How to Get Rid of Worms in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Is your cat acting off? Vomiting, losing weight, and dragging its bottom across the floor? These could be signs your cat has worms, a common but serious health issue. Worms in your cat don’t just affect their health, they can also affect humans and other pets.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about worms in cats, how they get them, the types of worms to look out for, the symptoms your cat will show, how vets treat worms in cats, and most importantly, how to prevent a worm infestation.

The Impact of Worms in Cats

Worms in cats may not seem like a big deal but they can have a big impact on your cat’s health. These parasites deprive your cat of vital nutrients, weaken their immune system and in severe cases can be life threatening. Indoor cats are less likely to be exposed to worms, but they're not immune. Outdoor cats are more at risk from hunting, contact with infected animals or eating feces. Worms feed off the nutrients in your cat’s body, leading to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and bloating.

Behaviourally, your cat may become irritable or lethargic due to discomfort or malnutrition. Kittens and older cats have different vulnerabilities. Worm larvae can infect cats from birth via their mothers, making young kittens especially susceptible. Adult cats still get worm infections, but their immune systems handle them slightly better, though not always.

If you're wondering if worms can spread to humans, the answer is yes, some worms from cats have zoonotic potential, meaning they can infect humans, especially children or people with weakened immune systems. So always practice good hygiene and deworm your cat.

How Do Cats Get Worms? Ways Your Cat Can Become Infected

Knowing the causes of worms in cats can help you take the right precautions to keep them safe. Here are the most common ways that cats become infected:

• Hunting Infected Prey: When your cat eats infected animals like mice, birds, lizards or even insects, they can also ingest worm larvae hiding in the prey's tissues. This behaviour is a natural hunting instinct, especially in outdoor cats, but it poses a high risk of infection.
• Mother-to-Kitten Transmission: A mother cat infested with worms can pass them to her kittens through the placenta before birth or through her milk during nursing.
• Contact with Contaminated Environments: Worm eggs can survive for a long time in soil, poop, or surfaces, waiting to infect a new host. Cats are curious by nature, and a simple sniff, paw touch, or lick in a contaminated area can result in ingestion. Cats can also get infected through contaminated food or water bowls left outside.
• Ingesting Fleas: Some fleas can carry tapeworm larvae. When a cat ingests fleas during grooming, those larvae can develop into adult tapeworms in the intestine. Even indoor cats are at risk if fleas manage to get into the home.
• Unsanitary Conditions: Poor sanitation, like dirty litter boxes, food and water bowls, or bedding can expose cats to worm eggs or infected feces. In environments with many cats, such as shelters or multi-cat homes, the risk of becoming infected with worms increases without proper hygiene practices.

Types of Worms in Cats

Most worms in your cat begin as ingested eggs or larvae, then grow into adult worms that reproduce inside your cat, continuing the cycle until broken with deworming medication. Several different types of worms can infest your cat, each affecting them in specific ways. 

Common Types of Intestinal Worms in Cats

Roundworms

The most common intestinal parasites, especially in kittens. These roundworms resemble long spaghetti and live in the intestines, where they release eggs that are passed out in the stool. Roundworm infections cause bloating, poor coat condition, and digestive upset.

Tapeworms

These flat, segmented worms attach to the intestinal lining and absorb nutrients from your cat’s diet. You may notice dried segments, resembling grains of rice, near your cat’s anus, in feces, or on bedding. Tapeworms are often transmitted through flea ingestion.

Hookworms

Though small and hard to spot, Hookworms are particularly harmful. They attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood, which can lead to serious symptoms like anemia, weight loss, and bloody or dark, tarry stools. In kittens, a heavy hookworm burden can be life-threatening.

Whipworms

Less commonly found in cats but still possible, whipworms infect cats by burrowing into the lining of the large intestine. They cause inflammation, chronic diarrhea, and discomfort. Infections may go unnoticed for some time due to subtle symptoms.

