Several types of worms can infect cats. The four types of worms that most commonly infect cats are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and liver flukes. These worms are not only dangerous for cats, but can also infect humans. In addition, the four types of worms can also infect other pets. So, in addition to treating worm infections in kittens, recently adopted cats, or cats showing symptoms of worms, cat owners should discuss parasite screening and prevention programs with their veterinarian. Knowing when your cat needs to be treated for worm infections is just as important as knowing how.
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Method 1 of 4: Diagnosing a Worm Infection in Your Cat
Step 1. Check the dirt
The most obvious sign of a worm infection, is the presence of worms in the feces. Pay attention to cat litter. Tapeworm body segments are often detached and come out with cat feces. This segment resembles a grain of rice. If it's fresh, this segment may even look like tiny worms.
- Watch for diarrhea. A number of disorders can cause diarrhea in cats, and all helminth infections, including roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms, can cause loose cat feces. In other cases, your cat may bleed from irritation to his colon and intestines.
- Get a plastic bag and collect the worms for your vet to examine.
Step 2. Watch out for vomiting in cats
Roundworms can cause a cat to vomit. Cats may even regurgitate adult roundworms as well. This worm looks like spaghetti. Vomiting is also a symptom of liver worms. As with cat litter, you should try to collect it in a plastic bag. The vet will need to examine the cat's vomit for parasites or other signs of illness. You need to remember that vomiting doesn't necessarily mean your cat has worms. This could be due to a number of other disorders.
Step 3. Record the cat's weight
Cats infected with intestinal worms or liver flukes may experience weight loss. Sometimes, the weight change is quite drastic, other times it may be very small. This really depends on the size and number of worms. In other cases, the cat's stomach may be enlarged and appear bloated. If your cat's stomach is bloated, it may be infected with roundworms.
Step 4. Pay attention to your cat's gums
Under normal conditions, a cat's gums should be pink. However, parasites such as worms can make them pale due to anemia or impaired blood flow. If your cat's gums are pale, schedule an appointment with the vet. If your cat is having trouble breathing or seems weak, seek emergency help immediately.
Step 5. Identify the type of worm that infects your cat
Knowing the type of worm that infects your cat is important to start treatment. Your veterinarian can provide this information along with appropriate medications and treatments. While you don't really need to understand every type of worm in detail, here are some types of worms that you should deal with in general:
- Roundworms are the most common parasites infecting cats. Cats that are still suckling can get it through their mother's milk, while adult cats can get it from infected feces.
- Tapeworms are segmented parasites that are often found on the fur on the back of a cat's body. This parasite is transmitted through ingested ticks.
- Hookworms are smaller than roundworms and infect the small intestine. Cats can become infected as a result of skin contact or ingestion of them. These worms more often attack dogs.
- Lung flukes infect the lungs of cats and are less common. These worms can be transmitted to a cat if it ingests a host, such as a bird or rodent.
- Heartworms are probably the most dangerous type. Mosquitoes that bite infected animals will carry them in the blood of their food. Liverworm larvae will grow, and if the mosquito bites another animal (such as your cat), the liverworm will enter the cat's bloodstream.
Step 6. Take your cat to the vet
Don't assume you can cure a worm infection on your own. You should take your cat to the vet, who will examine a sample of cat litter beforehand. If your doctor suspects that your cat has liver fluke, he or she may order a routine blood sample. There are many different types of worms, and treatment varies from one to another, so knowing the specific type of worm that infects is important before starting treatment.
- Generally, deworming should be given once every two weeks or once a month. This treatment cannot be done just once.
- You may come across some websites that say that you can treat worm infections "naturally" at home with some herbs and herbs. Ignore this kind of information and take your cat to a professional veterinary practitioner.
