How to understand that a cat has worms: symptoms

Cats help owners cope with stress, distract them from worries, and improve their emotional state. Unfortunately, even those cats that do not go outside can be infected with worms. Helminths are dangerous for pets because they clog the bile ducts, destroy the liver and lungs, and harm human health, but not all families that keep animals know how to remove worms from a cat at home.

Symptoms

Signs that should alert a pet owner include:

• Loss of appetite.
• Animal emaciation.
• Weakness and apathy.
• The presence of mucus and blood in the stool.
• Itching in the anal area.
• Dulling of fur.
• Indigestion, constipation, diarrhea.

In severe cases, seizures and paralysis are possible. The danger is represented by intoxication that develops as a result of the vital activity of parasites. It occurs especially quickly in kittens. Another serious complication is intestinal blockage caused by a ball of worms.

Signs of worms

It may take a long time for a cat to notice that it has worms. Helminthic infestations appear as the number of parasites in the body multiplies.

Symptoms of worms in cats:

• loss of interest in toys;
• drowsiness;
• lack of appetite;
• bloated stomach due to enlarged liver;
• sudden weight loss;
• tousled fur;
• cough;
• vomit;
• yellowing of the whites of the eyes;
• licking the anus (trying to eliminate itching);
• diarrhea, which is replaced by constipation;
• convulsions;
• blood in stool.

A pregnant cat may experience premature labor or even miscarriage. Kittens born with helminthic infestation are developmentally delayed. Symptoms directly depend on the type of parasites and their location in the body.

Symptoms of invasion

Signs of worms in kittens are more pronounced than in adult animals.

In kittens, the following symptoms will help:

• poor appetite, vomiting;
• restless or apathetic state;
• weight loss;
• diarrhea or constipation;
• bloating in the abdomen;
• poor coat (disheveled and dull).

Since it is not always possible to understand that a kitten has worms based on these symptoms, differential diagnosis is necessary. The presence of helminthic infestation is clearly indicated by signs such as cessation of growth and the presence of helminths in the feces, which is not always the case. You need to understand that only a specialist and laboratory tests will help determine exactly whether there are worms.

In everyday life, only the purple ribbon bear will be dangerous to people. The risk of infection is very different for each patient. Therefore, the distance for deworming or fecal examination is different for each animal. Dear Mr. Borchardt, We are sorry that the blog post about worm infestation does not fully address you. Therefore, we recommend in the article, as well as in the daily consultation, to always visit a doctor for a clear diagnosis. We agree with your statement that the symptoms of such an attack may vary. . There are hundreds of different types of worms all over the world.

What types of white worms are there in cats?

In general, this appearance is characteristic of two main types of parasitic worms:

• Ascaris (i.e. “harmful” nematodes).
• Flatworms (cestodes, which include all kinds of tapeworms and tapeworms).

Of course, experienced breeders know about the existence of parasitic flukes (they are also liver flukes), but the problem is that it is impossible to see them in a sick animal. To do this, it is necessary to open his liver. True, there are cases when opisthorchis or fascioli (young and simply small individuals), having “rolled” down the bile ducts, end up in the feces.

But even in this case, it is problematic to see them, and you cannot call them “white” (the body of such worms has a dark color). Thus, only two types of helminths should be considered.

White long worms: parasitic nematodes and their characteristics

In most cases of helminths appearing in animal feces, we are talking about parasitic species of nematodes. Perhaps they are the most typical and widespread white long worms.

In cats, two types are most often found:

• Toxocara cati.
• Toxacaris leonine.

The disease caused by them is called toxocariasis. In kittens, a similar disease is called toxoascariasis. Despite the huge diversity of species, all roundworms are similar in the characteristics of their life cycle, nutrition, and other features of their life.

Routes of infection

We should start by describing the routes of infection. Veterinarians believe that nematodes are characterized by four (!) methods of infection:

• Standard, nutritional. In this case, the pet “catches” worms by eating food contaminated with parasite eggs, or by drinking equally contaminated water. In addition, this also includes cases of infection when eating intermediate hosts, which can be small mouse-like rodents, birds or even insects. It is not at all necessary that eggs or larvae of parasitic worms are present in their body: all this can be on their skin, paws, etc. It is for this reason that cats that at least periodically walk outside are many times more likely to get sick. However, parasite eggs can just as easily be brought by their owners on street shoes.

• Infection... through the skin. In some species of round parasitic worms, the larvae initially lead an “honest” lifestyle, living in the upper layers of the soil. And when a cat walks on the ground, its delicate paw pads, whose skin is so thin, are in a very vulnerable state. The larvae gnaw through the skin, and then get to the nearest vessel, through which they enter the general bloodstream of the animal.