Heartworm in Cats

Although Heartworm in cats is less frequent than in dogs, it is more difficult to detect and treat. These worms live in the heart and lungs, potentially causing coughing, breathing issues, lethargy, or even sudden death. Even a small number of heartworms can cause severe damage in cats.

Signs and Symptoms of Worms in Cats

Wondering if your cat is infested with worms? Here are common signs of worms to watch for:

• Digestive Upset: Frequent vomiting, diarrhea, or even bouts of constipation can be early indicators of a worm infestation, as the worms disrupt normal digestion and irritate the gastrointestinal tract.
  
  
• Visible Worms: In some cases, you may see worms directly in your cat’s vomit, poop, or around the anus. Look out for tapeworm segments, which often resemble small grains of rice or sesame seeds.
  
  
• Coat Changes: An infected cat may develop a dry, dull or rough coat. This happens when worms feeding on vital nutrients lead to malnutrition and a decline in skin and fur health.
  
  
• Behavioural Shifts: Watch for changes in behaviour such as lethargy, increased appetite, or unusual actions like scooting across the floor. Cats typically show signs of discomfort or become more irritable when dealing with internal parasites.
  
  
• Weight Fluctuations and Bloating: Your cat may experience unexpected weight loss or appear bloated. This is especially true for young kittens, where the presence of worms in large numbers can swell the stomach while still causing nutrient loss.
  
  

Worm Treatment: How Vets Treat and Diagnose Worms in Cats

If you suspect your cat has worms, don’t try to self-diagnose, speak to your vet immediately. Here's how they typically handle worm infestations:

• Diagnosis: The vet will also check your cat for worms by analyzing a fecal sample or, in some cases, a blood test, depending on the type of worm suspected. Accurate identification is key to choosing the right treatment.
• Deworming Medication: Based on the findings, your vet may prescribe deworming medication specifically suited to the type of worm involved. These medications can come in various forms such as tablets, pastes, or injections.
• Treatment Duration: The treatment for worms in cats often lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Most medications target adult worms first, with follow-up doses aimed at eliminating any remaining larvae.
• Follow-Up Care: To ensure the worms are completely gone, your vet may recommend repeated deworming and fecal testing. This step helps confirm that no lingering parasites remain
• Monitoring Recovery: Throughout the process, your vet will provide guidance on monitoring your cat's health, helping you spot any recurring symptoms or signs of reinfection early.

Cats infected with certain parasites like heartworms or hook worms may require more intensive treatment. In these cases, extra care is taken to support affected organs and manage complications.

How to Get Rid of and Prevent Worms in Cats

Prevention is easier than treatment. Here’s how to keep your cat worm-free and healthy:

Routine Deworming

Even if your cat shows no symptoms, it’s still important to treat them regularly. Deworming schedules vary based on age, environment, and lifestyle, so ask your vet for a customized plan.

Sanitize Your Home

Frequently clean litter boxes, bowls, and bedding to break the parasite cycle. This simple routine helps remove worm eggs and larvae before they become a threat, especially in homes with multiple cats.

Control Fleas

Apply vet-approved flea prevention consistently throughout the year. Flea ingestion is one of the most common ways cats contract tapeworms, so stopping fleas also means stopping worms.

Nutrition and Immune Support

A well-nourished cat is more resilient to worms that can infest the digestive system. Provide a balanced, vet-recommended diet and avoid feeding raw meat to reduce the risk of parasitic exposure.

Preventive Medications

Talk to your vet about preventatives that offer protection against both intestinal worms and heartworm. These typically come as monthly treatments and are an easy way to stay ahead of infestations.

Long-Term Vet Care

Stick to a routine wellness plan provided by your vet. Regular exams, stool checks, and ongoing advice ensure your cat stays worm-free for the long haul.

Final Thoughts

Worms can spread quickly, and even if your cat looks healthy, they might be carrying parasites. The best treatment for worms is prevention and early detection. Catching the signs early and acting fast can make all the difference. Regular vet visits, proper hygiene, and staying on top of deworming schedules will go a long way in keeping your cat protected.

