Worms in cats: signs, symptoms and remedies for treatment

Maintaining our furry friends’ health is of utmost importance. Worms are a common problem that cat owners may encounter. Oftentimes, you won’t even be aware that your cat has these bothersome parasites in their system. Maintaining the health and happiness of your cat depends on you being aware of what to watch out for.

What better way to find out if your cat has worms? There are a number of symptoms and indicators to be aware of. These hints, which range from alterations in appetite to strange conduct, can assist you in spotting issues early on. Gaining the upper hand in making sure your cat gets the care they require will come from your understanding of these symptoms.

Cat worm treatment doesn’t have to be difficult. There are workable solutions that can help resolve the problem. Knowing your options, whether it’s over-the-counter remedies or veterinary advice, can make a big difference. Now let’s get specific so you can prevent worms from bothering your cherished feline!

Symptoms and signs of helminthiasis

Animals of different ages and immune systems frequently exhibit different helminthiasis symptoms. The early indications of infection could not appear for a while or could be mistaken for symptoms of other illnesses.

If a cat displays any of the following symptoms, it most likely has worms:

• weakness and decreased activity;
• loose stools alternating with constipation;
• lack of appetite;
• flatulence;
• dullness and hair loss;
• rashes near the anus.

Additionally, fleas in the fur are one indicator that there are parasites inside the body.

Even if your pet exhibits multiple of the above symptoms, do not feel compelled to give them anthelmintic medications right away. Only in a veterinary laboratory can helminthiasis be accurately diagnosed through a stool or blood test.

It’s important for pet owners to recognize the symptoms of worms in cats, which can range from weight loss to changes in appetite and behavior. Worms in cats can be a serious problem that frequently goes unnoticed until symptoms become apparent. In order to protect your cat’s health and wellbeing, this article will examine the different kinds of worms that may afflict your furry friend, emphasize the most important symptoms to look out for, and offer workable solutions and treatment choices.

Types of worms

[Gray]Depending on the type of parasite, different signs may indicate different worms in cats.[/green]

Tapeworms

Along with raw meat or fish, including rats and mice that have been consumed, they enter the animal’s body. Cats that have them either gain weight or lose a lot of weight, exhibit obvious bloating in their bellies, and frequently lick their anus. Worms have been observed in their vomit on occasion.

Cats can contract tapeworms, one kind of worm. These worms can reach lengths of several meters and have a long, flat body. They can produce a number of symptoms, such as appetite loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. Usually, they reside in the intestines of cats. Fleas and other insects that feed on cat blood can spread tapeworms. You must routinely treat your cat for fleas and other insects, as well as keep an eye on its diet and hygiene, to prevent tapeworm infection.

Ascaris (roundworms)

Cause cats to throw up, have diarrhea, and lose weight. Mother’s milk is one way that you can get infected in addition to outside sources.

Cats frequently harbor roundworms called Ascaris (toxocara). These worms reside in the small intestine and can grow up to 10 cm in length. Cats with roundworm infections may experience weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. But a lot of cats might just be silent carriers. Cat vomit or feces may contain adult roundworms. Anthelmintic medications, such as praziquantel and ivermectin, are part of the treatment.

Nematodes

Compared to their "brothers" mentioned above, they are far smaller, but they have the potential to kill the animal. Cats with this kind of parasite infection experience diarrhea, black feces mixed with blood, and sores and rashes on the skin and paws.

One of the most prevalent worm infections in cats are nematodes, also known as roundworms. A cat’s heart, lungs, and intestines all contain these worms. Toxocara, Toxascaris, Ancylostoma, and Uncinaria helminths are among the most prevalent nematode species found in cats. Animals carrying nematodes in their feces or contaminated soil can spread the parasites. Depending on the type of nematode involved, symptoms of a helminthic infection can vary, but typically involve vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and appetite loss. Antiparasitic medications are typically used to treat nematodes in cats.

Treatment – under the supervision of a professional

What should you do if your cat exhibits every helminthiasis symptom? Use home cures or get cheap medications from a veterinary pharmacy to combat them? Attempt to give her a canine or human anthelmintic? Such methods should be discarded right away because they are ineffective and run the risk of infecting the owners with helminths in addition to killing the animal.

If cats have worms, a veterinarian with the necessary training and experience must treat them. This is particularly true for young kittens, whose immune systems are still developing and make them more susceptible to the negative effects of parasites. Only a medical expert can determine which medications won’t damage infants and will hasten their recuperation.

Among the techniques used to "drive out worms" from pets are:

1. sugar cubes with an active substance;
2. tablets;
3. suspensions;
4. drops on the withers.

Certain anthelmintic medications target a particular kind of parasite, while other medications have a broad range of effects.

Tablet for a cat

You cannot tell a pet, like a small child, why they need to take medication. It will therefore be necessary to "treat by force" the animal. The cat’s jaws can be opened by placing the tablet in its mouth. Alternatively, using a syringe without a needle, put into the mouth after being previously crushed and combined with water.

You can mix the crushed tablet with your pet’s preferred food, such as minced meat or canned food.

The anthelmintic should be used exactly as directed by the manufacturer. In order to prevent body poisoning, the animal must be given an absorbent medication after ingesting it, and care must be taken to ensure that the cat uses the restroom. You are going to need to take a laxative if there was no defecation.

Cats that have proven to have worms are treated with antiparasitic medications once every two weeks. Such medications are taken once in order to prevent. Prior to vaccination, the antihelminthic medication must be taken.

Anthelmintic medications should not be given to pregnant cats or kittens younger than three weeks old.

Keep shoes out of the "cat’s reach" area, clean the tray thoroughly, and refrain from giving the cat raw fish or meat during the treatment period.

Knowing about cat worms is essential for any owner of a pet. You can guarantee your feline friend’s continued health and happiness by identifying the warning signs and symptoms early on. Keep an eye out for alterations in appearance, appetite, and behavior. These small clues have the power to change everything.

There are options for treatment, and they can be very successful. Preventative care, such as deworming, and routine veterinary examinations are crucial. The best course of action for your cat should always be determined after consulting with a veterinarian.

Ultimately, having knowledge gives you the ability to make the best decisions for your cat’s welfare. To ensure that your pet is healthy and happy in your house, a little knowledge goes a long way.

Video on the topic

How to detect worms and whether prevention is necessary? – Dr. Komarovsky

Toxocariasis – helminthic invasion from dogs and cats. How dangerous is the disease.

How to remove worms from a cat

Worms in a cat, anthelmintic tablets. Veterinarian"s advice