Roundworms are a typical intestinal parasite in cats. They are tiny and white, looking like spaghetti. They measure 2-40 cm long. They live in the cat’s small intestine and feed on the food that’s been partly digested. They take essential nutrients from the cat.
Is your cat’s stool odd? Worrying about roundworms in cats? You’re not alone! This article can help. Learn the signs and symptoms of roundworm infection. So, take action and protect your furry friend!
You can see them in your cat’s feces; they’re visible to the eye. You may find them stuck to the cat’s bum or fur after it poos. More extreme cases in little kittens can cause mild diarrhea or vomiting.
What Do Roundworms Look Like?
Roundworms in cats are a type of parasitic worm. They are called nematodes and can cause health problems if not treated. Recognizing signs of roundworms is important for cats.
Roundworms look like noodles or thin spaghetti. Adults can be up to 3 inches long, while immature larvae are only a few millimeters. You may not see the worms, they may show up in vomit or stool.
Signs of roundworm infection include:
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Dull coat
- Poor appetite
However, these signs can be caused by other illnesses. See a vet to make sure and get treatment.
If your cat has roundworms, your vet will give you a deworming plan. Your vet will also advise on how to prevent reinfection or the spread of the parasite.
Symptoms of Roundworm Infection in Cats
Roundworms, otherwise known as Toxocara cati, are a common type of parasitic worm found in cats. They are white or yellowish-white and can get up to four inches long. An adult cat may have one or more worms at any given time. Not treating them can lead to health problems.
Cats that are infected may have
- diarrhea
- vomit
- abdominal pain
- lethargy
- a bloated stomach
They may also lose their appetite and weight if the infection lasts for a long time.
Plus, the itching caused by the worms may make cats excessively groom themselves. This can lead to bald patches. Breathing difficulties can also occur when the worms migrate to the lungs or throat.
To diagnose roundworm infection in cats, it’s best to take them to a vet. They will do a physical exam and tests.
Causes of Roundworm Infection in Cats
Roundworms (Toxocara cati) are a common parasite in cats. Up to seven inches long, they live in the large intestine and feed on digested food particles. Infection may occur through various sources, such as soil, feces, rodents, mother’s milk, water, and contact with other infected cats.
Signs of infection include dehydration, diarrhea, poor coat condition, vomiting, and weight loss. In young kittens, severe infestations can lead to pot-belliedness and poor growth. Adult worms may be seen in vomit or stool. Left untreated, kittens may even die due to nutrient loss.
Diagnosing Roundworm Infection in Cats
Roundworms are common parasites in cats, especially young kittens. Symptoms can be hard to detect, so it’s important to prevent and diagnose them fast to keep your cat healthy.
Signs of roundworm infection include a dry coat, lack of energy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Adult roundworms look like cooked spaghetti and can be shorter or longer, depending on their maturity. Roundworm larvae can range from light tan to black and are usually too small to be seen with the naked eye.
To diagnose roundworm infection, a fresh stool sample needs to be examined under a microscope for eggs or larvae. Your vet is the best person to collect the sample and make the diagnosis. If you think your cat has roundworms, contact your vet for advice on how to collect and submit a sample for testing:
- Collect a fresh stool sample from your cat.
- Bring the sample to your vet for examination under a microscope.
- Your vet will be able to identify eggs or larvae and make the diagnosis.
Treating Roundworm Infection in Cats
Thin and white roundworms can be found in cats, usually two to four inches long. They live in the small intestine and spread through infected cat feces. This can be inhaled or eggs can be exposed to contamination through contact. Treatment for roundworms in cats requires a diagnostics exam.
Vomiting, diarrhea, poor growth, weight loss, and dull fur coat can all be signs of roundworm infection. So, it’s important to take your cat to the vet if you think they might have a roundworm infection.
The vet will examine the cat’s feces under a microscope to detect any eggs. This indicates a worm infection and the vet will advise the best way to treat it. Oral or injectable medications are the prescribed treatments. Unfortunately, there is no preventative vaccination for roundworms in cats. Regular vet check-ups are essential for monitoring your pet’s health.
Prevention of Roundworm Infection in Cats
To prevent roundworm infection in cats, good hygiene habits are key. Wear gloves when cleaning the litter box, and get rid of the used litter straight away. Test any new or outdoor cats for roundworms, and see a vet if needed. Outside, pick up any stools or vomit your cat leaves, and dispose of them correctly.
For mice, only buy them from a source that is parasite-free, like a pet shop or breeder. Also, avoid shared bowls or toys, and keep your cat away from infected animals. For kittens born to an infected mom, give them kitten formula as roundworms can contaminate her milk.
Lastly, protect your pet from parasites with treatments applied every two weeks, spot-on drops for kittens over six months old, and periodic deworming treatments prescribed by a vet. If you follow these preventive steps, you can help keep your cat safe from the potential of roundworm infection.
Conclusion
Roundworms in cats can be white, cream-colored, or reddish-brown. They look like small grains of rice or like spaghetti and can range in size from tiny to several inches long. The eggs look like granules, about the size of a grain of rice.
If you think your cat has roundworm, take them to the vet. Get them diagnosed and treated.
