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Are cat worms contagious to humans?

By Leigha
- March 13, 2025
- 2 MIN READ

Table of Contents

What are cat worms?

Are cat worms contagious to humans?

How to prevent cat worms (for you and your cat)

Intestinal worms can infest your cat at any time of the year, but if these parasites make their way into your home, are they a danger to you and your family? Keep reading to find out!

What are cat worms?

Cat worms are internal parasites that can affect your pet’s health. There are several types of worms that commonly affect cats, including:

Roundworms: These are the most common and look a bit like spaghetti. They live in the intestines and can grow several inches long.
Tapeworms: These worms resemble little rice grains and are often spotted around your cat’s rear end or in their faeces. They come from infected fleas, which cats swallow while grooming.
Hookworms: These tiny creatures latch onto the intestines and can cause anaemia in severe cases.
Whipworms: These thin, whip-shaped worms reside in the large intestine and latch onto the intestinal lining, feeding on blood and tissue fluids.

Are cat worms contagious to humans?

Yes they are, but there’s a few things you should know…

Some cat worms can transfer to humans, particularly roundworms and hookworms. However, it’s not as simple as cuddling your cat and instantly becoming infested. Transmission usually happens through accidental ingestion of worm eggs or larvae. For example:

- Handling contaminated litter trays and forgetting to wash your hands.

- Walking barefoot in areas where infected cats have defecated (hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin!).

- Young children playing in soil or sandboxes that cats have used as their personal loo.

Tapeworms, on the other hand, are less of a risk to humans unless you accidentally swallow an infected flea. Not exactly on anyone’s dinner menu, but it does happen, particularly to curious toddlers.

How to prevent cat worms (for you and your cat)

So, how do we keep cats and ourselves worm-free? Thankfully, it’s not rocket science.

Regular worming treatment

The easiest way to stop worms in their tracks is by giving your cat a regular deworming treatment, like the Itch Wormer Tablets for cats which is fast-acting to kill any common intestinal worms in your cat. It’s recommended to treat your cat every three months, though outdoor cats or those who hunt may need more frequent dosing. Read more on how often you should deworm your pet.
Flea control

Since fleas can spread tapeworms, keeping on top of flea prevention is crucial. Use vet-approved flea treatments, like Itch Flea Treatment for Cats which kills all fleas on your pet within 24 hours and halts all other stages of the flea life cycle.
Litter tray hygiene

Not only is it important to keep your home clean, but also if your cat uses a litter tray, scoop it daily and disinfect it regularly. Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling cat waste—especially before eating.
Keep shoes on outdoors

If you have a garden, try always wearing shoes (especially your kids) rather than walking barefoot to avoid accidental hookworm exposure.
Educate children

If you have little ones, teach them to wash their hands after playing outside, particularly if they’ve been in the dirt or sandpits.

While cat worms can be contagious to humans, the risk is relatively low if you take proper precautions. Regular deworming, good hygiene, and flea control will go a long way in keeping you and your feline friend healthy. So, there’s no need to panic—just be mindful, and you can go about life in your usual way!

Protect your pet from worms.

Intestinal worms can cause serious health issues for your pet and your family, but with a regular de-worming schedule you can protect your pet, home and family from these persistent parasites.

Itch Wormer tablets kills all common intestinal worms and prevent larvae from hatching and multiplying, until your pet's next regular treatment.

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