• Infection through mother's milk.

• Intrauterine infection. A variant characteristic specifically of parasitic nematodes (although in the case of some cestodes it also occurs). With a high intensity of invasion, the larvae can easily overcome the placental barrier, penetrating directly into the body of unborn kittens.

And it's very bad. The problem is that the invading larvae carry a lot of pathogenic microflora, and they also have problems with selectivity of penetration. It is unknown where exactly the little parasite will gnaw its way through, and it is also unknown what complications the kitten will experience as a result.

There is a possibility that as a result of such infection, the animal will subsequently develop many congenital pathologies. In addition, in such cases, the probability of death of the entire offspring increases sharply, which is always fraught with severe gynecological pathologies in the mother. Thus, a cat may well remain infertile as a result of “ordinary” helminthic infestations.

Life cycle of roundworm

Parasitic roundworms are interesting creatures. Their development cycle has long been of particular interest to researchers.

There are certain nuances, but in most species it proceeds as follows:

• First, the eggs or larvae of the worm enter the animal’s body. In the latter case, as a rule, infection occurs with the direct participation of an intermediate host, in whose body the young parasites mature to a certain stage of development.

• In the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract, digestive enzymes act on the shell of the egg or capsule in which the larva “hides”, after which the parasite comes out.

• Although this seems illogical, the larva does not remain in the digestive tract, but immediately gnaws through the intestinal walls, heading towards the nearest blood vessels. Having broken through the wall of the latter, the parasite enters the general bloodstream.

• Using the bloodstream as if it were a road, the larva travels to the lungs. And this is where the problems begin. Firstly, the parasite on its body and inside it carries a huge amount of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microflora, which, once in the delicate lung tissue, inevitably causes the appearance of an inflammatory focus. Secondly, the larva does not have an internal “compass”, and therefore it is far from certain that it will be able to get into the lungs. In particular, this is how some of the parasites are deposited in the tissues of the mammary glands. The problem is that the larva could just as easily end up in any organ, including the heart or liver.

• The larva remains in the lungs for approximately two or three weeks. During this time, it eats well, using the tissue of the pulmonary alveoli to nourish it, growing to the required stages. The need for a “pulmonary vacation” is due to the fact that at first the larvae of these parasites need oxygen, which is not available in the intestines.

• When the time comes, the body of the small parasite begins to secrete caustic and irritating substances. They cause the animal to develop a strong cough, due to which the larvae are coughed up along with sputum. Together with it, they are swallowed and enter the gastrointestinal tract a second time.

The parasite is not sent back to the lungs, remaining in the intestines for the rest of its life.

Symptoms of white worm infection

As in cases of other helminthiasis, infection with parasitic nematodes often occurs without the development of pronounced clinical symptoms.

But still, many pathologies are accompanied by constant signs (sometimes quite vague):

• Bloating. This is especially pronounced in the case of kittens.
• Exhaustion of the animal. This is true for cases of severe helminthic infestations. Animals in such situations literally have their ribs sticking out, which sharply contrasts with the bloated abdomen, which creates a deceptive impression of “fatness.”
• Digestive problems are common , resulting in intermittent cases of diarrhea and severe constipation.
• It is also possible to have a perversion of appetite when the animal eats inedible objects, as well as chalk, clay or lime. This is largely due to a lack of vitamins and microelements, which are actively consumed by the parasite’s body.

Types of helminths in cats

There are several types of parasites that affect pets:

• Nematodes. Roundworms are considered the most common helminths found in cats. Some species reach a length of 10 cm. More often, animals become infected with hookworm, the size of which does not exceed 2 cm. They feed on blood, which threatens the development of anemia.
• Trematodes (flukes) are flatworms. The main location is the liver and lungs. Symptoms are usually very mild, so the infection is not detected immediately. By infecting the lungs, worms cause coughing. Having settled in the liver, the parasites disrupt its functioning.
• Tapeworms. Some representatives reach 70 cm in length. The body consists of many segments. They use the cat's body as an intermediate host. The tape parasite can be detected visually - on the animal’s fur near the anus there are segments that resemble grains of rice in appearance.

Types of helminths in cats
The greatest harm to a cat is caused by roundworms, which are capable of parasitic activity in the intestines, liver and multiply in large numbers.

Types of worms in cats and cats

These are the main parasitic creatures that can seriously complicate the life of a pet and its owner.

How is helminthiasis diagnosed?

Since you can find out for sure whether a kitten has helminths only after undergoing tests, you must immediately contact a veterinary office to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the type of worms. To do this, you need to collect stool and take it to the laboratory. If there are worms in the feces, they must be pulled out with tweezers, placed in a container and also sent for examination.

