What are worms?

Worms are parasites that live inside your cat, the most common being Roundworms (Toxocara), which are long, thin and “worm-like”, and Tapeworms (Dipylidium and Taenia species), which are long and flat with segments that look like large grains of rice; they are mobile and may be seen on the hair around the bottom.

What can worms do to my cat?

Worms are widespread and most of the time even if your cat is infected there will be no obvious signs. However, heavy worm infections can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss and weaken your cat’s immune system. It is also unpleasant and potentially embarrassing to find a tapeworm segment on yourself or the clothes of a visitor who has been making a fuss of your cat.

Are worms dangerous to me and my family?

They can be. The greatest threat to human health is the eggs of the roundworm (Toxocara). Whilst human infections are rare they can be very serious, causing blindness, lung or heart problems, or even fits. Children are most at risk and it is this potential danger that is one of the reasons behind the worming advice provided by veterinary surgeons.

How does my cat get worms?

Kittens are infected with roundworm larvae from the mother, mainly via the mother’s milk. They can also be infected by ingesting eggs from the environment, where other cats have defaecated; these are picked up when the cat is outdoors and then swallowed during normal grooming and cleaning. Tapeworms can be picked up when pets groom themselves and swallow fleas, which carry tapeworm eggs. They can also be infected with a different type of tapeworm if they hunt and eat their prey.

How can I protect my cat and my family from these parasites?

Kittens should be wormed for 3 consecutive days at 4 weeks old.  At 9 weeks of age you should start using Advocate (a combined flea and worming spot-on) monthly, as long as your kitten in 1kg in body weight.

For outdoor cats who hunt, you should also use Milbemax or Drontal for tapeworm every 3 months.  The spot-on and worming tablets must be given one week apart.

We strongly advise you NOT to use “over the counter” supermarket/pet shop products. They will often be inadequate giving you a false sense of protection, and occasionally problems with toxicity can arise. For most situations we use either selamectin (Stronghold) or milbemycin (Milbemax). Your vet or nurse can advise you which is the most appropriate.

In summary:

• Worms can pose a threat to the health of your pet and your family.
• Worms are very common in our pets.
• Regular worming is essential to control parasites, even in indoor cats.