Cat worms and their symptoms

Feline worms (parasitic worms) are one of the most common health problems in cats.

Intestinal worms are the most common in cats, but the parasites can also settle in other organs, such as the lungs and heart, causing serious health problems.

Therefore, it is very important to know the possible symptoms caused by cat worms, preventive measures and deworming methods.

Cat worms are often detected by a veterinarian

Cat worms can be of different types, but the most common are roundworms and tapeworms (flatworms), which are usually found in the cat’s intestines. Lungworms and heartworms are less common, but no less dangerous.

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1. Nematodes (Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina). Feline roundworms are one of the most common types of intestinal parasites. They cause various digestive disorders, poor appetite and weight loss. Cats often become infected through contaminated food or contact with soil contaminated by the feces of another sick cat.
2. Tapeworms are flatworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia spp.). This type of cat worm is usually transmitted through fleas, which can be infected by feral or outdoor cats. Cats infected with flatworms may experience abdominal discomfort, weight loss, fatigue, and small segments of white worm may be visible in their feces.
3. Lung worms (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus). These cat worms lodge in the cat’s lungs and can cause breathing problems. Lungworm infection causes difficulty breathing, coughing, shortness of breath, weight loss, and in severe cases, can lead to serious lung disease. Most often, roundworms are spread through infected small rodents or birds, and the cat becomes infected by hunting them.
4. Heartworms (Ruthless heartworms): These feline worms cause a dangerous condition called heartworm disease. Cats infected with worms may experience shortness of breath, lethargy, coughing, weight loss and can be fatal if the infection is very advanced. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes, so this risk is greater during warmer seasons.

Symptoms that indicate the presence of cat worms in the body

Worm infections can present with a variety of symptoms, depending on where the parasites have settled in the body. Here are some of the main symptoms that may indicate cat worms:

• Weight loss
• Poor appetite or changes in it
• Abdominal swelling or discomfort
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Segments of the worms are visible in the stool or around the anus
• Cough or shortness of breath (especially with pneumonia or heartworm)
• Fatigue and lethargy

It is important to pay attention to these symptoms, because a long-term untreated infection can seriously damage your cat’s health.

When should cats be dewormed?

Deworming is an essential preventative measure that helps protect your cat from various parasites.

Specialists advise deworm cats at least once every 3-6 monthsdepending on their lifestyle.

Is the cat breathing heavily or drooling?

Cats that spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk of contracting worms and should be dewormed more often.

Kittens should be dewormed for the first time around 6 weeks after birth, because young animals are extremely susceptible to worm infections, which can quickly compromise their health.

Prevention of worms of cats is necessary 10-14 days before the annual vaccination.

Cat deworming methods: tablets and drops

Veterinary clinics offer several effective methods of deworming, depending on the wishes of the owner and the cat.

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1. Tablets. Pills are one of the most commonly used methods against worms. They are effective and generally work against many types of worms, but administering them can be a challenge for some cats. To ensure effective deworming, follow your veterinarian’s dosing instructions based on your cat’s age and weight.
2. Drops on the skin. This is an extremely convenient deworming method, in which the medicine is dripped directly onto the cat’s skin, usually between the shoulder blades. The drops are effective and convenient to use, since often the cat does not even notice the application of the drug. This remedy is especially useful if the cat cannot swallow pills or if protection is needed against different types of parasites, including external ones such as fleas.

How to ensure effective deworming?

For best results and to prevent reinfection, we recommend:

• Constantly monitor the cat’s health
• Clean and disinfect the environment where the cat lives
• Take care of regular prevention, especially if the cat has contact with other animals or is often outdoors

A visit to the veterinary clinic is a necessary step

Cat worms are not a pleasant thing, if you notice any of the symptoms listed above or if you need advice for regular prevention, it is recommended to visit Begemoto Veterinary Clinic in Vilnius.

Here, qualified specialists will provide professional assistance and select the most appropriate deworming method, taking into account the individual needs of your cat.

Preventive actions and timely deworming processes help maintain the cat’s health and prevent serious complications, so it is worth taking regular care of your pet.

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