Cats are wonderful pets, but they can easily get infected by worms. Once infected, cats may face a lot of problems. This article will explain in detail all the things that can happen to cats after worm infections, including symptoms, how worms affect their bodies, and what to do about it.
Common Worms That Infect Cats
Roundworms
Roundworms are among the most common worms in cats. They are long and look like spaghetti. Kittens can get roundworms in two main ways. First, they can get them from their mother before they are born. Second, when they drink their mother’s milk. Adult cats usually catch roundworms by eating infected prey, like mice or insects. After entering the cat‘s body, roundworms live in the intestines. They grow fast and can reach several inches in length.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms have a long, flat body made up of small segments. Cats mainly get tapeworms by swallowing fleas. When a cat grooms itself and accidentally eats a flea, the flea might carry tapeworm larvae. These larvae then develop into adult tapeworms in the cat’s intestines. Sometimes, you can see the segments of tapeworms in the cat’s feces or around its anus.
Hookworms
Hookworms are small but very harmful worms. They attach firmly to the lining of the cat’s small intestine. Cats can get hookworms through their skin, especially if they walk on soil contaminated with hookworm larvae. They can also get hookworms by eating infected prey. Hookworms feed on the cat’s blood, which can cause serious health issues.
How Worms Enter a Cat’s Body
From Mother to Kitten
Kittens are at a high risk of getting roundworms from their mother. This can happen when they are still in the mother’s womb. The mother cat may have roundworm larvae in her body. These larvae can pass through the placenta and infect the kittens. Also, when the kittens drink their mother’s milk, they can get roundworms if the milk has the larvae in it.
Through Infected Prey
Adult cats often hunt for prey like mice, rats, and insects. If these prey are infected with worms, the cat can get the worms when it eats them. For example, if a mouse has roundworm larvae in its body, when a cat catches and eats the mouse, the larvae can enter the cat’s body and develop into adult worms in the cat’s intestines.
Through Fleas
Fleas are not just a nuisance for cats; they can also transmit tapeworms. When a cat grooms itself to get rid of fleas, it may swallow a flea. If the flea has tapeworm larvae inside it, the larvae will start to grow in the cat’s intestines and become adult tapeworms.
Through Contaminated Soil
Cats that go outside may come into contact with contaminated soil. Soil can be full of worm eggs or larvae. For example, hookworm larvae can live in the soil. If a cat walks on the soil and then licks its paws, the larvae can enter the cat’s body. Also, if the cat digs in the soil or eats something from the soil, it can get infected with worms.
Symptoms Cats Show After Worm Infection
Digestive Problems
One of the most common signs is digestive problems. Cats may have diarrhea. The worms irritate the intestines, causing the muscles in the intestines to contract more often. This leads to loose, watery stools. The cat may also vomit. Worms can cause irritation in the intestines, and in some cases, a large number of worms can block the intestines, which can trigger vomiting. Some cats may lose their appetite. The discomfort in the intestines makes the cat not want to eat. This loss of appetite can further affect the cat’s health.
Weight Loss
Worms in the intestines eat the nutrients that the cat should be getting from its food. As a result, the cat may not get enough vitamins, minerals, and energy – rich substances. Over time, this lack of proper nutrients can lead to weight loss. The cat may look thinner, and its ribs may become more visible. In severe cases, the cat may become very weak due to the weight loss.
Lethargy
Cats with worm infections usually seem tired and less active. They may sleep more than normal and be less interested in playing or interacting with their owners. This is because the worm infection is making them feel unwell. The loss of nutrients, the toxins produced by the worms, and the discomfort in the intestines all contribute to the cat’s lack of energy.
Poor Coat Condition
A cat’s coat can be a good indicator of its health. Cats with worm infections often have a dull-looking coat. The lack of proper nutrients due to the worms can affect the health of the cat’s skin and fur. The fur may become dry, brittle, and less shiny. You may also notice that the cat’s hair is falling out more than usual.
Anemia (Especially with Hookworm Infections)
Hookworms feed on the cat’s blood. If a cat has a large number of hookworms, it can lead to anemia. Anemic cats may have pale gums. They may also be more tired and weak than usual. In severe cases of anemia, the cat may have trouble breathing and may need immediate medical attention.
How Worm Infections Affect a Cat’s Body
Nutrient Absorption
Worms in the intestines can seriously affect a cat’s ability to absorb nutrients. Roundworms and hookworms live in the intestines and take in the nutrients from the food the cat eats. Instead of the cat getting all the nutrients it needs, the worms consume a large part of them. This means the cat may not have enough energy to be active and may not grow or develop properly if it’s a kitten.
