, rough, or dry coat.

If you suspect your cat has worms based on these signs, I recommend you take them to a veterinarian for a definitive diagnosis. The vet may conduct a fecal examination to recommend appropriate treatment to eliminate the parasites.

How to Get Rid of Worms in Cats Naturally?

While veterinary treatment is the most effective way to get rid of worms in cats, some natural methods can help prevent and support the treatment of worm infestations. However, it's essential to remember that these natural remedies should complement, not replace, conventional treatment, especially in severe cases. Always consult your veterinarian before trying any natural remedies.

Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, which paralyzes worms, making them easier to expel from the intestines. To utilize this natural remedy, grind raw and unsalted pumpkin seeds into a fine powder and mix it into your cat's food. You can add up to 1 teaspoon in every meal.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another naturally sourced solution for getting rid of worms in cats. It has natural antiparasitic properties that can help to expel worms. Cat owners can start by adding a small amount (1/4 teaspoon per day for small cats, up to 1 teaspoon for larger cats) to their cat's food. Starting with a smaller amount and gradually increasing the quantity is recommended to avoid digestive issues.

Papaya

Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which helps digest proteins and may help break down parasites. You can start by offering your cat a small amount of fresh, ripe papaya or add a small amount of papaya powder to their food.

Garlic

Garlic is a commonly recommended natural dewormer. Some small studies have looked into its use as a dewormer. They did demonstrate a reduction in worm egg production, but no evidence that garlic kills adult worms. In addition, garlic is toxic to cats and so it is unsafe to use as a natural dewormer and should be avoided.

Garlic is more toxic to cats than dogs, though it is harmful to both species. The primary difference lies in their respective levels of sensitivity to the compounds found in garlic, such as thiosulfate, which can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia.

For cats, as little as 5 grams of garlic can cause toxicity, whereas in dogs, the toxic dose is generally around 15-30 grams of garlic per kilogram of body weight. However, these amounts can vary based on the individual animal's health, size, and breed.

While these natural remedies can help reduce the likelihood of worm infestations and support your cat's overall health, they are not a substitute for professional veterinary care. For confirmed worm infections, I always recommend following your vet's treatment recommendations to ensure the complete elimination of the parasites.

How to Treat Worms in Cats?

The best way to treat worms in cats is with deworming medication. However, before starting any systematic deworming treatment, it's highly recommended that your veterinarian performs a coprological test. This test checks for the presence and type of intestinal parasites, ensuring that the correct treatment is administered and unnecessary medications are avoided.

Some worms in cats are killed with a single treatment, while others might require multiple dosages of medication given on a strict schedule over a certain period. Intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are treated with oral, topical, or sometimes injectable formulations prescribed by an expert veterinarian.

Always follow your vet's instructions for dosage amounts and when to administer them.

FAQs

Can Indoor Cats Get Worms?

One common query I regularly get from anxious pet owners is: How do indoor cats get worms? Many pet owners say this because they believe that by limiting their furry friend's outdoor activities, they are cutting off every possible chance of them acquiring worms. Little do they know that, even though indoor cats are less exposed to the outdoors, they can still get worms. One common way is through fleas, which can hitch a ride on clothing, other pets, or even through open windows and doors.

Additionally, indoor cats may come into contact with worm eggs or larvae brought inside on shoes, clothing, or other objects. Even if they don't venture outside, indoor cats can also contract worms from other pets in the household.

What Food Causes Worms in Cats?

Cats can get worms by consuming undercooked or raw meat, as well as non-washed vegetables.

To minimize this risk, especially if you're feeding your cat a BARF diet, offer food grade ingredients as well as freeze the raw meat for at least three weeks before serving it to your cat.

Regarding the veggies, wash and cook them before offering to your cat.

This process will eliminate any potential parasites, ensuring the food is safe for your pet.

Can Cats Get Worms from a Litter Box?

Yes, cats can get worms from a litter box. Litter boxes can contain worm eggs or larvae and cats can ingest these eggs or larvae while grooming themselves after using the box.

Can Humans Get Worms from Cats?

This is another intriguing question that is always at the back of the minds of several pet owners. And yes, I can confidently tell you that humans can get worms from cats.

This process is known as zoonotic transmission and tends to happen when people are gardening without gloves, walking barefoot through infected soil, or if children are playing in a sandbox that has infected feces from cats. The best way to prevent this from happening is to practice good hygiene.

Do I Need to Clean My House If My Cat Has Worms?

Yes, you should clean your house if your cat has worms. Worms can spread through various means, including surfaces, bedding, and other areas where your cat has been. Cleaning your home helps prevent reinfestation and reduces the risk of the worms spreading to other pets or even humans.

Conclusion

Understanding how cats get worms is crucial for their health and well-being. Worms in cats are a common but manageable issue. Whether through natural remedies or veterinary-prescribed treatments, you have the tools to protect your pet from these unwelcome parasites.

Regular deworming, good hygiene practices, and awareness of the risks are all essential in keeping your cat healthy and happy.