To identify certain types of parasitic worms, you may also need to collect a blood test performed by your doctor.

How to prevent infection with worms

To protect your pet from worms, you must follow simple measures aimed at preventing infection:

• carrying out routine deworming.
  Even if there are no obvious signs of helminthic infestation, it is necessary to carry out routine deworming, which involves the use of special drugs for the treatment and prevention of worms in cats. It is recommended to use such products according to a certain scheme, which will help protect your pet from negative consequences. It is recommended that preventive measures be carried out simultaneously not only for the cat, but also for other animals living in the same apartment, for example a dog. This will help avoid re-infection;
• no contact with street animals.
  Interaction with street dwellers is a direct threat to your pet becoming infected with internal and external parasites. Rodents are especially dangerous in this regard. It is recommended to protect domestic cats from walking in the yard, or to walk them on a leash. If it was not possible to avoid contact with stray animals, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the pet and in case of changes in behavior and appearance, immediately contact a veterinarian;
• controlling your cat's diet.
  It is recommended to feed your cat high-quality ready-made food from trusted manufacturers. If the diet includes natural products, during their preparation it is necessary to carry out heat treatment: meat or fish is boiled or steamed for several minutes. It is better to give drinking water boiled or bottled;
• regular cleaning of the house.
  Every day, helminths lay a huge number of eggs, which quickly spread throughout the room. Therefore, after deworming, it is necessary to clean the entire apartment with detergents, especially carefully treat the tray and its location. In addition, try to regularly wash pillows, blankets and other things on which your pet often lies. If this measure is neglected, worm eggs may enter the animal’s body again;
• keeping the bed and tray clean.
  To prevent the eggs from spreading, it is recommended that you clean up your pet's feces as soon as possible after defecation. If you use a special litter, the cat litter box must be washed with chlorine-containing products both from the inside and from the outside. After each cleaning, be sure to wash your hands. In addition, it is necessary to regularly clean your pet's sleeping area.

Medicines for worms

If you suspect worms, your cat should be shown to a doctor. After the examination has been carried out and the type of parasites has been determined, treatment with medications is prescribed. You cannot treat yourself without knowing what helminths the animal is infected with. Today there is a wide selection of effective anthelmintic products for cats. They are produced in different forms. It is most convenient to use drops applied to the withers. When giving a deworming tablet to a kitten, you need to make sure that it swallows it. The suspension is injected into the animal's mouth using a syringe with a dispenser. The advantage of medications is the rapid removal of parasites from the body. Within half an hour they can be detected in the stool. Most medications are taken once, which is very convenient. For preventive purposes, you can repeat the dose after 2 weeks.

It is important to follow the dosage recommended by your doctor. Exceeding it may cause poisoning.

There are special preparations for kittens, so you cannot use products intended for adult animals for deworming.

Recommended deworming medications for cats

The most effective are drugs based on chemical antiparasitic substances. Typically, a veterinarian prescribes the following medications:

• Pyrantel, Milbemax. They have a paralyzing effect on round helminths, as a result of which the latter are eliminated from the body. Thus, intoxication is eliminated.
• Praziquantel is effective against the fluke that attacks the lungs. Fenalidon and Fenasal are prescribed against flatworms.
• Detrazine allows you to quickly get rid of roundworms.

Opisthorchiasis requires complex treatment.

Basic rules for giving medicine to a cat: any medications must be fed before meals; it is important to strictly follow the prescribed dosage; sometimes it may be necessary to cleanse the intestines before taking the medicine; After 14 days, the anthelmintic drug is given again.

If the animal refuses to eat a tablet with food, it can be given forcibly - placed on the root of the tongue so that the cat is forced to swallow the medicine. Another option is to knead and, after stirring with a small amount of water, inject the solution into the mouth using a syringe.

Medicines for worms

External and internal drugs are used to treat helminthiasis. They not only eliminate the signs of the disease (diarrhea, bleeding, digestive disorders, etc.), but also help to completely get rid of parasites.

It is strongly recommended to abandon traditional methods in the treatment of helminthiasis. Remember that only after diagnosis and a complete examination can your pet be prescribed anthelmintic drugs.

Drug formats:

• pills,
• drops,
• suspensions,
• solutions for injections.

The veterinarian prescribes single-component drugs, as well as broad-spectrum drugs. The latter are aimed at destroying different types of parasites at the same time. Keep in mind that drugs and their dosage are prescribed by a specialist in each specific case individually.

