Why is worming so important for cats?

Keeping up with regular worming is vital for your cat’s health and helps protect your family from possible risks. Suspect your cat has worms? Here’s what to know.

How do cats get worms?

Cats can contract worms in a variety of ways:

• From their mother: Kittens can be born with worms inherited from their mother. They can also get more worms from her milk.
• Eating infected prey: Cats that hunt mice or birds may pick up worms from their prey.
• Larvae in the environment: Cats can ingest worm larvae from contaminated soil, grass, or even water sources.
• Fleas: Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs. If your cat swallows a flea while grooming, they may become infected.

Can indoor cats get worms?

Yes, indoor cats can still contract worms. While outdoor cats are more likely to pick up worms, indoor cats are not immune. Worm eggs can enter your home through various ways, such as on shoes or via other pets. It's important to worm your cat regularly, even if they don’t go outside.

How do I know if my cat has worms?

Some common signs that your cat may have worms include:

• Visible worms in their faeces or around their anus.
• Weight loss despite a good appetite.
• A swollen or bloated abdomen.
• Diarrhoea or vomiting, sometimes with worms present.
• Dull coat or excessive shedding.

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet for advice. They may recommend testing a faecal sample to confirm if worms are present.

What do cat worms look like?

There are different types of worms that can affect cats. Here’s what they generally look like:

• Roundworms: Long, white, and spaghetti-like. These are often visible in faeces or vomit.
• Tapeworms: Segmented and flat. You may notice small, rice-like segments around your cat’s anus or in their bedding.
• Hookworms: Much smaller, these may not be visible in your cat’s stool but can cause serious health issues.

Can humans get worms from cats?

Yes, humans can contract worms from cats, though thankfully it’s pretty rare. Roundworms are the most common type of worm that can be passed to humans. Ingesting roundworm eggs from contaminated soil, litter trays, or surfaces can lead to an infection called toxocariasis. This condition can cause various symptoms, including eye problems. Children are at higher risk because they’re more likely to come into contact with contaminated soil or pet faeces – and stick unwashed hands in their mouths!

What is worming?

Worming is the process of giving your cat medication to kill any worms they may have. It’s an essential part of routine pet care and should be done regularly to prevent worms from causing health problems.

How often should you worm a cat?

Typically, you should worm adult cats every three months. For kittens, it’s recommended to start worming at two weeks old and continue every two weeks until they’re eight weeks old. After that, worm them monthly until they’re six months old. Your vet can advise you on the best worming schedule for your cat based on their lifestyle and health.

Do you flea or worm first?

It’s generally recommended to treat fleas before worms. This is because fleas can carry tapeworm eggs. By eliminating fleas first, you reduce the risk of reinfection from worms.

Worm medicine for cats

There are different types of worming treatments available, including:

• Tablets: Easy to administer with food or directly by mouth.
• Spot-on treatments: Applied to the back of your cat’s neck.
• Injections: Your vet may administer a worming injection if necessary.

It’s important to use vet-recommended worm treatments rather than over-the-counter products. Vet-prescribed treatments are more effective and tailored to your cat’s needs. Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your vet.

How to get rid of cat worms naturally?

Some people swear by natural remedies for preventing worms in cats. Ground pumpkin seeds are thought to contain compounds that can paralyse worms, while finely grated carrots are said to help push worms out through the digestive system. Although these remedies might sound appealing, they aren’t backed by solid evidence like conventional worming treatments are. It’s always best to stick with vet-prescribed medications to keep your cat free from worms.

Can you use worming treatments for kittens?

Yes, kittens should be wormed from an early age. Starting at two weeks old, worm kittens every two weeks until they’re eight weeks old. After that, continue monthly treatments until they’re six months old. Kittens are particularly vulnerable to worms, and an untreated infection can lead to severe health issues, including stunted growth or even death.

If you have any worries or concerns regarding your pet’s worm medicine, please contact your vet for advice.

If you have an Agria Pet Insurance policy, you can access free veterinary advice 24/7 through the Agria app.