What Kind of Worms Can a Cat Get? The 7 Most Common Parasites and How to Protect Your Feline
Cats are naturally curious creatures, but their inquisitive nature can expose them to hidden dangers — especially intestinal parasites. Many cat owners assume their indoor pets are safe, but the truth is, worms can find their way in through fleas, rodents, contaminated soil, or even from mother to kitten. Understanding what kinds of worms can infect your cat isn’t just about prevention — it’s about safeguarding your pet’s long-term health and your household’s well-being.
From the common roundworm to the stealthy tapeworm, knowing the signs, sources, and solutions empowers you to act before serious damage occurs. This guide breaks down the seven most prevalent types of feline worms, how they affect your cat, and what you can do to keep your furry companion parasite-free.
The Most Common Types of Worms That Infect Cats
Cats are vulnerable to a range of intestinal parasites, each with unique life cycles and symptoms. Recognizing these worms early is key to effective treatment and prevention.
Roundworms (Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina):
These are the most common intestinal parasites in cats, especially kittens, and resemble spaghetti in appearance.Hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense):
Tiny, blood-sucking worms that attach to the intestinal wall and can cause severe anemia.Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis):
Segmented worms that look like moving grains of rice near the tail or in feces.Whipworms (Trichuris vulpis):
Rare in cats but possible — they live in the large intestine and cause inflammation and diarrhea.Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis):
Transmitted by mosquitoes; affects the heart and lungs — often fatal if untreated.Lungworms (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus):
Parasites that migrate to the lungs, causing coughing, wheezing, and respiratory distress.Flukes (Trematodes):
Less common, typically contracted from eating raw fish or frogs, affecting the liver or intestines.
These parasites don’t just cause discomfort — they can lead to life-threatening conditions if left unchecked. Even asymptomatic cats can shed eggs or larvae, putting other pets and humans at risk.
How Cats Catch Worms: The Hidden Pathways
Cats don’t choose to get worms — they’re exposed through everyday behaviors and environmental factors most owners never consider.
Ingesting Infected Prey:
Hunting mice, birds, or rodents is a natural instinct — but it’s also the most common way cats contract tapeworms and roundworms.Flea Infestations:
Fleas carry tapeworm larvae; when a cat grooms and swallows an infected flea, the worm hatches inside the intestine.Mother-to-Kitten Transmission:
Roundworms can pass from mother to kittens through milk — even if the mom shows no symptoms.Contaminated Soil or Litter Boxes:
Eggs from infected feces can survive in soil or litter for months, reinfecting cats who dig or walk through it.Mosquito Bites:
Heartworms are transmitted exclusively by mosquitoes — even indoor cats are at risk if mosquitoes enter the home.Eating Raw Meat or Fish:
Undercooked or raw diets expose cats to flukes, tapeworms, and other parasites not killed by freezing or handling.Contact with Infected Animals:
Outdoor cats or multi-pet households can spread worms through shared litter boxes, grooming, or territorial marking.
Understanding transmission routes allows you to break the cycle — not just treat, but prevent. Prevention starts with awareness of your cat’s environment and habits.
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| Type of Worm | Primary Transmission Route |
|---|---|
| Roundworms | Ingesting infected prey, mother’s milk, or contaminated soil |
| Hookworms | Skin penetration (paws) or ingestion of larvae in feces |
| Tapeworms | Swallowing infected fleas or eating infected rodents |
| Heartworms | Mosquito bites carrying larvae |
| Lungworms | Eating snails, slugs, or infected prey |
| Whipworms | Ingesting eggs from contaminated soil (rare in cats) |
| Flukes | Consuming raw fish, frogs, or aquatic prey |
Symptoms of Worm Infestation in Cats
Not all cats show obvious signs — but when they do, recognizing the clues can mean the difference between mild discomfort and critical illness.
Visible Worm Segments or Eggs:
Look for rice-like particles around the anus or in feces — a clear sign of tapeworms.Weight Loss Despite Good Appetite:
Parasites steal nutrients, causing your cat to lose weight even if they eat normally.Pot-Bellied Appearance:
Especially common in kittens with heavy roundworm loads — the abdomen swells due to intestinal bloating.Dull Coat and Poor Skin Condition:
Malnutrition from worms often results in patchy fur, dry skin, or excessive shedding.Vomiting or Diarrhea:
Hookworms and roundworms irritate the gut lining, leading to gastrointestinal upset.Lethargy or Weakness:
Chronic blood loss from hookworms or organ damage from heartworms can cause extreme fatigue.Coughing or Difficulty Breathing:
Lungworms migrate to the airways, triggering respiratory symptoms mistaken for asthma or colds.
Even if your cat seems fine, regular fecal exams and deworming are essential. Many infections are asymptomatic until they become severe.
Diagnosis: How Vets Detect Worms in Cats
Finding worms isn’t always as simple as seeing them — vets use specialized tools to confirm infestations.