Pills

Tablets are the most common format of drugs used in the treatment of helminthiasis. They are crushed and then added in crushed form to your pet's food or dissolved in water. Among the most effective drugs in tablet form:

• Polyverkan,
• Kanikvantel,
• Milbemax,
• Drontal,
• Dirafen,
• Alben.

Suspensions

To remove worms from a cat, various suspensions are also used. They need to be given to the pet through a special dispenser syringe (orally), and then after 6-8 hours you need to give activated charcoal. This is the most optimal solution for kittens 3-4 months old.

Among the most popular suspension preparations:

• Dirofen,
• Prazicide,
• Pirantel,
• Prazitel.

Drops

Another convenient and effective format of anti-parasite medications for cats is drops. Usually they have a complex effect, so they cope not only with worms, but also with other problems (fleas, lice, ticks, etc.). They must be applied to the withers, since there the cat will not be able to lick them off.

Among the most effective drops are:

• Dironet,
• Bars spot-on,
• Advocate,
• Stronggold,
• Profender.

Injections

In the treatment of helminthiasis, not only tablets, drops and suspensions are used, but also injections. They are more effective, but keep in mind that each time you will need to go to a veterinary clinic. It is strongly not recommended to give injections to your pet at home.

Among the most effective injection drugs:

• Novomek,
• Barmek,
• Ivomek.

Suspensions and pastes

These forms of medications are convenient to use, as they can easily be given to kittens and adult animals for worms at home.

Treatment and prevention of worms

Treatment and prevention of helminthic diseases are carried out with the same drugs, or more precisely, active ingredients. The only difference is that when treating long-term helminthic infestations, additional precautions or therapy may be required. The composition of all drugs for worms is similar and usually includes two active ingredients.

Substances that eliminate roundworms:

• Piperazine.
• Pirantel.
• Milbemycin.
• Fenbendazole.

Substances that eliminate tapeworms:

• Praziquantel and analogues.

The dosage form in the form of drops may have a complex property - eliminate external and internal parasites. In this case, the drug will contain a third active ingredient:

• Fipronil.
• Ivermectin.

Important! Strictly follow the dosage of the drug and carefully read the instructions before use. Poisoning with prophylactic drugs provokes additional intoxication, which has a very detrimental effect on the functioning of the heart, kidneys and liver.

If drugs are used for prophylaxis, the application algorithm is as follows:

• Tablets and suspension - given in the morning on an empty stomach, on the root of the tongue. If you cannot give your cat the medicine, it can be mixed with a small amount of food. The tablets are pre-crushed into powder.

• Drops are applied to the withers or back of the head at any time convenient for you. Until the drops are completely absorbed (usually 2-4 hours), you need to monitor your pet so that he does not lick the drug or use an Elizabethan collar.

Critical helminthic infestations require additional precautions. Be sure to consult your veterinarian before starting treatment. Most likely, the animal will be prescribed shock and maintenance therapy to prepare the body for the load.

If there is a threat of intestinal blockage or perforation, an incomplete dose of the drug is used, after which the cat is given an adsorbent and a laxative. Such measures lead to only partial death of the parasites, so the drug is repeated after 5–14 days.

When are medications contraindicated?

In some cases, worms in cats cannot be treated with medication. Medical therapy is not prescribed:

• Kittens less than 3 weeks old.
• Pregnant and lactating cats.
• Animals with additional diseases.

When using anthelmintic drugs, it is important to read the indications for use.
The doctor may not allow deworming due to the individual characteristics of the animal.

How dangerous are worms for cats and humans?

It can be assumed that what kind of worms are in cats, such parasites are transmitted to the owner. The danger of worms that have settled in the body is that they actively feed on blood, lymph, and tissues of various internal organs, which leads to the inevitable depletion of the patient’s vitality.

Any parasitic worms poison the body of animals and humans with toxic substances that are a consequence of their vital activity and death. Decomposition products also lead to allergic reactions and severe poisoning. In addition, parasites use suction cups and fixing hooks to injure organs, causing vascular ruptures and necrosis.

The appearance of symptoms of helminthic infestation, such as constipation and bloating, may indicate intestinal obstruction.

If the lesion occurs in a cat, then it may die, since a huge number of worms block the lumen of the poor animal's intestines, and it cannot empty it naturally. And these are not all the reasons why worms in cats are so dangerous; In any case, treatment should be immediate.

Anthelmintic drugs for kittens

Today, pharmaceutical companies have developed special anthelmintic drugs for kittens: prazicide suspension and dirofen. The remaining drugs are recommended to be used when the kitten reaches the age of one month.

