Parasites Affecting Cats

Which worms affect cats?

In the UK the worms vets see most often in cats are:

• Roundworm: the most common worm in cats, especially kittens.
• Hookworm: less common in UK cats, but can cause anaemia when numbers are high.
• Whipworm: rare in cats and uncommon in the UK, but well known in dogs, so owners often ask about it.
• Tapeworm: picked up from fleas or from catching and eating prey.
• Lungworm: not an intestinal worm. It affects cats that hunt, and can cause coughing and breathing problems.

How do cats catch worms?

• From their mother. Kittens can be infected through their mother's milk.
• From the environment. Worm eggs and larvae are passed in faeces and can survive in soil, gardens and litter.
• From prey. Mice, birds, frogs and other small animals can carry larvae that infect the cat that eats them.
• From fleas. A cat that swallows an infected flea while grooming can pick up tapeworm.

How do I know if my cat has worms?

Possible signs include weight loss despite a good appetite, a pot-bellied look (especially in kittens), a dull coat, vomiting, diarrhoea, a cough or laboured breathing, and rice-like segments around the bottom or on bedding. Many infected cats look perfectly well, so do not wait for signs to appear.

What should I do if I think my cat has worms?

A faecal worm egg count checks a fresh sample under the microscope for the eggs and larvae of worms. It tells you whether your cat needs treatment, so you only worm when there is a reason to. See our guide to cat worm count results, and read about worming your cat and cat care and parasite prevention.