Worms in cats

Cats and kittens are commonly infected with two sorts of worms: roundworms (Toxocara cati), and tapeworms (Diphylidium caninum).

Roundworms

Most kittens are born infected with roundworms. Infection occurs when the roundworms cross the placenta and infect the unborn kittens. More commonly kittens get infected when they suckle their mother’s milk.

Adult cats occasionally have roundworms, but they don’t usually cause a problem. Some adult cats get infected by eating the prey they catch.

Symptoms include:

• vomiting and diarrhoea
• worms in vomit or faeces
• pot belly, especially in kittens
• dull and rough coat
• poor appetite
• weight loss
• severe infestations can kill young kittens due to intestinal blockages.

Tapeworms

Adult cats are more likely to be infected with tapeworms. Cats are infected by eating prey such as rats and mice. Infection can also be gained by the cat eating fleas when grooming itself. Fleas can carry the immature stage of the tapeworm.

Symptoms include:

• small white objects around the anus (same size as grains of rice or sesame seeds)

• irritation around the bottom.

Treating worms in cats

Treating cats against worms is important to prevent disease and reduce the spread of worm eggs in the environment. The worm eggs can also pose a risk to people and treating kittens and cats will reduce the risk of infection to humans.

Kittens can be treated by using Cancare tablets.

Kittens should be treated frequently at the following times 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 weeks of age.

Kittens over 12 weeks of age should be wormed every month until six months of age.

Adult cats should be treated for roundworm and tapeworm with Drontal worm tablets.

The frequency of treatment is usually every three to six months. In some situations treatment may need to be increased when the cat has a bad infestation of fleas or regularly hunts and eats its prey. Treatment can be given as frequently as every month.

These tablets are for sale over the counter at Wellington SPCA Veterinary Care Clinic.

If you have any queries concerning your pet please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Worming Recommendations

Younger Kittens (2 - 12 weeks)
Worm kittens every two weeks until 12 weeks of age.
Use Cancare - dose rate one tablet per two kilograms bodyweight.
Cancare kills roundworms.
Weigh your kitten and work out the dose it requires.
The dose rate is one tablet per two kilograms bodyweight.
Round the amount up to the nearest half tablet.

Older Kittens (12 weeks - 6 months)
Worm kittens every month until six months of age.
Use Drontal - dose rate one tablet per four kilograms bodyweight.
Drontal kills roundworms and tapeworms.

Adult Cats
Worm cats every three - six months.
Treat more frequently if the cat has fleas or hunts and eats its prey. Treatment may be required every month.
Use Drontal - dose rate one tablet per four kilograms bodyweight.
Drontal kills roundworms and tapeworms.

Weigh your cat and work out the dose it requires.
Round the amount up to the nearest half tablet.
A small female adult cat may weigh approximately four kilograms.
A large male cat may weigh up to seven kilograms.
Remember to treat the cat and the environment for fleas as well.