What are the most common worms in cats?

 What are the most common worms in cats?

Tracy Wilkins

Finding a feline with cat worm is a more common situation than you think. Even kittens that don't leave the house often can end up contaminated by these parasites. The contagion of the cat with worm happens mainly through contact with animals and contaminated objects - which can even be a simple piece of clothing of the guardian. When we see pictures of cat worms it isThis is because there is not just one cat worm, but several. Therefore, it is important to know which are the most common types of cat worm and how they affect the health of cat.

What are worms in cats?

The cat worm is a species of parasite known for its limbless body. Worms can live in many different places: in water, in the earth and in the body of other animals. The most common cases are intestinal worms. Cats with this problem have diarrhoea, vomiting and blood in their stools when the worm lodges in the intestine.

But what does cat worm look like? The parasite can have two different shapes: roundworms and flatworms. Roundworms in cats are cylindrical in shape and have a firm, static skin. They lodge in the intestine and feed on what the animal eats, causing malnutrition and intestinal reactions. An example is the Ancylostoma spp Flatworms, on the other hand, are very flat and have a ribbon-like appearance. Like roundworms in cats, they can cause intestinal problems. An example is tapeworm, that famous white worm coming out of the cat. The main way cat tapeworm is transmitted is through ingestion of a host, such as fleas and other infected animals.

Types of worms in cats

Within the classifications of flatworms and roundworms in cats, one can recognize different types of worms in cats. They are caused by a variety of parasites and can contaminate in distinct ways. Among the most common are:

Tapeworm in cats: the tapeworm corresponds to a large group of flatworms. This type of cat worm lodges in the intestine and feeds on everything the feline consumes. In addition, the tapeworm in cats has mechanisms that help it attach to the intestinal wall. It is also common to see in photos of worms in cats the tapeworm in the form of segments in the feline's feces. The contagion of the tapeworm in cats occurs from the ingestion of theOne of the most common types of tapeworm in cats is Echinococcus, which is a zoonosis - i.e. it also catches in humans.

Roundworm: roundworms are types of flatworms that first lodge in the intestine and, as the disease worsens, can migrate to other organs. Contamination can happen from mother to child while still in the womb or through contact with the larvae in contaminated animals or objects. This type of cat worm also causes various intestinal problems.

See_also: Types of Pitbull: meet the most popular versions of this dog breed

Giardia: one of the most common types of cat worms, giardia is also considered a zoonosis. Caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, this cat worm contaminates the feline after it ingests something contaminated with the disease. It commonly appears in unfiltered water, food that has not been thoroughly washed, and objects shared between infected animals.

Heartworm: feline heartworm disease is one of the most serious types of cat worms. As the name implies, the main organ affected is the heart. Transmission occurs after the bite of a contaminated mosquito. The larva passes through the skin, goes into the arteries and reaches the heart, where it causes inflammation and spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream. As with this type of cat worm theintestine is not the main organ affected, other symptoms are more common, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, neurological problems, blindness and lack of coordination.

Ankylostom: hookworm is a type of worm in cats that causes hookworm disease. Although it is more common in dogs, hookworm disease in cats can also affect kittens, causing digestive problems for the animal by lodging in the intestine. Contamination can occur in utero - passing from mother to child - or through contact with contaminated animals and environments.

What are the symptoms of ringworm in cats?

If your pet has this condition, the symptoms of cat ringworm will appear and make the condition easy to notice. Generally, the cat with ringworm has a number of symptoms that can be easily identified by the guardian. Cat feces with ringworm is usually the first sign, due to diarrhea and even the presence of blood. It is also possible to notice symptoms of cat ringwormon the skin, in the abdomen and in the cat's behavior. As most types of cat worms lodge in the intestine, digestive problems are the most frequent to be observed in the cat with worm. Most common symptoms are:

  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in the stool
  • Vomit
  • Weight loss
  • Worm in cat feces
  • Fever
  • Lethargy
  • Swelling in the abdomen
  • Dry or rough looking hair

Does cat worm catch in humans? Learn more about the contagion

One of the biggest doubts of those who have a kitten at home is whether cat worm is transmitted to humans. There are some types of cat worm that can be transmitted to people. Among them are Echinococcus and Giardia. This contagion of cat worm to humans usually occurs from contact with contaminated objects. Therefore, if there is a case of worms in cats - kittens or adults - it is important to know that the cat is not infected.Whenever you touch the infected animal's toys or food bowl, you need to wash your hands thoroughly, clean the objects well and change the litter frequently. Remembering that paying attention to the symptoms of cat worm is the best way to know if your cat has worm. At the first signs, take the cat to a veterinary appointment and make a check-up.total hygiene of the environment.

See_also: Gastritis in dogs: understand how the disease develops in your pet

How is the treatment for cat with ringworm and what to do to prevent it?

When you identify one or more symptoms of cat ringworm, seek help from a professional so that the correct diagnosis can be made. Generally, treatment is carried out with the use of cat ringworm medication. However, under no circumstances try to self-medicate your pet. Only the veterinarian will be able to indicate the best type of treatment for the cat with ringworm according to each individual case.situation.

However, it is worth investing in prevention so that your friend does not suffer from these parasites: deworming the cat is a great preventive measure in this case. It will prevent your pet from even contracting the disease. Therefore, it is very important to keep the pet's dewormer up to date. The first dose should be applied at 30 days of life, with two more doses at an interval of 15 days between them. Then, the annual boosterwill keep your pet safe from cat worm. Also pay attention to where your kitty lives. In environments with less basic sanitation and easier contamination of cat worm, more doses may be needed to ensure protection.

Tracy Wilkins

Jeremy Cruz is a passionate animal lover and dedicated pet parent. With a background in veterinary medicine, Jeremy has spent years working alongside veterinarians, gaining invaluable knowledge and experience in caring for dogs and cats. His genuine love for animals and commitment to their well-being led him to create the blog Everything you need to know about dogs and cats, where he shares expert advice from veterinarians, owners, and respected experts in the field, including Tracy Wilkins. By combining his expertise in veterinary medicine with insights from other respected professionals, Jeremy aims to provide a comprehensive resource for pet owners, helping them understand and address their beloved pets' needs. Whether it's training tips, health advice, or simply spreading awareness about animal welfare, Jeremy's blog has become a go-to source for pet enthusiasts seeking reliable and compassionate information. Through his writing, Jeremy hopes to inspire others to become more responsible pet owners and create a world where all animals receive the love, care, and respect they deserve.