Prazicide suspension has a wide range of action and affects roundworms and tapeworms at different stages of their development. The active components of this drug are aimed at destroying the muscle tissue and membranes of helminths, which contributes to their rapid death. The kitten is given a single dose of prasicide suspension at the age of two weeks, without preliminary diets or laxatives. This drug belongs to the category of low-toxic compounds and has no side effects.

It is important to purchase anthelmintic drugs from specialized pharmacies and carefully read the instructions before using them. It is forbidden to administer deworming medications used for humans to kittens.

Veterinarians warn all cat lovers that helminthiasis, unlike other animal ailments, will not go away on its own. Therefore, the treatment process should be approached very responsibly. The longer a kitten does not receive qualified help, the less chance it has of growing up as a full-fledged and healthy individual.

Worms in kittens: treatment and medications

Even in cases where the kitten’s owners independently discovered worms, you need to understand that only a specialist can accurately classify them by type.

Not all anthelmintic drugs existing today are universal: some act only on certain groups of helminths, others require a specific treatment regimen. The drugs are distinguished by the degree of toxicity, and they are selected by the doctor individually, taking into account the medical history.

When treating with anthelmintic drugs, it is necessary to strictly adhere to the dosage, which is calculated by the doctor, depending on the age and weight of the animal.

Antihelminthic drugs are prescribed to kittens at the age of more than a month, but in exceptional cases, when the risk of the kitten dying from parasites significantly exceeds the risks of side therapeutic effects, treatment begins at 1.5-2 weeks.

In this case, you need to transfer the kitten to artificial feeding, isolate it from the mother cat and carry out pre-treatment for fleas, 2-3 days before the start of anthelmintic therapy.

Here you should keep in mind that there are complex antiparasitic drugs that get rid of all parasites at the same time, but for a small and fragile kitten’s body such therapy is too aggressive, so it is necessary for a veterinarian to select drugs for a step-by-step, gentle treatment.

Be sure to read:
Subcutaneous mite in cats: causes, symptoms, treatment methods, prevention, is it contagious to humans
? Of course, the most convenient form for treating kittens is a suspension, but you also need to pay attention to the effectiveness of the drugs, composition, contraindications and recommendations on how to treat at what age can this or that remedy be used?

The most effective antiparasitic tablets approved for the treatment of young kittens:

Drontal

The drug is available only in tablets.

Its advantages: it contains praziquantel and pyrantel, it belongs to the lowest hazard class and is therefore approved for the treatment of kittens from 2 weeks of age. This completely compensates for the inconvenience of the tablet form. In addition, the tablets can be crushed into powder and dissolved in boiled water. They are given to the kitten on an empty stomach, in the morning, at the rate of ¼ part per 1 kg of weight.

Troncil K tablets

The two-component antiparasitic agent is also used for kittens, starting from 3 weeks of age, in the same dosage as Drontal.

Advantage: does not cause side effects.

Kanikquantel Plus

The drug is available in tablets and is recommended for the treatment of helminthiasis in kittens from 3 weeks of age. The main components - fenbendazole, praziquantel are effective against tapeworms and roundworms. 1 tablet is designed for 10 kg of weight, and this is the only difficulty in using the drug.

But the tablet is dissolved in 10 ml of boiled water and the resulting solution is given to the kitten at the rate of 1 ml/1 kg of body weight, using a syringe without a needle.

Prazicide suspension

A three-component broad-spectrum drug containing the active ingredients: praziquantel, febantel and pyrantel. Used to treat infestations, the recommended dosage for kittens starting from the age of 3 weeks is 1 ml/1 kg. The suspension is sold in a convenient package with a dispenser syringe. Prazicide suspension is the most gentle remedy.

Milbemax

At the age of 6 weeks, kittens can already be given Milbemax, which contains praziquantel and milbemycin and is therefore effective against many parasites. It is also available in the form of tablets of different colors, calculated according to the weight of the animal (cats or dogs).

Pink tablets are intended for kittens and puppies weighing 0.5-2 kg.

Application – single, in a dosage of ½ tablet – with a weight of up to 1 kg; whole tablet – for kittens weighing up to 2 kg.

The drug not only destroys saltpeter, roundworms and tapeworms, but also removes them from the body, completely restores the functioning of the digestive system, and at the same time has a minimum of side effects.

Be sure to read:

Are worms transmitted from cats to humans: how, are they dangerous, what diseases do they cause, how to avoid getting infected

Other drugs

At 3 months, when the kittens are fully strengthened and grown, you can use antiparasitic drugs on the withers, in the form of drops or sprays, which are effective not only in the treatment of helminthiasis, but also against all types of invasive diseases - lice, fleas, ticks, lice eaters.

