Roundworms in cats are common. To find out whether your cat has been infested with round worms, you need to check for the signs and symptoms, including presence of roundworms in the cat’s poop or vomit. But what causes roundworms in cats? Explore excellent pictures of roundworms in cats so that you are able to identify them. Read on to get insight into the best home remedies and treatments for roundworms in cats. Also, learn the effective preventive measures for roundworms in cats.
Symptoms of Roundworms in Cats
There are many signs and symptoms that may point to roundworm infestation in cats. Usually, a combination but not just one of the symptoms may suggest the infestation, unless there is physical presence of the worms themselves. The following are the common symptoms of roundworms in cats:
- Distress due to severe pain in the abdomen
- Vomiting, which might have the worms
- Swelling in the abdomen
- Abnormal stool, which might have the worms
- Loss of appetite for food
- Coughing, which is caused by roundworm larvae in lungs
Pictures of Roundworms in Cats (Images)
What do roundworms in cats look like? The pictures inserted in various sections of this post will help you understand more about roundworms in dogs. With these images, you will be able to correctly identify roundworms in cats and take appropriate measures to get rid of them.
Roundworms Vs Tapeworms in Cats
Roundworms and tapeworms are said to be among the creepier pests which the cat may acquire. The two parasites have much in common, but anatomy, health risk and the transmission are very different.
Also, remember that you can also get roundworms from your cat, but you can’t get them directly from him.
Health Risk
Roundworms in cats are also said to be the most common parasite which haunts the feline digestive tract, happening in up to 90 percent of kittens, according to researchers of Veterinary Medicine. Tapeworms are found throughout America especially the North, but their need of fleas as hosts prevents them from spreading quickly like the roundworms.
Both worms drain a lot of resources from your cat through latching onto walls of the digestive tract. Diarrhea and constipation are indicators of a roundworm infection, but the tapeworms rarely lead to noticeable symptoms.
Transmission
Roundworms have more freedom than the tapeworms. Your cat may get roundworms through eating eggs when hunting prey or even when they are grooming itself or another infested cat.
Kittens may get them from nursing. The only method that you or your cat may get tapeworms is through accidental eating of a flea, according to Animal Hospitals.
This is a minor risk for adults, but children can accidentally swallow one when they are playing on the floor. Cats can swallow fleas if licking another one up while cleaning their fur. Controlling of tapeworms is very easy like keeping fleas off your cat.
Anatomy
Roundworms are very thin and may grow up to about 5 inches long. Their movement and proportions are very much similar to the ones of an earthworm. Tapeworms are more modular. They are also longer than roundworms, having an average maximum length of about 8 inches, according to researchers.
Their body is also segmented into dozens of small pods. Each segment has eggs which are released when the pod detaches itself from the main body and is then passed through your pet’s intestines.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Your vet might request a stool sample so as to diagnose your cat’s worm problem. Because the tapeworm segments are usually visible to a naked eye, an infestation is usually easier to spot than roundworms.
There are several prescribed medications that can treat roundworms, which includes products having febantel and piperazine, according to the animal clinic.
While tapeworms are normally resistant to some of the dewormers, the ingredient anthelmintic is however very effective against them. Ask your vet before giving your cat any additional or different medication other than the ones which he prescribed.
What Causes Roundworms in Cats
Most of the cats get worms – which are nasty parasites invading the cat’s systems — at a point of in their lives. Outdoor cats which hunt rodents may have roundworm especially from eating of their prey; kittens get it through milk from infected mothers.
Even indoor cats can ingest an infected fly which gets into your home. That’s scary, as most people may get it also. Luckily, treating of the feline roundworm is easy.
Roundworms in cats are one of the most common forms of parasites. They’re large, averaging 6 inches (15 centimeters) in length, and round in shape. They infest a cat’s intestines, hatch in the intestinal tract, and then migrate to liver, bloodstream and the lungs. Several numbers of roundworms might be fatal for kittens.
Scientifically known as Toxocara cati, feline roundworm is usually contracted when the cats ingest roundworm eggs having larvae. Eggs usually reside in hosts, like rodents, cockroaches or even the earthworms that are eaten by outdoor cats.
They may as well live in feces of infected cats, or even the soil. Roundworm is transmitted to kittens from a mother whose mammary glands are infected with larvae.