- Bring a newly adopted cat or newborn kitten for deworming. This is routine, whether you think your cat has worms or not. Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks from 6 weeks to 3 months, then continued monthly until they are 6 months old. Newly adopted kittens should be dewormed immediately, with at least 2 follow-up treatments every 2 weeks. Mother cats can also pass worms to their kittens.
Method 2 of 4: Treating Worm Infections in Your Cat
Step 1. Give the cat the prescribed medication
Ask your vet for a prescription for the medicine you need. You should never try to give over-the-counter deworming medication without consulting your veterinarian first, especially to kittens. While your cat will most likely be given medication in pill form, other medications may be given as tablets, capsules, granules, chewable tablets, liquids, and ointments or lotions.
Don't try to pick a cat medicine yourself; Follow your veterinarian's advice on how and when to administer the medication. After knowing the drug to be given, you must know the frequency of administration. It is very important to give the complete medicine according to the veterinarian's prescription. Either orally or topically, you must give it to the cat until the medicine wears off
Step 2. Be prepared for the side effects
The most important thing to know is that deworming is more toxic to the worm than the host (your cat). This is the reason why you should consult a veterinarian, and give the medication as directed. Some side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting may occur. Discuss what are and what are not side effects of medication with your vet, and make sure your cat is reacting normally.
Step 3. Treat roundworm and hookworm infections
The drugs most commonly used to treat roundworms and hookworms in adult cats are pyrantel palmoate and milbemycin oxime which are administered orally, and lambectin which is administered topically. In the US, pyrantel palmoate is sold over-the-counter, while lambectin and milbemycin oxime are only sold by prescription. Selamectin is not suitable for cats younger than 8 weeks of age, so younger cats should be dewormed orally.
Step 4. Treat tapeworm infection
The two drugs most commonly used to treat tapeworm infections are praziquantel and epsiprantel. Both are taken orally. Praziquantel is over-the-counter, while espirantel must be purchased with a doctor's prescription.
Generally, the vet will do an examination of the cat's feces after the treatment is complete to ensure the effect. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's recommendations for deworming, and schedule re-examinations to ensure effectiveness
Step 5. Do the check again
The vet will ask you to bring your cat back. Be sure to follow his advice, and bring your cat back, either for follow-up treatment, or just to confirm his recovery. It's important to revisit the vet if requested, so you can ensure your cat's health and happiness.
Method 3 of 4: Giving Medication to Cats Swallow
Step 1. Prepare the medicine
Shake the bottle if necessary or remove the pill from the bottle. You may have to put the liquid medicine in a syringe or dropper. The veterinarian will advise on the ideal route of administration of the drug.
Keep the medication out of your cat's sight. If your cat sees the medicine first, it will probably run away. So sometimes, you need to prepare the medication in advance, and wait a few minutes for your cat to calm down so you can safely administer the medication
Step 2. Calm your cat
When you receive deworming for your cat, you will be told how to administer it. Giving your cat medicine to swallow can be a little difficult, but it can be done as long as your cat is calm and happy. If you're asked to give your cat medicine at home, you'll need to know how to calm your cat down so she can give her the medicine she needs.
Step 3. Cover your cat
Cover the cat with a light blanket, pillowcase, or towel, leaving only the head exposed. This will prevent the cat from clawing and fighting you. However, make sure that the cat is not frightened and has difficulty breathing during the blanket. You can also try administering medication without blanketing the cat first. While this will reduce the fear, it will make it more difficult for you to handle the cat.
Step 4. Hold the cat's body tightly
Sit on the floor, and place the cat between your legs or on your lap. You can also ask someone to help you hold the cat. This process will be much easier if someone helps you.
Step 5. Hold the cat's head properly
Place your thumb on one side of the cat's mouth, and your index finger on the other side. Be careful, the cat may try to bite your finger, so give it ample distance.
Step 6. Bend the cat's head back
While doing this move, gently press both sides of the cat's mouth until it opens. Try to do it as calmly as possible. If you're anxious, your cat will feel that way, and she'll be even more anxious. You should press the cat's lower jaw with your other hand, so that its mouth opens wider.