List of drugs:

• Inspector
• Advocate
• Pratel
• Febtal
• Helminthal et al.

Of course, the market for veterinary drugs today is wider and more diverse, and all of the listed anthelmintic drugs are given only as a brief overview, and therefore these recommendations are for informational purposes only.

Remember! All medications require careful handling, compliance with the rules of storage and use.

Folk remedies for parasites

Traditional medicine will help rid your pet of worms. There are many recipes that are effective against helminthiasis and are absolutely safe for the health of the animal. They can be used for small kittens and pregnant cats. The only drawback is the lengthy treatment.

The most famous anti-worm remedy is garlic. One clove per day is enough for a cat. Garlic is crushed and given along with food daily for a week.

A herbal decoction prepared from tansy and wormwood flowers has a good antiparasitic effect. Mix 2 tablespoons of each component and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Give your cat 3 tablespoons in the morning for three days.

Pumpkin seeds are the most popular remedy for the treatment of helminthiasis. You can prepare an infusion from them: peel 300 g of seeds, keeping the shell, crush, add 50 ml of water and 15 g of honey. Feed the resulting mixture to the pet for an hour, after 30 minutes give an enema.

Grind 5 g of seeds, add the same amount of pork fat (can be replaced with sunflower oil) and give the cat a drink. You need to do this for 5 days in a row. Before treatment, allow the animal to fast for a while.

Onion infusion. Cut the onion into 4 parts, add a glass of hot water and feed the cat for a week.

Garlic can be used for enemas

An enema of garlic tincture helps get rid of parasites in a cat. To prepare the solution, chop 6 cloves of garlic and add a glass of water. Let it brew for 2 hours.

It is necessary to use the listed products only after consulting a doctor.

Diagnostics

A final diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian after studying the anamnesis and taking the animal’s feces and blood for analysis. A stool sample is collected for three consecutive days to rule out a “false negative diagnosis.”

If the owner notices particles of worms in the cat’s feces or on the animal’s body, then this should also be reported to the veterinarian.

Please note that parasite larvae may persist in the milk of nursing cats. Therefore, even if the mother cat has a negative test for worms, it is necessary to carry out thorough anthelmintic therapy for the babies.

Are white worms dangerous for humans?

It all depends on the specific type of parasite. Thus, most cat roundworms are not dangerous to humans. A certain risk of infection exists only in the case of young children and the elderly, but even in their bodies the worms do not live for a long time; the immune system can handle them quite well. But with cestodes everything is not so simple.

The problem is that for some parasitic flatworms, humans can be not only the definitive host, but also an intermediate host, and this is very, very dangerous.

The danger lies in the larvae of parasites, which, having entered the body of the “lucky one,” are encapsulated in the muscles, climb into the internal organs, and even cases of the formation of parasitic cysts directly in the brain have been described.

Important! Alveococci and echinococci are deadly to humans!

So what should an owner do if he sees clumps of worms coming out of a cat in feces or vomit? First, you need to call your veterinarian right away. Secondly, when caring for a sick animal, you must strictly follow several simple rules:

• After any contact with the cat, you must wash your hands thoroughly.

• It is advisable to isolate the pet in a separate room, the floors of which should be washed daily, adding disinfectant compounds to the water.

• It is strongly recommended to burn the feces of a sick animal! If this is not possible, the contents of the litter box should at least be packed in thick plastic bags. In this way, it is possible to minimize the spread of parasite eggs in the external environment.

• When treating, you do not need to limit yourself to a single dose of medication. If the intensity of the infestation was strong, then after 10 days the pet’s feces are again taken for analysis. If even single eggs are detected, the anthelmintic treatment is repeated.

Prevention of worms in cats

Treatment for parasites may not be required if you follow simple safety rules:

• Do not feed your cat raw meat and fish. It is necessary to boil them thoroughly.
• The cat's litter box must be kept clean. It should be washed after each time your pet uses the toilet.
• Regularly treat your cat for fleas.
• Carry out preventive anthelmintic treatment periodically.
• Place outdoor shoes in a special closet.
• Keep the doormat clean.

A bell hung around a pet's neck will not allow it to catch a bird or mouse, which are often the source of infection.

Where does a cat get worms?

Worm larvae and adult parasites are found in the environment: in the soil, on the grass, in water bodies. Therefore, it does not mean at all that if your cat is an indoor cat and does not go outside, then he cannot become infected with worms. You yourself can bring the larvae on the soles of your shoes or on your clothes.

Other sources of infection:

• when your cat eats raw fish, meat, or tap water;
• when fleas appear, there is a possibility of your pet becoming infected with worms;
• upon contact with sick animals, contaminated objects (sand, soil) and feces;
• Intrauterine infection of kittens from a pregnant cat is possible.