While they are outdoor, cats are likely to get roundworm, indoor cats are however not immune. They can eat an infected insect which introduces larvae into their systems. And an infected cat’s feces may leave eggs in a litter box, potentially infecting several other cats or people.
Adult cats may get infected through ingestion of roundworm eggs, which are usually found in an infected food, vomit, or feces. Kittens may then contract the roundworm during the pregnancy or suckling milk from an infected mother. If only one of the newborns is exposed to the roundworms, then the entire litter will be at a greater risk of contracting the roundworm.
Roundworms in Cats Poop (Feces)
Adult roundworms in cats usually live in intestines. Most of the cats will not have any given indications of infection; but the cats having major roundworm infections commonly show vomiting, dull hair, and a potbellied look. The cat can also cough if the parasites move into the lungs.
You can also notice the adult roundworms in cat’s feces. They appear white or brown in color and might be several inches long.
Roundworms in Cats Vomit
If your cat is vomiting worms, then it’s certain that she has roundworms. The challenge is to treat her before other pets and perhaps even your family members are infested.
Roundworms in Cats Lungs
Respiratory parasites may be worms, or even the insects like maggots which live in the respiratory system, either in passages or in blood vessels. The infestation can also affect the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nose, throat, and the windpipe, or even the lower respiratory passage, like the bronchi and lungs.
Such given parasites affect most of the host’s systems: the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, the circulatory system, and the endocrine system.
Animals which live in several pet households, including cats, living in unsanitary conditions are at an increased risk of transmission. Exposure to infected feces of other cats that are carriers of the parasite may also make an animal to be more susceptible.
This includes being in an environment like a boarding facility, but your cat is also at an increased risk if it goes outdoors, as has several opportunities to be in contact with other cats and their feces.
These roundworms in cats normally begin their life cycles in shellfish, lizards, and worms, spreading to other cats opportunistically.
Symptoms and Types
- May indicate few or even no signs
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Wheezing sound
- Behavioral changes
- Coma (brain migration of parasites)
How to Get Rid of Roundworms in Cats
It is advised that you deworm your cat before breeding and deworm them again about 5 weeks after birth so as to do away with roundworms in adult and the offspring. Roundworm larva are sneaky and evolved that they can penetrate the mammary glands and the placenta, thus making it possible for a kitten to be born with a roundworm infection. Have all kittens dewormed as soon as possible to prevent any possible infection of other cats.
Home Remedies for Roundworms in Cats
If you are interested in learning any of the below home remedies for cats having worms, then check out the below:
1. Diatomaceous Earth
You can try to give your cats some amount of diatomaceous earth which is food grade. This may be added in cat’s food and may assist to get rid of all the parasites which are found in your cats’ bodies. You just mix at least 2 teaspoons of it with the regular cat food for about one month.
This can assist in getting rid of the worms and other parasites that are inside your cats’ intestines. Consider dusting your cat using diatomaceous earth at least once every week for getting rid of the fleas that might lead to the worms from entering your cats’ systems. This can assist in the prevention of transmission of worms from fleas.
2. Raw Pumpkin Seed
Another remedy for roundworms in cats which can be tried is raw pumpkin seeds. Grind of some raw pumpkin seed and mix a teaspoon of seed in your cat’s wet food. The seeds are normally known for anti-parasitic properties and the nutrients which are found in seed may assist in killing of the worms effectively.
3. Peppermint
Let your cats eat peppermint. This is indicated to assist in helping in digestion and for removing any forms of worms in your pets’ digestive track. The additives can lead to worms to have an unfriendly environment and come out easily with the feces.
4. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
You may purchase food grade diatomaceous earth from either a garden center to deal with roundworms in cats. You can as well find it under the name of fossil shell flour. The products are used by breeders not only as a dietary aid but also as a dewormer.
By absorbing lipids from the insects, it gets rid of them by dehydration. Make sure that you do not obtain food grade from a pool supply store as they add toxins for filtration.
To use fossil shell flour, mix about ½ tsp. into wet cat food. Due to being essentially tasteless, your cat should not be able to notice it. Keep adding about ½ tsp. for a period of four days in a row. If your cat eats dry food, then simply mix it into a treat such as tuna or even the ground chicken.
Check feces for worms. Wait for a period of about two weeks so as to repeat the treatment. After the time period, you may retreat when you see any problem, or you may merely add it to your cat’s food monthly.
