Cat Worms Symptoms

If you believe you cat may be infected with worms, there are several symptoms he or she may exhibit. Every symptom is relevant to which type of worms you cat is infected with. Some of these worms are easily identifiable, however it is still recommended you consult a veterinarian before engaging in a treatment plan.

Roundworms

Roundworms are long, white, and their appearance is commonly compared to spaghetti. They can grow up to four inches long, and usually have tapered edges. Your cat will generally pass them by vomiting, or via their stool in the form of diarrhea. If your kitten is infected with roundworms, you will begin to notice a pot belly, and your kitten will always seem hungry.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are long, segmented and white in color. They can grow as large as 60cm long in your cat, residing in the intestinal lining. If your cat has had fleas recently, there is a fairly high chance your cat has been infected with a tapeworm. Cats generally become infected when licking an area where a flea has bitten, and accidentally ingesting them. If the ingested flea has itself ingested a tapeworm egg, it will most likely transfer to your cat.

Luckily, tapeworms are fairly easy to identify. Segments of the tapeworm will be present every time your cat has a bowel movement. Check your cat's bedding and stool for small, thin pieces of what looks like rice. Fresh segments of tapeworm are usually white, however they turn yellowish as they age. If you have a long haired cat, you may want to check the area surrounding their anus as well.

Hookworms

Hookworms are another intestinal parasite, although they are far more common in dogs than they are in cats. They are small and thin in nature, rarely getting over a half inch long. Hookworms have teeth that attach to your cats intestinal wall, and feed of their blood.
If you notice your cat has become lethargic lately, and seems weaker than usual, then be on the lookout for hook worms. If infected, your cat's gums may be pale, and they may have a dull coat. Kittens will experience stunted growth as well. When sucking your cats blood, hookworms release an anti-coagulant which will give your cat irregular, or bloody stool.

Stomach Worms

Stomach worms (Ollanulus tricuspis and Physaloptera), as their name suggests, reside in a cat's stomach. Symptoms of both types include lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Ollanulus tricuspis is not very common in the United States, usually only residing in stray cats.