Worming your cat: what you need to know

Kittens often pick up worms from their mother’s milk, while adult cats tend to catch them from other pets, infected prey, contaminated water or ingesting fleas while grooming. Even cats who live indoors can be affected by what comes in on their owners’ shoes. Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms reside in the cat’s intestinal tract and can cause discomfort, illness and, in rare cases, even death.

Symptoms of worms in cats include diarrhoea, lethargy, coarse or dull fur, an itchy bottom, constant hunger combined with weight loss, or a distended tummy – although animals that appear healthy can carry worms, too. Left untreated, worms in a cat’s gut can lead to anaemia, dehydration and intestinal blockages. Some worm-related diseases can be passed on to humans and pose a particular health risk to children so it’s important to teach children to properly wash their hands after playing with animals.

Whenever possible, use a worming treatment prescribed by your vet. They’ll be able to recommend an effective medication tailored to your cat’s weight and lifestyle and the parasites prevalent in your area.

Never use a worming treatment designed for dogs on your cat as this could be dangerous for them. You should also avoid natural treatments and home remedies for worms, as these tend not to be effective.

Most cat worming treatments come in tablet form, although there are also deworming pastes and syrups, as well as granules to sprinkle on the cat’s food and spot-on worming treatments applied to the skin on the back of the cat’s neck.

Giving a cat any type of oral medication can be challenging, or comical, depending on your outlook! Follow our step-by-step guide to get your cat to take their worming medicine efficiently yet gently, with minimal trauma to both of you.

If taking oral worming treatment is causing your cat stress and anxiety, ask your vet about alternative options. A spot-on cat worming treatment or granules mixed with food could be a better option for your picky puss.

Another option is a combined treatment for worms and fleas. A single dose prevents multiple parasite problems in your pet, reducing the number of medications you need to give them.

However much you or your cat may dislike worming, don’t neglect it. This quick and simple job will help keep your kitty and your whole household safe.