What to do if my cat has worms?
In this brief discussion, we’ll answer the question, “What to do if my cat has worms?” We will also talk about what happens if worms go untreated in cats, the symptoms of worms in cats and how you can prevent re-infestation in cats.
What to do if my cat has worms?
If your cat has worms, it is important to contact your vet as soon as possible. Worm infestations can cause serious health problems for your cat and can also be transmitted to humans. Here are the steps to take if your cat has worms:
- Take your cat to the vet for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. The vet will perform a physical examination and possibly recommend a stool sample to determine the type of worms present.
- Next, you should make sure you follow the vet’s treatment plan. Your vet will prescribe medication to treat the worm infestation. It is important to follow the recommended treatment plan exactly as directed.
- Give your cat the medication as directed by your vet, either orally or topically. Some medications may need to be given for a few days.
- To prevent the spread of worms, practice good hygiene by washing your hands thoroughly after handling your cat or cleaning its litter box.
- In some cases, a follow-up treatment may be necessary to ensure that all the worms have been eliminated. Therefore, make sure not to miss the follow-up visit to the vet.
- It is important to prevent re-infestation in cats. To prevent future worm infestations, keep your cat in a clean environment, provide regular deworming treatments, and prevent them from hunting and eating infected prey.
What happens if worms go untreated in cats?
If worms go untreated in cats, they can suffer from various health issues. Depending on the severity of the damage, cats can develop malnutrition, severe anaemia and intestinal obstructions.
All of these conditions can become life-threatening for cats. Therefore, it is important to seek veterinary assistance in time.
What are the signs and symptoms of worms in cats?
It is important to identify if your cat has worms so that your beloved pet can be treated in time. Here are a few symptoms that may indicate the presence of worms in cats:
- You may find visible worms on your cat’s fur or in its stool
- Your cat’s fur coat may appear dull or clumped due to nutrient deficiencies or dehydration.
- Your cat’s gums may appear pale and white. This is an indication of anaemia due to worms.
- Your cat may vomit very often.
- You may notice dark stools or the presence of blood in your cat’s stools. Cats may also experience diarrhoea due to worms.
- Your cat may also experience changes in its appetite. You may notice an increased appetite in your cat despite the prominent weight loss.
Are worms painful for cats?
No, worms are not typically painful for cats. Some cats may experience discomfort or itchiness when infected with worms but it does not cause them significant pain. However, an increased load of worms can make cats seriously ill.
Cats can develop severe gastrointestinal distress including vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach pain. Therefore, it is important to identify the problem in time and seek veterinary assistance.
How can I prevent the re-infestation of worms in my cat?
You can follow the given guidelines to prevent the re-infestation of worms in your cat:
- Stick to a strict schedule for regular deworming of your cat recommended by the vet.
- Maintain good hygiene by keeping your cat’s litter box clean and make sure to wash your hands properly after handling the litter box.
- Make sure to prevent fleas in your cat because they are a common carrier of tapeworms.
- Keep your cat indoors to prevent them from coming into contact with animals that may be infested with worms.
- Avoid feeding raw meat to your cat because it carries the risk of parasites.
- Make sure to regularly clean the food and water bowls of your cat.
- Regularly visit your vet for check-ups.
Conclusion
We answered the question, “What to do if my cat has worms?” We will also talk about what happens if worms go untreated in cats, the symptoms of worms in cats and how you can prevent re-infestation in cats.
