Discovering that kitties have worms can be unpleasant for any pet guardian. Not only are these worms in cat poop scary and gross, but their existence may also raise severe health concerns for the cat.
To help pet owners stay on top of things and learn how to deal with white worms in their cat’s poop, this detailed blog below could be of great help!
The Little White Worms In A Kitten’s Poop
It is relatively common for cats to get infected with internal parasites at some point. Most of these worms live in the animal’s intestines and feed on their digesting food.
The small white worms in a feline’s feces are most likely tapeworms or any common intestinal worms, such as roundworms and hookworms. Tapeworms in cats look like small dry grains of seeds found in a cat’s poop, body, or where they typically spend most of their time.
While it could be common in cats, having intestinal worms means they are unhealthy. Luckily, they are easier to treat, unlike other diseases. Most felines can fully recover once they get proper medications from their vet.
Note that old and young, even indoor and outdoor cats, can have worm manifestations. Older cats can get them from contaminated poop, fleas, or rodents. On the other hand, younger pets can acquire them through nursing.
Below tackles a few questions regarding worms in cats.
1. Are worms painful for felines?
Yes. Worms in kittens can generate pain since the migration of larvae on different affected parts of their body causes discomfort as the tissues become inflamed from irritation. Such pain could be the following:
- Eye irritation
- Belly pain
- Change in the cat’s breathing pattern or rate
2. Can felines get worms from canines?
Definitely! Kittens can get infected eggs from a dog’s poop since not all hookworms and roundworms are species-specific. Additionally, cats can get tapeworms via fleas on dogs if they live in an infested yard or place.
3. Can pet owners get worms from felines?
Yes, even humans can get worm infections from cats. This can happen by having direct contact with contaminated soil or feces. Some modes of transmission include the following:
- Walking barefoot on contaminated soil
- Kids playing in sandboxes or litter boxes that have worms in cat poop
- Soil gardening without wearing gloves.
The best way to prevent transmission from cats to their owners is to practice good hygiene.
Treatment Of Worms In Felines
Tapeworms can live in a cat’s system for up to two years if untreated. Since they are common in felines, medical treatments can effectively eradicate them. However, it is vital to consult the vet before choosing a treatment and medications for the pet.
Two of the most regular options are deworming and flea medications. Check out their differences below.
1. Deworming Medication
Deworming treatments can come in different forms. It can be through injections, skin drops, and tablets. However, this medication may have side effects, including vomiting, excessive salivation, diarrhea, and hair loss.
Keep in mind that kittens are highly susceptible to intestinal parasite infections and demand a more intensive deworming schedule than adult cats. When unusual behaviors begin to appear, contact the vet immediately.
2. Flea Medication
Since fleas can carry intestinal worms, cats must also undergo flea medications. If the vet confirms that the cat has a specific tapeworm like dipylidium caninum, starting a regular flea treatment may be necessary to eliminate the possibility of reinfection.
Untreated Worm Infections In Felines
Seeing worms in kitten poop could be one of the few manifestations of many malignant diseases. When left untreated, it can be risky — even fatal for felines!
Depending on the severity and condition, worm infestations can lead to severe anemia and intestinal obstructions. This is why it is vital to address and treat worm infestations as early as possible.
Preventing Worms In Felines
Lucky for kitten guardians, there are several preventive cares for keeping their pet babies from getting worms. Some of them are as follows:
- Keep the cat’s litter box clean as often as possible.
- Adult and younger cats should consistently get dewormed.
- Check-in with the vet for regular fecal examinations.
- Use monthly flea preventives to treat and control worms.
- Keep the cats indoors so their worm exposures are limited.
Conclusion
Discovering that one’s cat has worms may be alarming, but with effective medications from the vet, cats will be worm-free before they know it. Remember that a cat owner’s naked eye may not see most intestinal parasitic eggs and larvae.
As the infestation worsens and several symptoms progress, it is recommended that owners seek professional help, as it could lead to fatal consequences when left untreated worms in cat poop.
Check out Doober’s site for more informational blogs concerning cat diseases. Also, if you are interested in animal rescue, Doobert could be the perfect place to start!
