Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites affecting cats. These worms look like spaghetti noodles and can grow up to several inches long. If your cat has roundworms, you might see them in your cat’s vomit or feces. They’re white or light brown and often move in a curling motion.
Almost all cats will get roundworms at some point in their lives. Kittens are especially vulnerable because they can get infected from their mother’s milk. Adult cats usually get roundworms by eating infected rodents or through contact with contaminated soil.
Don’t panic if you discover your cat has roundworms. While these parasites can make your cat sick, treatment is straightforward when caught early. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about identifying, treating, and preventing roundworm infections in your feline friend.
How Cats Get Roundworms
Understanding how roundworms spread helps prevent future infections. Cats can pick up these parasites in several ways:
From their mother: Kittens often get roundworms through their mother’s milk. Even if the mother cat seems healthy, she might carry dormant roundworm larvae that become active during pregnancy.
Eating infected prey: Outdoor cats that hunt rodents or birds may swallow roundworm eggs from their prey’s tissues.
Contact with contaminated soil: Roundworm eggs can survive in soil for years. Cats can pick up eggs on their paws and swallow them while grooming.
Through their skin: In rare cases, roundworm larvae can penetrate a cat’s skin, especially if the cat lies on contaminated soil.
Once inside your cat, roundworm eggs hatch into larvae that travel through the body before settling in the intestines to grow into adults. This whole process takes about 2-3 weeks.
Symptoms of Roundworm Infection
Many cats with roundworms show no obvious signs, especially in early stages. However, as the infection worsens, you might notice:
- Pot-bellied appearance (especially in kittens)
- Dull coat
- Weight loss despite normal appetite
- Diarrhea or vomiting (sometimes with visible worms)
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Coughing (when larvae migrate through the lungs)
Kittens with heavy roundworm infections may fail to grow properly and look malnourished even when eating well. In severe cases, a mass of worms can cause intestinal blockage, which is life-threatening.
Diagnosing Roundworms in Cats
If you suspect your cat has roundworms, visit your veterinarian for proper diagnosis. The vet will:
Ask about symptoms and lifestyle: Be prepared to discuss your cat’s behavior, appetite, and whether they go outdoors.
Perform a physical exam: The vet will check your cat’s weight, belly, and overall condition.
Request a stool sample: Roundworm eggs are visible under a microscope. The vet will mix your cat’s feces with a special solution and examine it for eggs.
Sometimes worms are visible in vomit or feces without needing a microscope. If you see worms, bring a sample to the vet in a sealed container for identification.
Conventional Treatment Options
Once diagnosed, your vet will prescribe deworming medication. Common treatments include:
1. Pyrantel Pamoate
This mild medication paralyzes the worms so they pass in the stool. It’s often used for kittens because it’s safe and effective. Treatment usually requires two doses spaced 2-3 weeks apart to catch newly hatched worms.
2. Fenbendazole
Sold under brand names like Panacur, this broad-spectrum dewormer kills roundworms and some other parasites. Treatment typically lasts 3-5 days.
3. Selamectin
This topical medication (brand name Revolution) treats roundworms and prevents fleas, heartworms, and other parasites. It’s applied to the skin between the shoulder blades.
4. Milbemycin Oxime
Found in products like Interceptor, this monthly preventive kills roundworms and controls heartworms.
Most treatments require follow-up doses because they only kill adult worms, not migrating larvae. Your vet will recommend a schedule based on your cat’s age and infection severity.
Home Care During Treatment
While medications do the heavy lifting, you can support your cat’s recovery:
Keep the environment clean: Scoop litter boxes daily and disinfect them weekly with boiling water or diluted bleach.
Prevent reinfection: Restrict outdoor access during treatment to stop your cat from eating infected prey or soil.
Monitor symptoms: Note any changes in appetite, energy, or bowel movements and report them to your vet.
Provide good nutrition: Feed a balanced diet to help your cat regain strength. Your vet may recommend probiotics to support gut health.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands after handling your cat or cleaning the litter box. Roundworms can rarely infect humans.
Natural Remedies and Supportive Care
While conventional medications are most effective, some natural approaches may support treatment:
Pumpkin seeds: Contain cucurbitacin, which may help paralyze worms. Grind fresh seeds and mix a pinch into your cat’s food.
Diatomaceous earth: Food-grade DE may help eliminate worms by damaging their outer layers. Use only under veterinary guidance.
Probiotics: Help restore healthy gut bacteria after deworming. Look for pet-specific formulas.
Digestive enzymes: May support nutrient absorption in cats recovering from heavy infections.
Important note: Never rely solely on natural remedies for roundworm treatment. Always consult your vet and use these methods as supplements to prescribed medications.
Preventing Future Roundworm Infections
After treatment, focus on prevention to keep your cat worm-free:
Regular deworming: Follow your vet’s recommended schedule. Adult cats should be dewormed at least 2-4 times yearly, even if they stay indoors.
