Symptoms of Worms in Cats

Cats love to groom themselves by licking their fur and they also enjoy preying on different rodents. But these two habits are known to be the most common ways through which felines fall prey to worm infestation. In most cases, if the infestation is a light one, then it may not cause any significant symptoms. However, if the case is severe, then repercussions can be serious health disorders or even death. The good news is, symptoms of worm infestation in cats can be easily determined and managed, and the worms can be eliminated with complete effect. Treatment usually involves using prescription-strength medications from a qualified vet.

What Indicates Worm Infestation in Felines?

Symptoms may vary with the type of worm infestation. The common types include roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, heartworms and stomach worms.

Roundworm
One of the most common parasites which are known to affect felines and even canines, are roundworms. These are usually milky white, having tapered ends. Classic symptoms include round bellies, vomiting (sometimes, parts or whole of the worms), diarrhea, dehydration, and appetite changes. Other symptoms which may be seen are affected growth (in kittens), intestinal blockage and dull coat.

Hookworm
These parasites are nasty blood suckers, which stay attached to the intestinal walls of the animal, and feed off the host's blood. These parasites are, however, more common in canines than in felines. As these worms may cause profound loss of blood, they may create fatal condition for kittens. Symptoms caused by hookworms include anemia, intestinal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain and in severe cases, death.

Tapeworms
Tapeworms in cats are small and white, and are usually detected in the animal's stool. They can also be seen under and around the tail of the pet. Appearance of small rice like segments around the pet's anus, abnormal weight loss, and extreme hunger are the common symptoms of tapeworms in cats.

Heartworms
As the name suggests, these make their home in the pulmonary arteries, lungs & hearts of cats. These are thin and white, and could be several inches long. These worms are known to affect dogs more than felines. However, it is known that even minute number of these worms may lead to death in cats. Characteristic symptoms which may indicate that your pet has been infected by heartworms include loss of appetite, vomiting, coughing, weight loss and wheezing. The affected animal may seem to be more lethargic than usual, and might also experience difficulty in breathing.

Stomach Worm
These worms, as the name suggests, inhabit the animal's stomach. They are also known as ollanulus worms. These worms are not common in the United States. Common signs to watch out for are vomiting, weight loss, and lethargic feeling most of the time.

As you can see, some of the types of worms can give rise to critical conditions for the cat's survival. Measures like keeping your pet indoors, keeping its litter box clean, getting rid of fleas, rodents, roaches, etc., from in and around the house and going for regular medical check ups, are some effective methods through which you can help your pet stay away from developing all such conditions.