Identifying intestinal worms in cats: Key types & symptoms

Keeping your cat protected from intestinal worms is essential for their health and wellbeing. Regular administration of a veterinary-approved de-worming treatment every three months usually keeps infestations at bay. However, sometimes cats still develop worms despite proper treatment, making it crucial to recognise different worm types and their symptoms to manage the problem effectively.

This article explores how cats catch worms, how worm treatments work, and details of the most common intestinal worms found in UK cats. You'll learn clear identification tips and responsible advice for prevention and treatment.

How do cats catch worms?

Cats typically catch intestinal worms in the form of eggs or larvae rather than adult worms themselves. The parasite eggs can be present in cat faeces, contaminating shared litter boxes or outdoor toileting areas, spreading infection. Cats grooming themselves after contact with infected ground ingest these larvae or eggs, introducing worms into their digestive system.

Worm eggs can also be spread via fleas, so flea infestations often coincide with worm problems. Moreover, cats that hunt small prey like mice or birds are at higher risk, as these animals frequently carry worms. This highlights the importance of controlling both fleas and hunting exposure to protect your cat.

How do cat wormers work?

Unlike flea treatments that provide ongoing protection, cat wormers target and eliminate worms, larvae, and eggs currently inside your cat’s body. Because cats can pick up worms again shortly after treatment, worming is typically repeated every three months to keep infection levels low and prevent health issues.

Cats that hunt frequently may require more frequent worming. Always consult your vet to tailor a worming schedule suitable for your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors.

The five common types of intestinal worms in cats

Several types of intestinal worms can infect cats, but five are most common in the UK. These worms can sometimes infect dogs and humans, making prompt treatment and hygiene essential for the whole household.

1. Tapeworms

Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that can grow over half a metre long. Owners are most likely to notice the small segments, which look like grains of rice or sesame seeds, in their cat’s faeces or around the anus. Tapeworms are usually contracted by swallowing fleas or infected prey.

An infestation can cause discomfort and serious illness, so immediate treatment with an effective de-wormer is vital if you spot tapeworm segments.

2. Roundworms

Despite tapeworms being better known, roundworms are actually more common in cats. These worms are thicker and often white, cream, or beige in colour, growing several centimetres long.

Heavy infestations may cause weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a characteristic pot-bellied appearance due to nutrient drainage. Roundworms can be visible in vomit or faeces as spaghetti-like strands.

3. Threadworms (Strongyloides)

Threadworms are tiny, only a few millimetres long, and usually invisible in faeces. They live in contaminated soil and typically enter cats by burrowing through the skin, causing irritation.

Besides digestive upset, they can migrate to the lungs, causing coughing and respiratory symptoms, or cause skin inflammation where they penetrate.

4. Whipworms

Named for their whip-like shape with a thin front end and thicker tail, whipworms can grow up to 5cm long and are cream or white. Large numbers can cause diarrhoea, weight loss, and general sickness but are less commonly seen in UK cats than other worms.

5. Hookworms

Hookworms are small, pinkish-white worms up to 2cm long with hook-shaped heads that attach to and feed on the intestinal wall, causing blood loss and irritation.

They may cause weight loss, pale gums due to anaemia, and digestive upsets. Because they attach to the gut lining, hookworms are less often spotted in faeces but are serious and require prompt veterinary treatment.

Recognising symptoms of intestinal worm infestations

Common signs your cat may have worms include weight loss, a pot belly, vomiting, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), dull coat, and visible worms in vomit or faeces. Pale gums and lethargy can indicate blood loss especially with hookworm infestations. Respiratory signs such as coughing may also be linked to migrating worms.

If you notice any of these symptoms or see worm segments or larvae, collect a fresh stool sample and visit your vet for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. Routine fecal tests allow vets to identify worm eggs or larvae invisible to the naked eye.

Best practices to prevent worm infestations

• Use a vet-recommended de-worming product every three months or more often if your cat hunts.
• Control fleas rigorously as they transmit tapeworm larvae.
• Maintain good hygiene around litter trays, regularly cleaning and preventing overcrowding.
• Keep your garden clean of faeces and restrict your cat’s access to rodent prey where possible.
• Regular vet check-ups to monitor worm status and adjust treatments as necessary.

Taking these steps helps protect your cat, family, and other pets from worm infections and their complications.

Remember, responsible pet ownership includes prevention, early detection, and veterinary care for intestinal worms. With the right knowledge, you can keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and worm-free.