Causes Of Worms In Cats

There are several different reasons why a cat may become infected with worms. Your cats age, environment, lifestyle, and medical history all play a role in the end result.

Ingesting Rodents or Insects

Worms are not uncommon in rodents, roaches, and other insects. If you have a cat that likes to hunt, then consume its prey, be on the lookout. If your cat ingests any of the eggs, there is a good chance they will become infected.

Ingesting Plants or Soil

It's no secret that cats like to chew on plants, and play in soil. Unfortunately some kinds of worms also enjoy plants and soil, particularly in environments that have a slightly warmer climate. If you have any house plants, be sure to give them a quick check once and a while, to be sure they are free of any parasites.

Contact with Skin

When an animal is infected, every time it has a bowel movement, the fecal matter will be full of eggs. Eggs then may take anywhere from two to five days in order to hatch. If your animal comes into contact with this fecal matter after the eggs hatch, there is a very good chance they can become infected. Simple contact is all it takes, as the worms can burrow into your cat's skin. This is particularly true with hookworms, which are known for infecting cats in this manner.

Tapeworm Specific

Tapeworms commonly infect cats via fleas. Fleas can ingest tapeworm eggs as food, but will not actually pass them, thus they remain inside the flea. If your cat then ingests one of those fleas when trying to lick or bite at them, the flea will die in your cats digestive system, but the tapeworm will not. If you have recently treated your house or your house for fleas, be on the lookout for tapeworms in the coming weeks.

Kitten Specific

Although cats of any age can become infected with worms, kittens in particular have increased vulnerabilities. Some worms can be passed from a mother cat to her kittens via her uterus, or even her milk. This is particularly likely with hookworms and roundworms. If your feline is pregnant, or if you plan on breeding her, it would be wise to give her a worming treatment well before she is expected to give birth.

If it is too late, and you fear that your newborns may have worms, it is vital you consult a veterinarian. Over-the-counter solutions can often be effectively fatal when given to newborn kittens.