5. Minced Garlic
Another home dewormer is mixing of fresh, minced garlic into your cat’s food. Do the process only one time a day. While garlic is indicated as a preventative, it may assist to get rid of kill insects and parasites. You may want to start with using small amounts of garlic, so you do not turn your cat off of eating the food.
Having the mentioned home remedies for cats that have worms in mind, you are then assured that you will have an easy time getting the results which you want from the digestive track. All you have to do is get any of the ingredients that are required for the methods with ease and you are then assured that you will have a very easy time removing the worms from the digestive track.
Roundworms in Cats Treatment (Cure)
To do away with the roundworms in cats, a deworming medication might be given to your cat to remove the worms or even to expel them. Sometimes that is all that will be needed. But, nutritional and iron supplements might also be required. With kittens, treatment should begin at the age of three to four weeks of age and then treated monthly thereafter.
With the pregnant females, treatment is supposed to begin at a period of two weeks after breeding and then continue until the period of four weeks after the kittens are born to do away with any possible worms that may be found in the intestine, and to protect the kittens.
In very severe cases, the cat might require hospitalization for fluid therapy, blood transfusion, and supplemental oxygen, depending on the severity of anemia and the condition of the cat. Also, note that there is a possibility of sudden death even with having a treatment.
Treatment of roundworms in cats is same, regardless of the roundworm that is involved. There are several medications which may be used in treating of the roundworms, and your vet may assist to pick the one which is right for your cat.
Medications can only affect adult roundworms; therefore, they require to be repeated to get rid of any residual larvae as they mature. The number of treatments that are crucial largely depend on the age of the cat and the situation, which can be assessed by your vet.
If you have a pregnant cat, then you should ensure that you consult your vet for advice on deworming it. Once dewormed, most of the monthly medications that are designed for heartworm and parasite control have medication that can prevent roundworm infections continuously — options that may be discussed in details with your vet.
If your cat is not on one of the preventatives, then your vet can recommend a regular deworming protocol so as to keep roundworms in cats away. Cleaning up pet wastes and preventing pets from eating rodents may also assist in preventing an infection with worms.
Are Roundworms in Cats Contagious
The larvae of the parasites may infect people and the cats. This occurs when eggs are ingested. It is common in children who might not practice the very best of the hygiene and can pick up eggs in their hands while playing in the yard, for instance.
Good hygiene is crucial, in terms of hand washing practices and by keeping cats out of areas where kids play, like the sandboxes, and picking up pet waste.
The larvae don’t usually develop into adult roundworms in people, but it migrates through the tissues causing inflammation, more especially the young children.
Most cases are usually not serious, but in very serious cases, organ damage is also possible, due to the migrating larvae and sometimes the larvae may reach the eyes, causing visual disturbances and blindness.
Migration of roundworm larvae via the human tissues is known as “visceral larva migrans” while migration to the eyes is known as “ocular larva migrants.” Proper prevention of the roundworm infection is very crucial in prevention of the human health problems.
Toxocariasis is an animal to human infection which is brought about by the parasitic roundworms that are commonly found in the intestine of dogs and cats.
There are two major forms of the roundworm:
1. Ocular Larva Migrans:
Infections resulting from roundworms in cats can lead to OLM, which is an eye disease which leads to blindness. OLM happens when a microscopic worm enters the eye; it might lead to an inflammation and formation of a scar on the retina. Each year more than 800 people are infected with the parasite leading to permanent or partial loss of vision.
2. Visceral Larva Migrans:
Heavier, or even repeated Toxocara infections, can lead to VLM although it is rare, this is a disease that leads to swelling of body’s organs including the central nervous system. Symptoms of VLM, which are brought about by the movement of worms through the body, include fever, asthma or even pneumonia.
In most of the cases of roundworm infections, they are not serious and most people who are infected might not notice any given symptoms. The most severe cases are very rare but are likely to happen in young children, who normally play in dirt, or even eat dirt that is contaminated by cat stool.
The most common parasite to humans is often found in kittens. Usually, a contract from the mother before birth or even directly from her milk. The larvae mature very rapidly in kitten’s intestines; when the pup is about 4 weeks old, they start to produce several eggs which then contaminate the environment through the animal’s stool. The eggs soon develop into very infective larvae.
