How to Tell If Your Cat Has Worms: Signs and Safe Treatment

Signs that can suggest intestinal worms

Cats Protection describes tapeworm segments as small pieces that resemble grains of rice around the bottom, in faeces or on bedding. Roundworms may look like pale spaghetti or earthworms. Other possible signs include weight loss, eating more, diarrhoea, an itchy bottom and a rounded belly in kittens with a heavy burden.

These signs are not specific. Fleas, digestive disease, food problems and other parasites can look similar, and many infected cats show no obvious signs. If you find a segment, photograph it or place it in a sealed container for the vet rather than guessing which treatment is needed.

• Rice-like segments around the bottom, in a tray or on bedding: possible tapeworm.
• Pale, spaghetti-like worms in faeces or vomit: possible roundworm.
• Weight loss, diarrhoea, increased appetite or an itchy bottom.
• A pot-belly, poor growth, pale gums or weakness in a kitten.

How cats pick up different worms

Cats can acquire roundworms from swallowed eggs, their mother's milk or infected prey. Tapeworms may be acquired by eating prey or swallowing infected fleas. Hunting, outdoor access and poor flea control change the risk, but indoor cats can still be exposed to eggs or fleas.

Lungworm is different from an intestinal worm. Cats usually acquire it from prey or slugs and snails, and signs can include coughing, breathing difficulty, nasal discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite. Those signs need a vet because lungworm is only one possible cause.

Why a vet or veterinary nurse should guide deworming

Different parasites need different active ingredients and dosing instructions. The safest product depends on the cat's exact weight, age, health, pregnancy or lactation status, lifestyle and the parasite suspected. A vet may recommend an examination, a faecal test or treatment based on the history and what was seen.

Follow the product label and professional advice exactly. Do not combine wormers, use dog products on a cat, use a product outside its age or weight instructions, or assume that a general-purpose treatment covers lungworm. UK veterinary medicines are authorised for specific species and indications for a reason.

Preventing reinfection

A prevention plan should reflect risk rather than an automatic one-size-fits-all calendar. Discuss the frequency and type of treatment with your practice, especially for kittens, hunters, cats with fleas and multi-cat homes. Keep the cat's flea control current when tapeworm is a possibility.

Remove faeces promptly, clean litter trays and wash hands after handling faeces or litter. Wash bedding on a suitable hot cycle when advised and ask whether other pets need assessment. Worm eggs can persist in the environment, so hygiene reduces but does not replace targeted treatment.

What not to do at home

Home remedies, essential oils, garlic and human medicines are not reliable worm treatments and may be toxic. Do not force a tablet into a distressed or vomiting cat. Ask the practice about an appropriate formulation and how to give it safely.

Do not delay veterinary care because you have already bought a wormer. Severe diarrhoea, vomiting, breathing difficulty, dehydration or poor appetite may have another cause or need fluids and supportive treatment as well as parasite control.