Worming

Worming

Worms are internal parasites of the causing ill health and debility. They can be most easily divided into two groups:

Roundworms

These are 2 to 6 inches long, pale white, to beige in colour and coiled like a spring. They may cause vomiting or diarrhoea in kittens but may cause few symptoms in the adult cat. Cats reinfect themselves by grooming their rear ends and can catch them from other cats. Although the dog roundworm has been incriminated in human infection, there is little evidence that the cat worm Toxocara cati can infect humans. See Roundworms

Tapeworms

Tapeworms can vary from a few inches to a foot in length. Normally only the tapeworm segment is seen which is usually white or cream in colour and 1/4 to 1/2 inch long and often seen around the hind quarters of the cat. Tapeworms require an 'intermediate host'. Depending on the tapeworm type, this host may be a flea, a rabbit, mouse or vole. They are not passed from one cat to another and are a problem of the adult, rarely of kittens under 12 weeks of age. Infestations can cause diarrhoea and irritation of the anus. See Tapeworms

The tapeworm and the flea

The most common source of infection is from the flea. If your animal has fleas then unfortunately for you, they are breeding in your house! To get rid of tapeworms, you have to get rid of fleas. See Flea Control

Adult cats

Different drugs need to be used to successfully worm the two types of worm. We advise the use of Droncit which is effective against both worm types. An active, outdoor type of cat, a hunter or one which has had fleas is wormed every three months. House cats should be wormed every 6 months.

Kittens

A high percentage of kittens get roundworms direct from their mothers around the time of birth. Heavy infestations can develop rapidly and we would advise worming from four weeks of age, every two weeks until 12 weeks old with Endorid Worm with Droncit every three months thereafter, until a year of age. If you see roundworms in a young kitten, this would suggest a heavy infestation and we would advise you consult your veterinarian.

Pregnant cats

Pregnancy in the cat (gestation period) lasts for 57-63 days. We would advise worming your cat with Endorid every two weeks from the final third of pregnancy until weaning.

Both types of worm, especially tapeworms, are common in the cat. Do remember to worm regularly.