Flea control: Some flea products also prevent roundworms. Ask your vet about combination products.
Clean environment: Remove feces from your yard promptly and keep litter boxes clean.
Prevent hunting: Keep cats indoors or supervise outdoor time to reduce rodent consumption.
Quarantine new pets: Isolate and deworm new cats before introducing them to your home.
Monthly preventives: Consider products like Revolution or Interceptor that provide ongoing protection.
Risks to Humans and Other Pets
Roundworms pose some zoonotic risk, meaning humans can potentially get infected. Children are most vulnerable because they often play in dirt and put hands in their mouths. Human infections can cause:
- Fever
- Cough
- Abdominal pain
- Vision problems (if larvae migrate to the eyes)
To protect your family:
- Wash hands after handling cats or soil
- Cover sandboxes when not in use
- Teach children proper hygiene around pets
Other household pets can also get roundworms, though cat and dog roundworms are different species. Still, treat all pets in the home if one tests positive.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Most roundworm cases aren’t emergencies, but contact your vet immediately if your cat:
- Vomits repeatedly or can’t keep water down
- Has a painfully swollen abdomen
- Shows extreme lethargy or weakness
- Has bloody diarrhea
- Stops eating completely
These signs may indicate intestinal blockage or severe malnutrition requiring hospitalization.
Cost of Roundworm Treatment
Treatment costs vary but are generally affordable:
Office visit: 50−100
Fecal test: 30−50
Deworming medication: 20−60
Follow-up visits: 30−80 each
Preventive care costs less than treating advanced infections. Many clinics offer wellness plans that include regular deworming.
Special Considerations for Kittens
Kittens need extra attention for roundworms:
- Start deworming at 2-3 weeks old
- Repeat every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old
- Then monthly until 6 months old
- Use only kitten-safe medications
- Monitor weight gain closely
Kittens with heavy worm loads may need nutritional support or subcutaneous fluids. Never use dog dewormers on kittens – some contain ingredients toxic to cats.
Long-Term Health Effects
With prompt treatment, most cats recover completely. However, severe or chronic infections can lead to:
- Stunted growth in kittens
- Permanent digestive issues
- Reduced immunity
- Nutritional deficiencies
Regular vet checkups help catch and address any lingering effects.
Myths About Roundworms
Let’s debunk some common misconceptions:
Myth: Indoor cats can’t get roundworms.
Truth: Roundworm eggs can enter homes on shoes or other pets.
Myth: Garlic kills roundworms.
Truth: Garlic is ineffective and can be toxic to cats in large doses.
Myth: You only need to deworm when you see worms.
Truth: Most infections aren’t visible until they’re severe.
Myth: Over-the-counter dewormers are just as good as prescription.
Truth: Some OTC products are less effective or safe than vet-prescribed options.
The Life Cycle of Roundworms
Understanding the roundworm life cycle explains why treatment takes multiple doses:
- Adult worms in intestines lay eggs
- Eggs pass in feces and contaminate soil
- Eggs mature in soil for 2-4 weeks
- Cats ingest infective eggs
- Eggs hatch into larvae in intestines
- Larvae migrate through body tissues
- Some larvae encyst in tissues (dormant)
- Others return to intestines to mature
This complex cycle means medications must target different stages at different times.
Environmental Cleanup
To eliminate roundworm eggs from your home:
- Steam clean carpets and upholstery
- Wash pet bedding in hot water
- Disinfect hard surfaces with diluted bleach
- Replace outdoor sandboxes or cover them
- Remove feces from yard daily
- Avoid using cat feces as fertilizer
Roundworm eggs are resistant to many disinfectants but can’t survive extreme heat or direct sunlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get roundworms from my cat?
A: It’s possible but uncommon if you practice good hygiene. The bigger risk is from contaminated soil.
Q: How quickly does treatment work?
A: Medications start working within hours, but it may take days to see dead worms in stool.
Q: Will my cat pass live worms after treatment?
A: Sometimes, but more often you’ll see dead worms as the medication paralyzes or kills them.
Q: Can roundworms kill my cat?
A: In severe cases, yes – especially in kittens. But most cats recover fully with treatment.
Q: Should I treat my cat if I see worms but no vet visit?
A: It’s always best to get a vet diagnosis first to confirm the parasite type and proper treatment.
Final Thoughts
Roundworms are a common but manageable feline health issue. With proper treatment and prevention, your cat can live a worm-free life. Remember:
- Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss
- Get regular fecal tests even for indoor cats
- Follow your vet’s deworming schedule
- Maintain good hygiene for your whole family
- Don’t panic – roundworms are treatable
By staying informed and proactive, you can protect your cat’s health and keep your home parasite-free. If you have any concerns about roundworms or your cat’s health, always consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Related Topic:
