Finding worms in your cat’s poop can be alarming. As a cat owner, I know how worrying this discovery can be. When you see those wriggling white specks or rice-like segments in the litter box, your first reaction might be panic. But understanding what’s happening will help you take the right action.
Worms are common parasites that affect many cats at some point in their lives. They live in your cat’s intestines, feeding on nutrients from their food. This can make your feline friend feel unwell and lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about worms in cat poop. We’ll cover the different types of worms, how cats get them, symptoms to watch for, and most importantly – how to treat and prevent these pesky parasites.
Common Types of Worms Found in Cat Poop
Roundworms (Toxocara cati)
Roundworms are the most common intestinal parasites in cats. They look like spaghetti noodles – long, white, and round. Adult roundworms can grow up to 4 inches long! Kittens often get roundworms from their mother’s milk, while adult cats typically get them from infected soil or prey.
These worms cause pot-bellied appearance, dull coat, and sometimes vomiting (you might see worms in the vomit). The eggs pass in the feces and can survive in soil for years, making reinfection common.
Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum)
Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that can grow very long inside your cat’s intestines. The segments that break off look like grains of rice or sesame seeds in the poop or around your cat’s rear end.
Cats usually get tapeworms by swallowing infected fleas during grooming. You might notice your cat “scooting” their bottom along the floor due to irritation. Weight loss can occur with heavy infestations, though many cats show few symptoms.
Hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme)
Hookworms are small (about 1/2 inch long) and harder to see in poop. They attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood, which can cause anemia, especially in kittens. Symptoms include dark, tarry stools, weakness, and weight loss.
Cats get hookworms by ingesting larvae from contaminated soil or through skin contact. These worms are particularly dangerous because they can also infect humans through skin penetration.
Whipworms (Trichuris serrata)
Less common than other worms, whipworms live in the large intestine. They’re named for their whip-like shape – thick at one end and thin at the other. Symptoms may include chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and dehydration.
Whipworm eggs are extremely hardy in the environment. Cats become infected by swallowing eggs from contaminated soil, water, or food.
How Do Cats Get Worms?
Understanding how cats get worms helps prevent future infections. Here are the most common ways:
From their mother: Kittens can get roundworms and hookworms through the mother’s milk or even before birth.
Eating infected prey: Hunting rodents, birds, or insects that carry worm larvae is a prime source of infection.
Fleas: Cats get tapeworms by swallowing fleas during grooming. Just one infected flea can cause an infestation.
Contaminated soil: Worm eggs and larvae live in soil for months. Cats can pick them up on their paws and fur, then ingest them during grooming.
Shared litter boxes: Multiple cats using the same box can spread worms to each other.
Eating raw meat: Uncooked meat may contain worm larvae that develop into adults in the cat’s intestines.
Symptoms of Worms in Cats
While seeing worms in the poop is a clear sign, cats often show other symptoms first:
- Visible worms in feces or around the anus (may look like rice, spaghetti, or moving threads)
- Diarrhea or soft stools
- Blood or mucus in the stool
- Vomiting (sometimes with visible worms)
- Weight loss despite normal appetite
- Pot-bellied appearance (especially in kittens)
- Dull, dry coat
- Lethargy or decreased activity
- Scooting or excessive licking of the anal area
- Pale gums (sign of anemia from hookworms)
- Coughing (some worms migrate through the lungs)
Some cats show few obvious symptoms, especially adults with light worm burdens. That’s why regular fecal checks are important even if your cat seems healthy.
Diagnosing Worms in Cats
If you suspect your cat has worms, take these steps:
Collect a stool sample: Use a clean plastic bag or container to collect fresh poop (within 12 hours). Refrigerate if you can’t bring it to the vet immediately.
Veterinary examination: Your vet will perform a fecal floatation test, mixing the stool with a special solution to look for eggs under a microscope. Some worms require specific tests – tapeworm eggs often don’t show up on routine exams.
Physical exam: The vet will check for signs like weight loss, poor coat condition, or abdominal tenderness.
Additional tests: Blood tests may be needed if anemia or other complications are suspected.
Remember that not all worms are visible to the naked eye, and eggs may not appear in every stool sample. Your vet may recommend testing multiple samples or treating based on symptoms.
Treatment Options for Worms in Cats
The good news is most worm infections are easily treated with deworming medications. Treatment depends on the type of worm:
Prescription Dewormers
Roundworms/hookworms: Pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, or milbemycin oxime
Tapeworms: Praziquantel (often combined with other medications)
Whipworms: Fenbendazole or milbemycin oxime
Broad-spectrum: Some products like selamectin treat multiple worm types
Most dewormers require two doses 2-3 weeks apart to kill newly hatched worms after the first dose kills adults. Always follow your vet’s instructions exactly.
Over-the-Counter Options
Some OTC dewormers are effective, but they may not cover all worm types. Never use dog dewormers on cats – some contain ingredients toxic to felines. Consult your vet before using any OTC product.
Natural Remedies
While some owners try pumpkin seeds, diatomaceous earth, or herbal dewormers, these are generally less effective than prescription medications. They may help prevent worms but usually can’t eliminate an existing infestation.
Treating the Environment
To prevent reinfection:
- Clean litter boxes daily with hot water
- Wash bedding in hot water
- Vacuum floors and furniture frequently
- Treat all pets in the household for fleas
- Keep cats indoors to reduce hunting
Preventing Future Worm Infections
Prevention is always better than treatment. Here’s how to protect your cat:
Regular deworming: Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 3 months old, then monthly until 6 months. Adult cats need routine deworming based on lifestyle (outdoor cats more frequently).
Flea control: Use vet-recommended flea prevention monthly since fleas transmit tapeworms.
Clean environment: Scoop litter boxes daily and disinfect weekly. Keep living areas clean.
Prevent hunting: Keep cats indoors or supervise outdoor time to reduce prey consumption.
Proper hygiene: Wash hands after handling cats or cleaning litter boxes. Wear gloves when gardening.
Regular vet checks: Annual fecal exams catch worms before they cause problems.
Proper nutrition: A healthy diet supports your cat’s immune system to fight parasites.
Risks to Human Health
Some cat worms can infect humans, especially children who play in contaminated soil. Risks include:
Roundworms: Can cause visceral larva migrans (larvae migrate through organs) or ocular larva migrans (eye damage)
Hookworms: Larvae penetrate skin causing cutaneous larva migrans (itchy, winding rash)
Tapeworms: Rarely, humans can get certain types from ingesting fleas
Prevent human infection by:
- Washing hands after pet contact
- Keeping children’s sandboxes covered
- Wearing shoes outdoors
- Cleaning litter boxes daily
- Not allowing cats to lick faces
Special Considerations for Kittens
Kittens are especially vulnerable to worms because:
- They often get worms from their mother
- Their small size makes blood loss from hookworms more dangerous
- Worms compete for nutrients during critical growth periods
- Their immune systems aren’t fully developed
Signs in kittens may be more severe:
- Failure to thrive
- Severe pot-belly
- Stunted growth
- Life-threatening anemia
Kittens should be dewormed starting at 2-3 weeks old, with repeat treatments every 2 weeks until 3 months. Your vet will recommend an appropriate schedule.
When to See the Vet Immediately
Most worm cases aren’t emergencies, but seek urgent care if your cat:
- Is a young kitten with severe symptoms
- Shows signs of anemia (pale gums, weakness)
- Has bloody diarrhea or vomiting
- Appears dehydrated (sunken eyes, skin tenting)
- Is lethargic or unresponsive
- Has a swollen abdomen with pain
Severe worm burdens can cause intestinal blockages or life-threatening blood loss requiring hospitalization.
Common Myths About Cat Worms
Let’s clear up some misconceptions:
Myth: Indoor cats can’t get worms.
Truth: They can get worms from fleas, contaminated soil on shoes, or eating insects.
Myth: Garlic prevents worms.
Truth: Garlic is toxic to cats and ineffective against worms.
Myth: You only need to deworm if you see worms.
Truth: Many worms aren’t visible, and eggs may not appear in every stool sample.
Myth: Human dewormers work for cats.
Truth: Many human medications are dangerous for cats – always use vet-approved products.
Myth: Once treated, cats are immune to worms.
Truth: Cats can get reinfected anytime they’re exposed.
Long-Term Effects of Untreated Worms
Ignoring worms can lead to:
- Chronic diarrhea and weight loss
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Anemia (especially with hookworms)
- Intestinal blockages (large worm burdens)
- Poor coat and skin condition
- Increased susceptibility to other illnesses
- Stunted growth in kittens
- In rare cases, death from severe complications
Regular prevention is much safer and more effective than waiting until problems develop.
Cost of Treating Worms in Cats
Costs vary but typically include:
- Office visit/exam: 50−100
- Fecal test: 25−50
- Deworming medication: 15−50 per dose
- Follow-up tests if needed
Preventative care is far cheaper than treating complications like anemia or blockages. Many flea preventatives that also control worms cost 10−20 per month.
Some clinics offer wellness plans that include regular deworming. Check with local shelters or low-cost clinics if finances are a concern – treating worms is crucial for your cat’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I get worms from my cat?
A: It’s possible but unlikely with proper hygiene. Wash hands after handling cats or cleaning litter boxes.
Q: How quickly do dewormers work?
A: Most kill adult worms within 24 hours but require a second dose 2-3 weeks later to get newly hatched worms.
Q: Why does my cat keep getting worms?
A: Common reasons include reinfection from fleas, environment, or prey; incomplete treatment; or resistance to the dewormer.
Q: Can worms kill my cat?
A: Severe infestations can be fatal, especially in kittens, but timely treatment is highly effective.
Q: Should I treat my other pets?
A: Yes, if one pet has worms, assume others may have been exposed too.
Conclusion
Discovering your cat has worms can be unsettling, but with proper treatment, most cats recover completely. The key is acting quickly, following your vet’s advice, and maintaining good prevention habits.
Remember that regular fecal checks and preventative care are much easier than dealing with a full-blown infestation. By understanding the risks and taking simple precautions, you can keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and worm-free.
If you’ve noticed worms in your cat’s poop, don’t panic – schedule a vet visit, collect a stool sample, and know that this common problem has straightforward solutions. Your cat will thank you for your prompt attention to their health!
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