Table of Contents
What are worms in cats?
How do cats get worms?
Can worms infest your home?
How to treat worms
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Can cat worms infest your home?
- By Hannah
-
- December 11, 2024
- 3 MIN READ
If you’re a cat owner, the thought of your furry friend having worms is skin crawling. And once your cat is infested by worms, you might be asking yourself all sorts of questions - Can you get worms? Can they contaminate your home? Don’t worry, we have all the answers so let’s get a wriggle on and keep your cat worm free!
What are worms in cats?
Worms are parasitic creatures that infect your cat's digestive tract. Common types include:
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Roundworms: The most common of the bunch. They’re long, white, and resemble spaghetti.
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Tapeworms: These look like grains of rice and often show up around a cat’s bottom or in their bedding.
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Hookworms: Tiny but mighty, these can cause serious issues by feeding on your cat’s blood.
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Lungworms: Less common but can affect the respiratory system, making your cat cough or wheeze.
Each type of worm has its own nasty way of invading and harming your cat, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, and a dull coat. But how do they get them in the first place?
How do cats get worms?
Cats are resourceful hunters and curious explorers, but this curiosity often lands them in trouble. Worms can make their way into your feline’s system in a variety of ways:
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Hunting
Cats love to chase mice, birds, and other small animals. Unfortunately, these critters often carry worm larvae
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Fleas
Tapeworms have a crafty partnership with fleas. If your cat swallows an infected flea during grooming, the tapeworm’s life cycle begins.
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Soil and Faeces
Outdoor cats or those with access to gardens might come into contact with contaminated soil or faeces, which can harbour worm eggs.
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From Mum
Kittens are often born with worms, as they can pass from mother to baby through milk.
Keeping cats indoors reduces the risk, but even the most pampered house cats can be at risk from fleas or contaminated food.
Can worms infest your home?
The short answer is: potentially, yes. While the worms themselves don’t set up shop in your carpet, their eggs and larvae can certainly hitch a ride. Here’s how it happens:
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Contaminated bedding and furniture: Worm eggs might be present in your cat’s bedding, favourite sofa spot, or even your bed if they’re allowed to snooze there.
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Litter box: If your cat’s litter isn’t cleaned regularly, it becomes a breeding ground for worm eggs and larvae.
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Fleas: A flea infestation in your home can indirectly mean a higher risk of tapeworms for both your cat and even humans.
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Direct contact: Roundworm eggs can be accidentally ingested by humans, especially children playing on the floor or in litter areas.
Before you burn your sofa or banish your cat to the garden shed, let’s be clear: a worm infestation in your home is rare and easily preventable with good hygiene and regular pet care. Still, it’s important to stay vigilant and proactive.
How to treat worms
If your cat is scooting, vomiting or has diarrhoea - it is likely they have worms. But don’t panic, treating these pesky parasites is straightforward:
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Deworming treatments: There are plenty of options, including tablets, topical treatments, and even injections. Like the Itch Wormer Tablets for cats, which kills common intestinal worms and prevents newly hatched larvae from growing and multiplying.
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Visit the vet: Chatting to a vet can always help when confirming if your pet has worms and finding the most effective treatment for their condition.
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Clean your home: While treating your cat, you’ll need to step up your cleaning game. Wash bedding in hot water (no less than 60 degrees!), vacuum carpets and furniture, and disinfect litter boxes.
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Treat for fleas: Fleas are likely to cause worms in your cat, so maintaining a regular flea prevention routine is essential. Use vet-approved flea treatments, like Itch Flea Treatment for cats which kills all adult fleas on your feline within 24 hours.
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Preventative care: Regular deworming is crucial, even for indoor cats. Using subscription services like Itch, can make protection convenient and affordable
By staying on top of your cat’s health and maintaining a clean home, you can avoid the unpleasant experience of worms taking over your life. With the right flea and worm preventative treatment you can keep your kitty and home happy, healthy and full of beans.
Get rid of fleas, ticks AND lice... and stop them coming back!
Fleas, ticks and lice can be a nightmare, but with the right approach, you can take control and rid your pets and home of these bothersome pests. Remember that parasites can be persistent, so patience and regular treatment will be your best friends! By addressing both your pet and their environment, you can ensure a flea-free and comfortable living space for both your furry companion and your family.
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