How do you know if your Cat has Worms?

If your cat has worms, it can be a really unpleasant experience for him, and possibly dangerous for other members of the family, such as young children. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get clued up on worms and how to tell if your favourite feline is affected.

This can be slightly more difficult as it sounds, as they can cause a number of different symptoms depending on your cat, or even no visible ones at all. Therefore, it’s essential – regardless of your cat’s age – to take them for regular vet checks as they will be able to find out if they have worms, and will be able to treat them efficiently. It’s also a good idea to treat your pet with a preventative against worms, such as Drontal wormer from Vet Medic. However, like with any medication, check with your vet beforehand. 

Here are some of the main symptoms that your cat is affected by worms. As mentioned previously, these are by no means exclusive, and your vet will be able to identify the issue fully for you.

An unhealthy looking coat

This is arguably one of the most common signs that your cat is suffering with worms. This is mainly due to the fact that worms are usually contracted due to infested fleas or ticks coming into contact with your cat’s fur. Also, as they grow more ill, they are less likely to maintain their hygiene routine, which may be another reason for a dishevelled looking coat.

Vomiting and diarrhoea

Two other very common symptoms you may notice include extensive vomiting and diarrhoea, both of which understandably will be very unpleasant for your pet. These are also one of the main ways in which cats pass on parasites to others, so ensure that any vomit or faeces are cleaned up immediately and safely. 

Signs in your cat’s stool 

Depending on the type of worms that your cat may have (there are 5 main types; roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm, stomach worms and heart worms) they may appear slightly different in your cat’s faeces or vomit. The most common often appear as spaghetti like substance. 

Change in activity

You cat’s behaviour may be the most noticeable factor to you and your family that something is wrong, especially if you are very familiar with their routines and habits. (However, in some cases, the decline of your cat’s health can be very gradual, meaning it is more difficult to detect a change in habit). Monitor the amount of exercise they get and whether they are reluctant to do so. A cat with worms is said to be a lot less active than a healthy one.

Change in appetite

 You may notice a huge change in their appetite – they may appear constantly hungry at first when the infection is beginning to take hold, and then may never seem to want to eat when they become more seriously ill. Some people have commented on the fact that their affected cat appears ‘pot-bellied’, too.