If you see any worms or suspect your cat, contact us or take them to the vet right away. Your cat depends on you for their health. Let’s make sure they stay happy, healthy, and worm-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I treat worms in cats at home?

You can start treatment at home, but it’s safest to do so under a vet’s supervision.

Use Caution with DIY Treatments: Self-medicating may seem convenient, but the safest option is to have your cat professionally treated for worms after an accurate diagnosis.

Don’t Skip the Diagnosis: Worm symptoms can look like other illnesses. A stool test or vet exam ensures you're treating the actual cause.

Choose Medications Wisely: Over-the-counter dewormers may not work for all worm types, and incorrect dosing can make things worse.

Maintain Hygiene During Treatment: Clean your cat’s litter box and bedding daily to reduce the risk of reinfection from lingering eggs.

Watch for Side Effects: After treatment, monitor your cat for reactions or signs of improvement, and follow up with the vet if anything seems off.

What should I do if I suspect my cat has worms?

A vet visit should be your first step if you notice signs of a worm infestation.

Look for Red Flags: Symptoms like vomiting, bloating, or scooting could be signs, it’s best not to guess or delay.

Bring a Sample if Possible: If you’ve seen unusual stool, especially if trying to treat your cat, a stool sample can help the vet diagnose the issue faster.

Separate Affected Pets: Keep other pets away from the infected cat until you know what you're dealing with, especially in multi-pet households.

Disinfect Living Areas: Wash food bowls, toys, and bedding with hot water to reduce exposure to parasite eggs.

Follow All Vet Instructions: Complete the full treatment course, even if your cat seems better before it’s over.

What types of worms can infect my cat?

Cats can get several kinds of worms, each with unique risks and symptoms.

Roundworms and Tapeworms Dominate: Two of the most common intestinal worms, these often cause vomiting, weight loss, or visible segments in the stool.

Hookworms Cause Blood Loss: These tiny worms latch onto the intestinal wall and may lead to anemia, especially in kittens.

Whipworms Affect the Large Intestine: They’re less common but can cause chronic discomfort, diarrhea, and inflammation in infested cats.

Heartworms Are Especially Dangerous: Though rare, they can affect breathing and heart health, and even a few worms can be fatal in cats.

External Clues Can Help: Spotting a worm in your cat’s stool is one of the most visible signs that something is wrong.

How do cats get worms in the first place?

Cats can become infected in surprisingly simple ways, even without leaving the house.

Fleas Are a Common Culprit: Ingesting infected fleas while grooming is one of the easiest ways worms enter a cat’s system.

Contaminated Environments Spread Eggs: Soil, water, or litter can harbour parasite eggs for months. All it takes is a curious sniff or lick.

Prey Can Be Infectious: Mice, birds, and insects often carry larvae, and eating them can introduce stomach worms to your cat.

Mother Cats Pass Them On: Infections often begin early, as nursing or even being in the womb can expose kittens to parasites.

Bad Habits Create Risk: If a cat ingests feces, whether their own or from another animal, worm larvae may be transmitted easily.

Why is worm prevention important for cat owners?

Preventing parasitic worms protects your cat, your home, and your family’s health.

Worms Steal Vital Nutrients: Parasites feed off your cat’s body, and over time, worms deprive your cat of the fuel they need to stay healthy.

You Could Catch Them Too: Some cat worms are zoonotic, meaning they can spread to humans, especially kids or those with weak immune systems.

Reinfection Is Common Without Prevention: Deworming once isn’t enough. Regular prevention is needed to kill any worms before they can reproduce.

Hygiene Alone Isn’t Foolproof: Even clean homes aren’t 100% safe. That’s why many cat owners combine sanitation with vet care and medication.

Your Vet is Your Best Ally: A routine plan built with your vet ensures your cat is protected all year from different worms.