A Parent's Guide to Roundworms in Cats

Okay, let's talk about something that is equal parts fascinating and absolutely horrifying: worms.

Specifically, roundworms in cats. I know, I know, nobody wants to think about spaghetti-like parasites setting up camp in their adorable furball's intestines.

The first time I ever saw a worm in a kitten's... well, leavings... I think a small part of my soul left my body. It’s a gut-wrenching moment for any cat parent.

But if you’re here, it means you're a flipping fantastic cat parent who is facing this head-on. You're not running for the hills; you're rolling up your sleeves to figure out what's going on and how to help your kitty.

The great news is that while roundworms are super common and super gross, they are also super treatable!

So, take a deep breath, maybe put down your lunch, and let's dive into the science-backed guide to understanding, diagnosing, and banishing these unwelcome freeloaders from your cat's life for good.

So, What Exactly Are Roundworms in Cats?

Roundworms, whose fancy scientific names are Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina, are one of the most common intestinal parasites found in our feline friends. They look unsettlingly like strands of spaghetti, are usually 3 to 6 inches long, and live their best life swimming freely in your cat's intestines.

Unlike some other parasites, they don't latch onto the intestinal wall; they just kind of... hang out. How did these disgusting noodles get there?

• For Kittens: Most kittens are actually born with roundworms or get them from their mother's milk. It’s an unfortunate hand-me-down from mom, which is why routine deworming is so critical for the little ones.

• For Adult Cats: An adult cat typically gets infected by ingesting roundworm eggs from a contaminated environment (like soil in the garden) or by eating an infected host, such as a mouse or a cockroach. So, if you have a mighty hunter on your hands, their risk is higher.

Symptoms That Something Wiggly Is Amiss

With a mild infection, an adult cat might not show any signs at all. They are masters of hiding discomfort, after all. However, in kittens or cats with a heavier worm burden, the symptoms can be pretty clear.

Keep an eye out for:

• A pot-bellied appearance, even if the rest of their body is thin.

• Vomiting, sometimes with visible, wriggling worms in it. (I am so sorry if this has happened to you. It's a traumatic experience.)

• Diarrhea or, on the flip side, constipation.

• A dull, scruffy coat that has lost its shine.

• Coughing, which can happen when the worm larvae migrate through the lungs.

• Failure to thrive—they might not be growing well or might be losing weight.

• General lethargy and abdominal discomfort.

If you see any of these signs, it's time to call the vet. Don't panic, just act!

How Vets Diagnose Roundworms in Cats

You might think that seeing a worm is the only way to know, but that's not always the case.

Your veterinarian has much more scientific (and less horrifying) methods!

The most common way to diagnose roundworms is through a fecal sample. You'll have the glamorous job of collecting a fresh stool sample, and the vet team will examine it under a microscope.

They're looking for the microscopic eggs that the adult worms shed. Sometimes, more sensitive antigen tests are used if an infection is suspected but the eggs aren't showing up. And, of course, if you've seen an actual worm, be sure to tell your vet!

Getting Rid of the Unwanted Guests: Treatment

Hooray for modern medicine! Treating roundworms in cats is very straightforward.

Your vet will prescribe a deworming medication (like pyrantel pamoate or fenbendazole). These are often called "anthelmintics," which is a fun word to say.

It’s important to know that you'll likely need to give multiple doses spaced a few weeks apart. This is because the initial dose only kills the adult worms in the intestines. It doesn't kill the migrating larvae or the eggs. The follow-up doses are timed to kill the worms as they mature, effectively breaking the life cycle.

Many monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives also protect against roundworms, which is a fantastic way to keep them from coming back.

For kittens, a routine deworming schedule starting at just a few weeks old is the standard of care to get ahead of the problem.

How to Prevent a Rematch: Managing Your Home

Once you've gone through treatment, the last thing you want is a reinfection. Because the eggs can survive in the environment for a long time, you need to be proactive.

• Be a Litter Box Legend: Scoop the litter box daily and disinfect it regularly. This reduces the number of eggs in your cat’s immediate environment.

• Indoor Hunting Only: If possible, limit your cat's outdoor hunting expeditions. Fewer infected rodents means a lower risk of reinfection.

• Wash Your Hands: This is a big one. Always wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning the litter box or handling your cat, especially a cat you know is being treated.

• Quarantine Newbies: If you're bringing a new cat into your home, get them tested and treated by a vet before introducing them to your resident pets.

A Quick Word on Human Health

Here's the part where we need to be serious for a moment. Roundworms are zoonotic, which means they can be transmitted from animals to humans.

While it's rare, if a person accidentally ingests the microscopic eggs, the larvae can migrate to organs like the liver, lungs, brain, or eyes, causing a serious condition called visceral larva migrans or ocular larva migrans.

This sounds terrifying, but the risk is very low and easy to manage. The best way to protect yourself and your family is to practice good hygiene. Wash your hands, keep the litter box clean, and teach kids to do the same.

You've Got This, Worm Warrior!

Finding out your cat has roundworms is a rite of passage for many cat parents. It's gross, it's a little scary, but it is absolutely manageable.

By working with your vet, following the treatment plan, and keeping up with good hygiene, you can kick those parasites to the curb and ensure your cat stays happy and healthy.

You’re being a proactive, responsible, and loving owner, and that's what matters most. Now go wash your hands, give your (worm-free) cat a gentle pat, and congratulate yourself on being a top-tier feline health advocate. You’ve totally got this! 🐾