How to prevent Roundworms in Cats
Roundworms in cats is a common problem which may seriously affect the health of the cat if it is left untreated. Tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms are some of the intestinal parasites which can be passed on to your cat in several ways and may be very contagious.
Preventing worms before the problems appear will keep your pets healthy and prevent a trip to vet’s office. Here are some of the approaches that can be used to prevent roundworms in cats.
1. Maintain a Very Hygienic Environment
Fecal matter or any bodily fluids that are left outdoors or even in your yard is a source of parasites in cats. Your cat might be exposed to roundworms through contaminated soil.
Keep your yard clean by clearing up of the damp areas and leaves, and ensure to supervise your cat if he is outdoors so as to prevent contact with the feces and fluids.
2. Monitor What Your Cat Eats
It is important to supervise your cat when outside and then watches for any contact with any other animals; insects and birds are common carriers of the parasites.
Fleas are found on these animals and may be carrying the parasites, once the cat eats the flea, the parasite might develop in the digestive tract. Ingesting raw or even undercooked meats may also lead to worms in cats.
3. Monthly Medications
Use of once-a-month roundworm medications can also prevent intestinal parasites like tapeworms and roundworms in cats. Both oral and topical medications such as Drontal and Revolution are also found.
Talk to a veterinarian about a monthly medication and if it’s right for your cat. Do not give a medication for dogs to your cat without any consultation with your vet.
4. Keep Infected Animals in Isolation:
If you have several cats or pets, always ensure to isolate an infected animal from your other pets. Keep litter boxes, food bowls and sleeping areas separate so as to prevent roundworms in cats, which may be contagious, from spreading. It is also relevant to keep young children away from the infected animals.
5. Strengthen Your Cat’s Immune System
Kittens and cats that have weakened immune systems are susceptible to worms. Feed your cat on a balanced and nutritious diet and ensure to consider supplements so as to boost immunity. Talk with your veterinarian about multivitamins and a diet that suits your cat.
6. Use Dewormers
Dewormers such as anthelmintics can be obtained over-the-counter or even be prescribed by a veterinarian. Kittens may be infected with worms through their mother’s milk and are also likely to be infected because of their weak immune systems.
Kittens should be dewormed for at least 6 weeks and again at 10 weeks old. Regular deworming schedules may be arranged with your vet’s office. If your pregnant cat has worms, then it is best to wait until after the mother has her kittens so as to start deworming.
7. Fecal examination:
Adult cats are supposed to have their feces tested at least two times a year at vet’s office so as to determine if they are infected with the roundworms. Roundworms in cats may be difficult to diagnose and are not visible to the naked eye.
Fecal exams is an effective way to catch parasites before any serious infestations develop. If your cat is not taking medications to prevent the parasites, then a fecal exam might be required for two to four times a year.
Our Sources and References
- How to Identify, Treat, and Prevent Roundworms in Cats: https://www.thespruce.com/roundworms-in-cats-3385241
- 7 Tips for Preventing Worms in Cats: https://www.vetinfo.com/preventing-worms-cats.html
- Roundworm Transmission From Pets to Humans: http://www.vetamc.com/roundworm-transmission-from-pets-to-humans
- ROUNDWORMS: http://www.petsandparasites.org/cat-owners/roundworms/
- Cat Throwing Up Worms: http://cats.lovetoknow.com/Cat_Throwing_Up_Worms
- Parasitic Infection of the Respiratory Tract in Cats: http://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/respiratory/c_ct_respiratory_parasites
- Best Ways to Get Rid of Roundworms: http://www.getridofthings.com/health/parasites/get-rid-of-roundworms/
- Home Remedies For Cats With Worms: http://healthresearchfunding.org/home-remedies-cats-worms/
- Home Remedy Dewormer for Cats: http://www.ehow.com/way_5809755_home-remedy-dewormer-cats.html
- How do I treat my cat for worms: https://www.yourcat.co.uk/Cat-health-advice/how-do-i-treat-my-cat-for-worms.html
- Tape vs. Roundworms in Cats: http://pets.thenest.com/tape-vs-roundworms-cats-9167.html
- Roundworm Infection in Cats: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/roundworm-infection-in-cats
Garlic is toxic for cats. Also, the article lists food-grade diatomaceous earth twice (#1 & #4) but with vastly different doses recommended? Why? Most only recommend 1/2 tsp for small cats/kittens and 1 tsp for full-grown cats.