Cats can get several types of worms, with the most common being:
- Roundworms (Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati) - These are the most frequent intestinal parasites in cats. They look like long, cream-colored spaghetti and live in the cat’s intestines, consuming nutrients from the host’s food. Kittens are particularly susceptible to roundworms, which can be passed from mother cats through milk or by ingesting eggs or infected rodents. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or loss of appetite. Untreated infections can lead to serious complications like anemia or stomach rupture.
- Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis) - These flat, segmented worms appear like grains of rice around the cat's anus or in feces. Cats typically contract tapeworms by ingesting fleas containing tapeworm eggs or by eating infected birds or rodents. Segments of tapeworms are often visible in the cat’s feces or fur.
- Hookworms - These worms attach to the lining of the intestines and feed on the cat’s blood, causing potential anemia and intestinal bleeding. Cats may acquire hookworms through contaminated soil, ingestion of infected rodents, or larvae penetrating their skin. Hookworm infections are less common but more harmful.
Other less common worms in cats include lungworms, heartworms, whipworms (rare), stomach worms, bladder worms, and liver flukes. These worms vary in their symptoms and modes of infection, with some causing respiratory or urinary issues and others affecting the digestive tract or liver.
Overall, the key worms affecting cats are roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms, with roundworms being the most prevalent, especially in kittens, and tapeworms being common in flea-infested cats. Regular deworming and flea control are essential to prevent these infections.