Possible routes of infection

For cats that roam freely outside, there are many ways through which worm infection can occur.

But there are a significant number of cases when the disease also appears in those cats that are constantly in the living room and have not left it.

In this case, most likely, the causes of infection could be:

• foods that the cat ate (after all, larvae and worms themselves can be in fresh fish and meat);
• a trash can, especially in the warm season (after all, flies land on it, and they are considered carriers of worm eggs and cysts);
• the owners' shoes (after all, a person can easily bring eggs and cysts of worms from the street after accidental contact with animal feces);
• an infected mother cat who feeds her kittens with breast milk.

The cercariae is considered the most dangerous, because this parasite goes through several periods of its development in the body of fish. When a cat consumes raw fish, the cercariae enters its body and is already formed in it until it reaches adulthood, after which it begins to actively reproduce and parasitize. But if treatment is started in time, the kitten can even be pulled out of this dangerous state.

Symptoms and signs of worms in kittens

Diagnosis of helminthiasis in animals is complicated by the fact that it is almost impossible to detect it at an early stage, and suspicions and contacting a veterinarian begin, most often, when the body is already significantly infected and urgent measures are required.

Symptoms by which you can determine the presence of worms in a kitten can be direct and indirect. Below we will look at the most basic ones.

General malaise

Refusal to eat, a desire to hide in a secluded corner, lack of play activity typical of kittens, dull and tousled fur, and a dull look are signs that the baby has health problems.

But such symptoms indicate not only infection with worms, but also a number of diseases of different etiologies. However, this is a reason to encourage the owner to carefully monitor the pet in order to accurately explain to the veterinarian the cause of concern. The doctor, after examination and examination, will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Important! In such cases, it is impossible to engage in independent treatment.

“The kitten “suddenly” forgot about the litter tray...”

Without a reason, a kitten trained to use the toilet will not defecate “in the wrong places,” and this is a direct signal about the presence of invasions in the body.

Worms bother the kitten, and he is lost in his own sensations; the urge to defecate (contraction of the walls of the colon) cannot be distinguished from itching and discomfort. In this case, you can even detect parasites in the feces, and begin treatment immediately.

Constipation, diarrhea and irregular bowel movements can also be a symptom of invasive diseases, but they also indicate a number of other diseases, which means that there is a reason to contact a veterinarian and have a full examination.

Be sure to read:
Worms in cats: causes, types, symptoms, what to do, the best medications and folk remedies
If there are blood spots in the stool, then you should contact a specialist immediately.

Changes in mucous tissues and skin

In a neglected state, parasites from the gastrointestinal tract spread to all organs. The presence of worms in the liver and bile ducts affects the condition of the mucous membranes: the tongue and the entire oral cavity, the corneas of the eyes become yellowish.

If the liver is damaged, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of appetite may occur.

Purulent discharge from the eyes, redness of the throat, and cough can be signs of invasive damage to the respiratory system, and such symptoms can easily be confused with a viral infection.

Vomiting reflex

The waste products of worms are toxic and cause general poisoning, which results in vomiting at different intervals, not associated with meals.

In addition, worms can be in the esophagus, in the larynx, irritating the internal mucous walls and causing their involuntary contraction.

In this case, vomit may not always be released, but the reflex itself is a painful condition, and if it continues for quite a long time, the kitten weakens, quickly loses weight, and there is a noticeable lag in development in babies of the postnatal period.

The presence of worms in the respiratory system is a dangerous condition in which the kitten can suffocate.

The long-term absence of adequate drug treatment for invasive infections leads to serious impairment of all body functions due to the constant presence of toxins, decreased immunity and, as a consequence, the development of acute and chronic diseases.

Preventive actions

To eliminate the possibility of helminthic infestation, the cat owner should carefully monitor preventive measures.

1. It is advisable to regularly give your pet anthelmintic drugs and medications for ticks and fleas. They should be applied once every 3 months. This type of medication is not capable of causing harm to the cat’s body, since they are offered to the animal in small doses. Initially, flea medication is taken, and after 3 days, an anti-helminth medication is given.
2. The pet should not be fed raw meat and fish products, and should be given only boiled or settled water to drink.
3. The pet must be carefully protected from all contacts with street animals, and when walking, it must be prevented from sniffing feces.
4. It is necessary to regularly carry out anthelmintic treatment of your pet's sleeping place, its scratching post, and tray. It is required to regularly clean all items used to care for the cat. To do this, you can use any antibacterial agent.
5. It is necessary to regularly clean the room where the pet lives, for which chlorine-based products are suitable.
6. For anthelmintic prevention, you can use garlic by regularly mixing it into cat food.
7. To protect a pregnant cat, preventive folk remedies should be used, since intrauterine transmission of helminths to kittens is possible during this period.