Step 7. Put the medicine in the cat's mouth
Put the pill in the back of the mouth or pour the liquid medicine down one side of the inside of the cheek. Be careful not to put the medicine directly down the cat's throat, so that it doesn't choke.
Step 8. Help your cat swallow the medicine
Here's what you need to do to help your cat swallow the medication effectively:
- Let him close his mouth.
- Lift the cat's lower jaw so that the nose is pointing upwards.
- Gently rub the cat's throat to stimulate the swallowing reflex.
- Hold your position for a few seconds or until your cat swallows the medicine. Treat the cat gently while administering the medication. Don't let your cat choke on the medicine on its own.
Step 9. Make sure the medicine is swallowed
Release the cat's mouth, but still hold the body in anticipation of the medicine that has not been swallowed by the cat vomiting up. Release the cat's body once you are sure the medicine has been swallowed.
Vomiting of drugs is a major problem in capsule preparations. Liquid medications are usually more difficult for cats to vomit
Step 10. Praise the cat for swallowing the medicine
Take off the blanket and give him credit for being nice. Give him food, attention, and affection because he wants to swallow the medicine. This will make the process of administering the next drug easier. The reason, the cat will associate it with a pleasant experience, not scary. If he has had a bad time with the drug or the process of giving it, he will fight harder in the next process.
Method 4 of 4: Prevent Worm Infections From Reoccurring
Step 1. Give your cat antiparasitic medication regularly as a preventative measure
Consult a veterinarian for more details. Some drugs, such as salamectin, have a broad effect against infection with lice, heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, and other parasites.
Step 2. Consider keeping your cat indoors
Since other infected cats, fleas, and rodents carry parasites in their bodies, keeping your cat indoors will reduce your chances of getting worms. Many cat owners feel guilty about keeping their cat indoors, because they feel it is hindering their cat's development in some ways. "Shouldn't cats be allowed to express their natural instincts in the sun and fresh air?" This question may make the cat owner reconsider his decision. However, to make the best decision, you have to weigh the pros and cons.
Is the risk too great? Consider road conditions, disease factors, environmental concerns, other animal and human disturbances when making your decision. If you decide to keep your cat indoors to avoid this risk, keep in mind that you can imitate the environment outside by setting up posts for claws, windows, and objects that the cat can climb on
Step 3. Get rid of fleas from inside your house and yard
Generally, if your cat is only spending time indoors, you don't have to worry about the outside environment. Cats are able to kill fleas on their own, especially if they are not often attacked by these nuisance animals. So focus your attention on the places where your cat spends most of his time.
- Home: the main tactic in your fight against fleas is cat hygiene. Wash all pillows, blankets, and favorite things your cat uses to lie down. You will need to get rid of lice, eggs, and young flea cocoons. Vacuum your carpet to do the same. If your case of lice infestation is moderate to severe, choose a brand of flea and egg repellent. During use, all animals and humans should be out of the house for the recommended time. After that, clean all surfaces in the house and vacuum again to get rid of dead lice or eggs and any remaining exterminators.
- Pages: controlling the growth of fleas outdoors is certainly more difficult. Start by cleaning up organic waste that is a breeding ground for fleas, such as grass clippings, leaves, and hay. Fleas like to hide in dark, damp, and shady places. Purchase an environmentally safe flea spray, and use it in those places according to the instructions on the package.
Step 4. Clean your cat's litter box regularly
Remove the feces regularly to prevent the spread of worms. Wear plastic gloves, and a face mask if you can. You don't want to inhale cat litter debris. Put cat litter in a plastic bag. Use a tissue and natural antibacterial spray to clean the inside of the box. Consider washing the cat litter box thoroughly with soapy water. Then fill it back with new dirt collection sand. Clean the cat litter box once or twice a week, depending on how your cat uses the box.
