Worm in cat: 7 questions and answers about the parasite

 Worm in cat: 7 questions and answers about the parasite

Tracy Wilkins

Worms in cats are a problem that every cat guardian needs to be aware of, as they can affect any cat. They are parasites that can have a cylindrical or flattened body, and always lodge in some organ of the feline anatomy. Cat worms are very harmful to health and can contaminate the animal in several different ways. Seeing a cat with worms is not such an unusual situation, butMany owners have questions about this condition. What are the types of cat worm? Can we find cat worm in humans? What are the most common cat worm symptoms? Here are 7 questions and answers about parasites.

1) What are the most common types of cat worm?

There are many different types of worms in cats. One of the most common is the tapeworm, which lodges in the intestine and causes problems in the cat's digestive system. Roundworm is another type of cat worm that initially inhabits the intestine but can spread to other organs. Although hookworm in dogs is more common, roundworm can also affect kittens. The worm lodges in theFinally, one of the most dangerous worms in cats is the heartworm, which causes feline heartworm disease. The parasite attacks the animal's heart directly and from there spreads throughout the body via the bloodstream.

2) How does worm contamination occur in cats?

As there are many types of cat worm, there are also several ways of contagion. The most common is direct contact with contaminated animals, objects and environments. This is how we have a cat with roundworm and hookworm, for example. With tapeworm, transmission occurs by ingesting the eggs of the parasites. In the case of feline heartworm disease, contagion occurs through the bite of a cat.a contaminated mosquito.

3) What are the most common symptoms of ringworm in cats?

When it comes to worms in cats, symptoms are usually quite similar between all types. This is because most of them have the intestine as their main target. Thus, the most common symptoms of worms in cats are: diarrhea (with blood or not), vomiting, fever, weight loss, weak and dry hair, lethargy and swollen belly. In addition, we can also see the presence of worms in the animal's feces.The symptoms of cat heartworm caused by feline heartworm disease are different, as the main organ to be attacked is the heart. In this type of cat heartworm, the most frequent symptoms are respiratory problems, difficulty breathing, neurological problems, seizures, coughing, blindness and lack of motor coordination.

4) Is it possible to catch cat worm in humans?

Just as we can have a cat with tapeworm, we can also suffer from this type of parasite. But after all, does cat tapeworm catch in humans? Some of them, yes. One of the most common types of tapeworm in cats is Echinococcus. In addition to affecting pussies, we can also have this cat worm in humans, thus being considered a zoonosis. Most of the time, the person contracts this disease when entering intocontact with contaminated objects. As this cat worm is caught in humans, it is essential to wash your hands thoroughly after handling items such as the food bowl and litter box of a contaminated cat.

5) How to treat a cat with ringworm?

When identifying the symptoms of worms in cats, the guardian should take the pet to the veterinarian to get a diagnosis. From there, the cat with worms needs to start being treated. Each case is different but, in general, the treatment consists of the use of dewormers for cats, which are specific remedies for worms. The veterinarian is the one who will indicate which is the best for each situation. It is also worth mentioningThere is no point in treating a cat with ringworm if you do not sanitise the environment. Parasites can be very resistant and survive for a long time in a contaminated place or object. So if you have a cat with ringworm, clean the places it frequents in the house and all its objects thoroughly. This is the only way to prevent the animal from becoming infected again.

6) How to prevent worms in cats?

Cat dewormer is not only a remedy for worms: it is also the main form of prevention. The first dose should be applied from the kitten's 30 days of life. After 15 days, it should take the second dose. After another 15 days, it receives the third. Until it is 6 months old, the pet should take a monthly dose. From then on, the kitten should take reinforcements, which can beadministered annually, every 6 months or every 3 months, depending on each case. It is important to talk to your veterinarian to find out the ideal frequency for your kitten. It is also worth mentioning that indoor breeding prevents cat worming, as an animal that lives at home has less risk of becoming contaminated with these parasites, which are more easily found outdoors.

7) Can worms in cats infect pets that only live at home?

It is much more common for a kitten to contract cat worm on the street. It is outdoors that the pet is most exposed to these parasites, since it can have contact with contaminated animals and objects. But does this mean that a cat that only lives at home will never have worm? No. Even with indoor breeding, there is always a risk of contracting worm disease. In some cases, transmission occurs throughof fleas and mosquitoes that can end up getting inside the house, either through a window or even on the owner's own clothes.

When the guardian arrives home, a flea may be stuck on their shoe or shirt. If it is infected, it can contaminate the animal. In addition, those who have other animals (such as dogs) that frequent the street, may well bring the parasites into the house. Therefore, even though it is much more difficult for a kitten that only lives at home to contract cat worm, it is important to always be carefuland apply cat dewormer regularly.

See_also: Small dog breeds: a guide to the 20 most popular (with gallery)

See_also: Blood transfusion in dogs: what is the procedure like, how to donate and in which cases is it recommended?

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.