Owners should know that most of the helminths that cats can suffer from are actively transmitted to humans. Therefore, if your cat suffers from worms, you should also carry out deworming treatment.

Types and routes of infection

Worms in cats can be round, tape or flat. The most common are roundworms and toxocaras, growing up to 3-5 cm in length. They are localized and multiply in the small intestine. Less commonly, hookworms (no more than 2 mm), heartworms and heartworms are detected in cats. They affect the intestines, lungs, muscles and cardiovascular system.

The most common routes of infection:

• drinking milk from an infected mother cat,
• eating small rodents (mice, rats, etc.),
• ingestion of worm eggs (for example, with dust and dirt from the soles of shoes),
• contact with other infected animals.

Infection with parasites is possible at any time of the year, but most often pets become infected in spring and summer. This is due to the fact that the most favorable conditions arise for the reproduction of helminths and the spread of their eggs. During this period, traveling with a cat to the country or hunting birds can cause infection.

Owner stories

Sofia: “We adopted a cat from a shelter. It turned out that the cat had worms. Moreover, there were a lot of them, all the feces were strewn with larvae and parts of parasites, such small white things. We suffered with her until the veterinarian advised us this treatment regimen: Kanikquantel suspension three times with an interval of 2 weeks. We're doing well now."

Tamara: “My son brought a kitten from the street. I immediately realized that the cat had worms - the baby’s tummy looked like an inflated balloon. Poor thing, he suffered while he was a wanderer. The veterinarian said to give Prasitab tablets. One tablet is designed for an animal weighing 4 kg. I gave a little less than half, crushed it into powder and diluted it with water. This mixture was poured into the baby using a syringe without a needle.”

What methods are used to remove parasites?

When deciding what to do and how to treat if your pet shows signs of helminthiasis, it is recommended to take into account the age and weight of the animal. Most drugs are characterized by increased toxicity and can cause no less harm than worms to a kitten’s fragile body.

You cannot select medications for kittens on your own, as this is dangerous for the baby’s life.

Worms can only be removed using suitable means. For example, drugs whose action is aimed at cestodes or flukes will not have an effect on tapeworms. You can cure your kitten by following the veterinarian's recommended dosage.

In most cases, it is possible to rid an animal of worms at the age of 1 month. Earlier treatment is justified only by severe infection.

It is easier to give medicine to small pets in the form of a suspension/drops. When thinking about how to remove worms from a kitten, you can consider the option in the form of a tablet, in which case the drug is usually crushed. The animal has a reaction to some medications: vomiting and diarrhea. Often this manifestation is provoked by invasion.

How is deworming carried out?

Symptoms and treatment are determined by the degree of infection of the pet. The procedure for removing helminths is called worming. It should be done in the morning before meals. It must be remembered that violating the dosage in relation to a small kitten is fraught with a deterioration in its condition. It is difficult to make a mistake in this case, since the dose of the drug is calculated based on the weight of the animal.

Prazicide: can be used in animals less than 1 month old

If a convenient form of medication is used, the kitten can quickly swallow it. However, often the animal refuses to take the drug. You can use moderate force: the pet’s head is gently but firmly fixed by the owner’s hands and tilted back so strongly that he does not choke and the product does not spill.

It is important to hold the animal by the paws. The course of treatment includes taking the medication twice with a break of 2 weeks.

Useful video: How to properly remove worms from cats

How can you give phthalazole and metranidazole to your colon?

Maryana |2016-07-06 at 19:22:02

Good evening.

Could you kindly tell me that you can give phthalazole and metranidazole to your intestines? I've had diarrhea in my intestines for 2 days now. He feels good, he is, he is. Chips.

The veterinarian over the phone treated the whole face, at a dose of 2 tablets 2 times a day for 2 days. But I’m not impressed, what can I give her? I give one teaspoon of enterosgel at a time. What will you please?

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Vladimir Valentinovich Shebelnichenko |2016-07-06 at 22:55:52

Good evening, Maryana.

In order to recognize whether there is a cure, it is necessary to look into the cause - why the sickness is in order - to make a diagnosis, otherwise the cure will not bring pain, and may even lead to mischief.

The causes of disorder in the colon and intestines can range from banal debacteriosis and worms to viral infection. So I advise you - give enterosorbents (“enterosgel”), just increase the dose to 1 teaspoon, control the temperature (2 times a day, for recording) and show the intestine for examination to a qualified specialist.