Fecal Float Test:
The most common diagnostic tool — a stool sample is mixed with a solution that causes parasite eggs to float to the top for microscopic identification.Blood Tests for Heartworms:
Antibody or antigen tests detect exposure or active infection, even before symptoms appear.Physical Examination:
Vets check for signs like a distended abdomen, poor coat, or visible segments near the tail.Imaging (X-rays or Ultrasounds):
Used in severe cases, especially for heartworms or lungworms affecting the lungs or heart.Flea Inspection:
Since fleas carry tapeworm larvae, finding fleas often points to an underlying worm issue.History and Lifestyle Review:
Vets ask about hunting, raw feeding, outdoor access, and travel — all risk factors.
Early detection saves lives. Annual fecal exams should be part of every cat’s wellness routine — even indoor-only cats.
Treatment Options for Feline Worms
Treating worms is highly effective — but it must be precise. Not all dewormers work on all parasites.
Broad-Spectrum Dewormers (Pyrantel Pamoate):
Effective against roundworms and hookworms — commonly used in kittens and pregnant cats.Praziquantel:
The gold standard for tapeworms — kills segments and prevents reinfestation.Milbemycin Oxime:
Treats roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, and prevents heartworms — often found in monthly preventatives.Selamectin (Topical):
Applied to the skin; treats fleas, roundworms, hookworms, and some heartworms — ideal for cats who resist pills.Ivermectin (for Heartworms):
Used under strict veterinary supervision — not a cure, but helps manage adult worms and prevent larvae.Supportive Care:
Fluid therapy, iron supplements, or antibiotics may be needed if anemia or secondary infection is present.Follow-Up Dosing:
Most treatments require a second dose 2–4 weeks later to kill newly hatched larvae.
Never use dog dewormers on cats — many are toxic. Always follow your vet’s dosage and schedule.
Prevention: How to Keep Your Cat Worm-Free Long-Term
Prevention is far easier, safer, and cheaper than treating advanced infestations.
Monthly Preventative Medication:
Use veterinarian-recommended products that protect against heartworms, roundworms, and hookworms year-round.Flea Control:
Since fleas transmit tapeworms, consistent flea prevention is non-negotiable — even for indoor cats.Avoid Raw Diets:
Cooked or commercially prepared food eliminates the risk of flukes, tapeworms, and other pathogens from raw prey.Clean Litter Boxes Daily:
Remove feces immediately to prevent egg contamination and reinfection.Limit Outdoor Access:
If your cat goes outside, supervise or use a catio to reduce exposure to infected soil and prey.Regular Vet Checkups:
Schedule annual fecal exams and discuss parasite risk based on your cat’s lifestyle.Isolate New Cats:
Quarantine and deworm new pets before introducing them to your household.
Prevention isn’t optional — it’s the foundation of responsible cat care. A single monthly tablet can protect your cat from multiple life-threatening parasites.
When to See a Veterinarian Immediately
Some signs require urgent attention — don’t wait for “maybe it’s nothing.”
- Bloody diarrhea or vomiting with worms visible
- Sudden collapse, pale gums, or labored breathing
- Severe weight loss over a few days
- Kitten showing signs of lethargy or failure to thrive
- Persistent coughing or wheezing not improving
- Your cat has ingested a rodent or raw meat recently
These aren’t “wait-and-see” situations. Delaying treatment can lead to organ failure, irreversible damage, or death — especially in kittens, seniors, or immunocompromised cats.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Worms
Can humans get worms from cats?
Yes. Roundworm and hookworm eggs can infect humans through contact with contaminated soil or feces — especially dangerous for children and pregnant women. Always wash hands after cleaning litter boxes.
How often should I deworm my indoor cat?
At least once a year, but monthly preventatives are recommended for continuous protection — even if your cat never goes outside.
Can I see worms in my cat’s poop without a microscope?
Tapeworm segments look like moving rice grains. Roundworms may appear as long, white strands. But most eggs and larvae are invisible to the naked eye — lab testing is essential.
Do all cats need heartworm prevention?
Yes. Even indoor cats in mosquito-prone areas are at risk. Heartworm disease is often fatal in cats — and there’s no approved cure.
Is it safe to deworm a pregnant cat?
Some dewormers are safe during pregnancy — consult your vet. Untreated worms can pass to kittens through milk, so prevention is critical.
Embracing Prevention as a Core Part of Cat Care
Worms are not a sign of poor ownership — they’re a natural risk in the world our cats inhabit. The key isn’t fear, but foresight. By understanding the types of worms cats can get, recognizing the subtle signs, and committing to consistent prevention, you’re not just protecting your cat — you’re protecting your entire household. Every monthly tablet, every clean litter box, every vet visit is a quiet act of love. Your cat doesn’t need perfection — they need your awareness. And with the right knowledge and routine, you can give them a long, healthy, parasite-free life.
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