Indoor cats are susceptible to several worms, including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, and tapeworm. These worms can be life-threatening if not treated quickly. Make sure to keep your cat parasite-free by providing them with a healthy diet, parasite prevention tips and by regularly checking their feces for signs of worms.
Type of Worms That Can Attack Your Indoor Cat
Various worms can attack indoor cats, so inspect your pet for any signs of infection. If you find worms on or near your cat, take them to the vet as soon as possible for treatment. In the meantime, keep an area around your cat free of food and water, and remove any potential food and water sources that could attract worms.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are common intestinal worms that can affect cats. They cause weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting in cats, and infestation of the cat’s intestine with eggs that grow into tapeworm larvae. The entire life cycle takes about two weeks, and the tapeworm can grow up to 4-28 inches in length.
It is essential to treat your cat for tapeworms if they become infected so they don’t suffer from any long-term health consequences. You can do this depending on what type of tapeworm your cat has – giving them a dewormer or prescription diet or performing the anthelmintic treatment.
Roundworms
Roundworms are a type of worm that can attack cats. These tiny creatures have a head at one end and a tail at the other and are one of the most common types of worms found in cats. Roundworms lay eggs in feces – this is how they spread to other animals or humans.
If your cat gets roundworm larvae, it will likely show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and weight loss – but it’s not always easy to diagnose this condition! In some cases, roundworm infestation may go unnoticed even by vet professionals for long periods due to its subtlety!
Heartworms
Heartworms are worm parasites that can infect your cat. These parasites damage the heart and lungs and may lead to death in cats. Treatment is with an injection of ivermectin which kills the worms and cures the infection.
You can also prevent heartworm infections by keeping your cat indoors at all times when not in use, using flea controls on pets that live in or visit your home, checking for roundworm eggs (a common parasite found along with hookworms), treating pets for tapeworms if they have them, and worming cats annually.
Hookworms
Hookworms are parasites that can infect cats and humans, causing health problems such as anemia and intestinal blockages. They’re transferred from pets to their owners through contact with feces or vomit, so keeping your cat parasite-free is essential. If you notice any changes in your cat’s behavior – lethargy, diarrhea, or appetite – get him checked out by a vet as soon as possible.
Lungworms
Lungworms are a parasite that can infect cats. Symptoms of the infection may include coughing, difficulty breathing, and lethargy. Treatment usually involves giving your cat a worming tablet and antibiotics to fight the disease.
Ways Indoor and Outdoor Cats Get Worms
Open Windows and Doors
Open windows and doors can also be dangerous for cats as they may come in contact with worms or other parasites that are found outdoors. Giving your cat a treat every time they venture out will help reinforce good behavior, reducing the chances of contacting harmful pests.
Eating Contaminated Animals
Eating contaminated animals can be extremely dangerous for both cats and humans. When ingested worms, they can cause serious health problems in cats, including intestinal blockages, weight loss, diarrhea, and vomiting.
In people, a worm infection can lead to parasite load and anemia. However, indoor cats are much more likely to get worms from eating contaminated food – outdoor cats don’t have this problem.
If you think your cat may have worms, it is essential to take them to the vet for a check-up before anything else happens – indoor cat worm infestation is often not noticed until it’s too late!
Contaminated Intruders
Indoor cats are also at risk of getting worms – through fleas or other parasites. For example, indoor cats who go outdoors can pick up parasite larvae from flea feces, so it is essential to clean their environment regularly.
Cats can get worms from various sources, including outdoor cats and other pets in the home, contaminated food, etc. For example, you can buy worming tablets for your cat or try a natural approach such as garlic or onion juice.
Symptoms to Watch for in Your Indoor Cat
Indoor cats are beloved pets in many households but are also susceptible to various parasites. One of these is worms, which can be life-threatening for your cat if not treated.
Make sure to keep an eye out for the following symptoms in your indoor cat:
- An increase in hiding or staying indoors
- Changes in behavior or appearance
- Increased activity levels
If you notice these things, it’s best to take your cat to the veterinarian for an evaluation and treatment plan.
Preventing Worms in Indoor Cats
Regularly deworm your cat to keep them parasite-free. Several dewormers work well for different cats, so find one that’s right for them. In addition to preventing worms, keeping your cat healthy and parasite-free will make your life easier!
Increase Time Spent Outdoors
To avoid getting worms in the first place, make sure that your cat spends time outdoors – even if they live indoors. Outdoor cats are less likely to get sick from parasites like fleas or tapeworms because they’re exposed to natural worming agents.
Indoor cats are also at a higher risk of parasite infestation because they don’t have access to these healthy environments. Cats may transfer worm eggs through contact with feces, saliva, or nasal secretions- all of which could lead to an indoor cat becoming infected with roundworms or hookworms.
