Feline Roundworm and Feline Tapeworm
Of the feline worms feline roundworm and feline tapeworm are probably the most common, so it’s good to know a little about them if you have a cat. Knowledge can help with both prevention and treatment of these nasty intestinal parasites.
Roundworm in Cats This may not sound too pleasant but adult roundworms look a bit like cooked spaghetti. It’s easy to see how the name started. Mature roundworms are usually about 3-4 inches in length, although some can get to 7 inches in length. You may see these worms in the vomit or feces of an infected cat, but not seeing them doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t have them. To know for sure if your cat has roundworms your vet would need to do a fecal test.
Adult feline roundworms live in the small intestine of the cat (the host) where they absorb nutrients from what the cat is eating. Feline roundworm can weaken the cat’s system because they interfere with normal digestion and they can also damage the lining of the intestine.
Cats that have a lot of roundworms can get very skinny, but kittens can have a very different appearance. In kittens these worms can create a pot-belly look. Additional symptoms can include anemia, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea and a dull coat. As the larvae grow and develop they pass through the respiratory system which makes coughing another possible symptom.
While it is uncommon a severe case of roundworm in cats can actually block the intestines. But it’s also good to know that a cat with a mild case of these worms may not show any symptoms.
To get rid of the roundworms you will need to give your cat a wormer. Wormers usually only kill the mature worms, not the larvae, so you will likely need to give another round of the wormer after a few weeks. Just follow the instructions on the side of the box.
Tapeworm in Cats Tapeworm are segmented worms that are flat. They consist of a head, neck and a bunch of segments that look a bit like cucumber seeds or rice. They have a type of mouth that allow them to attach to the cat’s intestinal wall.
New segments grow in the neck area and the segments on the other end are dropped as they develop. These segments each have their own reproductive organs. The ones that are dropped have the eggs. These are the ones you may notice in the litter box, near the cat’s butt or in the bedding.
Tapeworms can be transported by fleas so if you have a flea infestation you may also have a tapeworm infestation. It’s best to treat for fleas first so the cat isn’t re-infested.
Cats can also contract feline tapeworm from rodents, so if your cat hunts or spends a lot of time outside you should regularly check for feline tapeworm.
If you feel your cat may have tapeworms it’s important to work with your veterinarian to find the proper medication to treat for these worms. There are some common wormers for this but the dose can differ based on the weight of the cat.
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