The most common worms in cats are roundworms and tapeworms. Neither of them are good for your cat – they can cause everything from lethargy to a change in bowl habits, as well as weight loss and other symptoms.
Tapeworms in cats often don't cause any symptoms, but they can still lead to perianal irritation and itching due to migration around the anus. In some cases, tapeworms can also cause more severe problems such as intestinal obstruction, chronic enteritis (inflammation of the intestine), vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Some people with tapeworm report developing unusual fatigue, which could be caused by loss of nutrients and the battle your body is waging against parasitic infection.
Symptoms of worms in cats include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, lethargy, swollen belly, and a dull coat. Learn more about the symptoms of worms in cats and how to tell if your cat has worms.
Symptoms of Tapeworms in Cats
Weight loss. Diarrhea. Increased appetite. Irritability.
Roundworms and Tapeworms are the most common. Both of these types spend their adult life in the cat's bowels, and in small numbers they are not very harmful. However, in large numbers they can cause suffering, illness and even death.
These tabs require only a single administration to start working and effectively eliminate tapeworms within 3 weeks; although, some cats may require another 2-3 week period of treatment.
Are there any side effects from deworming medication? Although side effects of dewormer medications are uncommon, some cats may have vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or increased salivation. These symptoms, if occurred, are usually seen within 24 hours of taking the medication and should spontaneously resolve.
Worm infestations in cats may be completely asymptomatic (showing no symptoms) or severe and life-threatening, depending on the type of worm and severity of the infestation. Common signs of worms in cats include: Vomiting (sometimes with worms in the vomit) Diarrhea (with or without blood)
Worms in cats
Finding worms might be an unpleasant experience for you, and worse for your cat if left untreated, causing them unnecessary pain and discomfort. Thankfully, most worm infestations aren't serious and are easily dealt with, reducing the chances of reinfection in the future.
In rare cases, tapeworms can lead to serious complications, including blocking the intestine, or smaller ducts in the intestine (like the bile duct or pancreatic duct). If pork tapeworm larvae move out of the intestine, they can migrate to other parts of the body and cause damage to the liver, eyes, heart, and brain.
One administration of the Bayer Tapeworm Dewormers is enough to treat cats infected by worms. Three weeks is the typical time it takes for your cat's worm situation to be resolved completely. However, in some cases, it might take longer, up to 5 – 6 weeks.
Tapeworm infection in the intestines
And some symptoms are more likely with some species of tapeworm. Symptoms may include: Upset stomach, or feeling like you could throw up. Stomachache or stomach pain.
Symptoms of a tapeworm infection can be hard to see but may include vomiting and weight loss. The easiest way to tell if your cat has tapeworms is to look at its poop, around its anus, and where it sleeps.
As disgusting as tapeworms are, the vast majority of them are not contagious to people and do not cause any significant problems to cats. They are generally symptoms of a larger problem, such as a flea infestation or hunting small mammals that are able to transmit other, more significant, parasites.
They're one of the few parasites pet owners can see with the naked eye. Fortunately, it's easy to get rid of tapeworms in cats with deworming medications from a veterinarian.
Tapeworm Treatment for Cats
The results showed that the parasites disappeared after 2 to 3 days of treatment.
Neither of them are good for your cat – they can cause everything from lethargy to a change in bowl habits, as well as weight loss and other symptoms. Luckily, it's easy to keep an eye out for the symptoms of worms in cats. If you know the most common signs, you can take your cat to the vet for treatment in good time.
Is It Normal for Roundworms to Come Out After Deworming? Yes! It is pretty common to see live and dead roundworms in the stool of your cat (or dog) after deworming. While it is unpleasant, it means that your pets no longer carry roundworms.
There are very minimal side effects to deworming medications. The most common side effect is vomiting, which can be caused by any oral medication. If your pet has a high burden of worms, they may have parasites in the vomit.
Side effects of deworming are rare. In some rare cases, children can experience dizziness, headache, nausea, and vomiting after deworming. This is just the effect of the worm passing through the body. Consult a doctor immediately if these symptoms do not go away even after a day.
It is important to note that some cats may have side effects after deworming, such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy, among others. If you notice any symptoms that worry you, contact your vet immediately. In some cases, a change in the drug or dose given may be necessary to avoid side effects.
A: If tapeworm infections go untreated, then there is the potential for cats to begin to exhibiting the typical tapeworm symptoms in cats: vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss or poor appetite. Kittens and much older cats are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of intestinal parasites.
Because these worms are frequently spread by excrement, having a clean litter area here is critical. After your cats have been treated, clean the litter box thoroughly with a hot water and bleach solution to destroy any remaining tapeworm or roundworm eggs.
Tapeworms are only usually a problem in older cats, unless a kitten also has fleas. Treat adult cats (greater than 6 months of age) every 1-3 months with a product that is effective against both tapeworms and roundworms.