Amelia Taylor – Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Cats are natural predators and wanderers, which means they are more likely to acquire parasites such as worms. These uninvited guests may reside within your cat’s intestines, impacting their digestion, appetite, and overall well-being. Since cats tend to conceal pain, worm infections can go undetected until the symptoms become severe. Being aware of how to identify whether your cat has worms enables you to safeguard their health and avoid reinfection.
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Observable Worms in Stool or Around the Anus
Sight is one of the most obvious signs of worms. You may see tiny white grains of rice-sized bits around your cat’s anus, on their bed, or in the stool. These are tapeworm segments. Roundworms resemble long strands of spaghetti and can be seen in vomit or stool.
What to do: If you see any observable worms or segments, get a stool sample and bring it to your vet for testing.
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Scooting or Licking the Rear Region Frequently
Cats with worms commonly develop irritation or itching around the anus area. You may notice your cat scooting their rear end along the floor or licking the region repeatedly. Although scooting is also a symptom of other conditions such as anal gland issues, worms are a frequent source.
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Loss of Appetite
Worms steal nutrients from your cat’s body, which may lead to changes in appetite. Some cats consume a great deal more than normal and yet lose weight, while some lose their appetite for food.
Observe:
• Sudden loss or gain of appetite
• Weight loss even with regular eating
• Fussy eating or avoidance of meals
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Vomiting or Diarrhea
Worms bother the intestines and stomach, causing digestive upset. Vomiting and diarrhea, or both, are likely to follow. You might even spot worms in the vomit.
Tip: Vomiting or watery stools on a chronic basis are red flags for veterinary attention.
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Bloated or Distended Belly
A pot-bellied or swollen appearance is also typical in kittens with severe infestations of worms. Bloating can even be seen in adult cats as worms reproduce and occupy space inside their intestines.
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Lackluster Coat and Lethargy
When worms steal the nutrients intended for your cat, the initial effects manifest through their coat and level of energy. Your cat becomes lethargic, sleeps excessively, or loses the luster of their fur. The coat of a healthy cat should be shiny and smooth; dull hair may indicate internal problems such as parasites.
Pale Gums or Weakness
Heavy infestations with worms can cause anemia due to blood-eating hookworms. Pale, or whitish-colored gums are one of the first warning signs. You might also observe your cat seems extraordinarily weak or lethargic.
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Coughing or Breathing Problems
Some worms, such as lungworms or migrating roundworms, can infect the lungs and result in coughing or breathing trouble. If your cat experiences a chronic cough without an obvious cause, a veterinarian visit is required.
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How Cats Get Worms
Knowing how your cat came to be infected keeps it from occurring again.
• Consuming infected prey: Insects, mice, or birds may have worm larvae.
• Fleas: Cats that ingest fleas during grooming can acquire tapeworms.
• Contaminated soil or feces: Outdoor cats often pick up worms from their environment.
• Mother-to-kitten transmission: Kittens can get worms through their mother’s milk.