Blood Loss
Hookworms are especially known for causing blood loss. Since they attach to the intestine and feed on blood, a cat infected with a large number of hookworms can lose a significant amount of blood. This blood loss leads to anemia. Anemic cats have to work harder to get enough oxygen to their cells, which can put a lot of stress on their bodies.
Organ Damage
In severe cases of worm infections, the worms can cause damage to the cat’s organs. For example, if there are too many worms in the intestines, they can cause blockages. These blockages can lead to damage in the intestines and other nearby organs. Also, the toxins produced by the worms can affect the liver and kidneys over time.
Immune System Strain
The cat’s immune system has to work hard to fight off the worm infection. This constant strain on the immune system can make the cat more susceptible to other diseases. The cat may get sick more often, and it may take longer for it to recover from illnesses.
Diagnosis of Worm Infections in Cats
Fecal Examination
The most common way to diagnose worm infections in cats is through a fecal examination. The vet will ask the cat owner to bring a fresh sample of the cat’s feces. In the lab, the vet will look at the feces under a microscope. The vet will search for worm eggs or larvae. Different types of worms have different-looking eggs. For example, roundworm eggs are round and have a thick shell, while tapeworm eggs are small and flat. By identifying the eggs, the vet can tell which type of worm is infecting the cat.
Physical Examination
During a physical examination, the vet will check the cat’s overall condition. The vet will feel the cat’s abdomen to see if there are any signs of swelling or pain. If there are a large number of worms in the intestines, the abdomen may feel lumpy or swollen. The vet will also look at the cat’s coat, eyes, and mouth. A cat with a worm infection may have a dull coat, watery eyes, and bad breath.
Blood Tests
In some cases, the vet may do a blood test. A blood test can show if the cat has anemia, which can be caused by hookworms that feed on the cat’s blood. The blood test can also show if the cat’s immune system is working hard to fight off the worm infection. However, blood tests are not always necessary for diagnosing worm infections, especially if the fecal examination and physical examination can provide enough information.
Treatment for Worm-Infected Cats
Deworming Medications
There are many deworming medications available for cats. These medications are designed to kill the worms in the cat’s body. Some deworming medications are given as a pill, while others are in liquid form. The type of medication used depends on the type of worm infection. For example, medications for roundworms may be different from those for tapeworms. The vet will prescribe the right medication and tell the cat owner how often to give it to the cat.
Follow-up Care
After giving the deworming medication, it’s important to take the cat back to the vet for a follow – up. The vet may do another fecal examination to make sure that all the worms are gone. The cat owner should also watch the cat’s behavior and health. If the cat is still showing symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or lethargy after treatment, it may mean that the treatment was not successful or that there are other health problems.
Prevention of Worm Infections in Cats
Regular Deworming
One of the best ways to prevent worm infections in cats is to deworm them regularly. Kittens should be dewormed more often than adult cats. Kittens may need to be dewormed every two to three weeks until they are about three months old. Adult cats can be dewormed every three to six months, depending on their lifestyle. Indoor cats may need to be dewormed less often than outdoor cats.
Flea Control
Since fleas can transmit tapeworms, it’s important to control fleas on cats. There are many flea control products available, such as flea collars, flea sprays, and topical treatments. Flea collars release a chemical that repels and kills fleas. Flea sprays can be used to spray the cat’s fur and the areas where the cat lives. Topical treatments are applied directly to the cat’s skin, usually on the back of the neck.
Good Hygiene
Keeping good hygiene is important for preventing worm infections. The cat’s litter box should be cleaned regularly. The litter should be changed at least once a week, and the litter box should be washed with soap and water. The cat’s living area should also be kept clean. Vacuuming the floors and furniture can help get rid of flea eggs and worm eggs. Also, the cat’s food and water bowls should be washed regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria.
Avoiding Contaminated Areas
If possible, cats should be kept away from areas that may be contaminated with worm eggs or larvae. Outdoor cats should not be allowed to roam in areas where there are a lot of other animals, especially if those animals may be infected with worms. If the cat has to go outside, it should be supervised, and the owner should try to keep the cat away from places where it may come into contact with infected soil or prey.
In conclusion
Worm infections can have a big impact on a cat’s health. Cats can experience a range of symptoms, from digestive problems to weight loss and organ damage. It’s very important for cat owners to be aware of the signs of worm infections, get their cats diagnosed and treated promptly, and take steps to prevent future infections. By doing this, they can ensure their cats live healthy and happy lives.
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