Roundworms in cats: routes of infection, diagnosis and treatment methods

One of the most dangerous parasites is roundworms in cats. Helminthiasis is manifested by weight loss, hyperthermia, cough, and weakness. At the first symptoms of deterioration in health, the owner must take the pet to the veterinarian, since there is a possibility of infection. The doctor will diagnose, prescribe treatment for ascariasis and give preventive advice.

According to veterinarians, up to 80% of cats are infected with roundworms, including those that are constantly at home.

Who are roundworms?

Roundworms are dioecious roundworms that are characterized by sex differences in size. Females are usually much larger than males. Most often, roundworms infect the gastrointestinal tract of cats, although some species can colonize the bile ducts and pancreas.

Cats are characterized by 3 types of roundworms:

1. Toxocara leonine - females usually reach 10 centimeters in length, and males - 6 cm. The body has a yellowish tint. And the head section is equipped with lateral wings and has three lips. It has a simpler cycle, unlike Toxacara catti. The eggs are excreted from the body of the main host (cat or dog) along with the feces, within 4 days it “matures” - at this time the larva inside moults, thus the egg becomes active for infection. Then the eggs can directly enter the cat’s body, or by eating an intermediate host - a rodent. Not dangerous for people.
2. Toxocara mystax or Toxacara catti - The main causative agent of ascariasis (toxocariasis) in cats. Males are usually much smaller than females - from 3 to 6 cm, while females are more than 10 cm. To reach sexual maturity, the parasite migrates in the cat’s body and spreads from the intestines to the lungs and liver, and also damages other organs. From the trachea, the larvae, when coughed, again enter the digestive tract and complete the cycle. Dangerous for humans.
3. T. canis - affects not only dogs, but can also parasitize in the intestines of cats. The development cycle completely repeats that of the feline Toxocara. It is also dangerous for humans, although it does not undergo a full cycle in the body; humans are intermediate hosts.

The main danger of roundworms is their high contagiousness. When the soil is infested with eggs, they can persist for several years, becoming a source of disease.

Causes

The main route of transmission is through soil, food, grass, and furnishings contaminated with worm eggs.

The main route of transmission is through soil, food, grass, and furnishings contaminated with worm eggs. Parasites can get on the animal's fur and settle in the intestines through licking.

Another alternative route of infection is an intermediate host. In them, roundworms cannot reach sexual maturity and are encapsulated in the nervous system and muscles. A cat becomes infected by eating an infected animal. Rodents, earthworms, frogs, pigs, birds and sheep can act as intermediate hosts.

If the female is pregnant, then infection of the offspring occurs through the umbilical vein directly into the lungs. There, the parasites enter the kittens' trachea, subsequently migrating into the intestines and completing the maturation process. This method of infection is typical for canine toxocara, while Toxacara catti does not infect the fetus.

Toxocara also infects offspring during breastfeeding, entering the intestines through milk.

One infected cat per day can excrete about 100,000 eggs in feces, which are contained in just 1 gram of feces.

Methods of infection

Roundworms and their eggs can be found anywhere in the world because they are resistant to different climatic conditions. For cats, the main source of toxocariasis is their infected relatives, who release feces containing eggs into the environment.

Such eggs move very easily and quickly in space, so they can be found anywhere: on pieces of furniture, in the soil, on the clothes of the owners, etc. The largest number of eggs is present on the coat of cats, where they fall during licking and firmly adhere to the fur.

The most common routes of infection are:

• insufficiently cooked food products (meat, liver, fish, bones);
• roundworms swallowed together with small rodents (mice or rats) or with insects (fleas, grasshoppers, flies);
• dirty, undisinfected palms of people, their clothes or shoes, which are rubbed or licked by pets;
• contacts with other cats and female cats during exhibitions or matings;
• randomly picked up objects and food particles on the street;
• intrauterine infection during pregnancy, when the larvae penetrate the placental membranes and colonize the body of developing kittens.

The last type of infection has the most serious consequences, which can lead to irreversible consequences in the first months after the birth of kittens: severe intoxication, blockage of intestinal loops and rapid death. Often, the greater intensity of infestation in kittens leads to balls of roundworms breaking through the thin walls of the intestine, after which peritonitis develops.

Symptoms

With ascariasis in cats, an increase in temperature is possible.
In adults, toxocariasis rarely causes symptoms of the disease. Mostly, signs of the disease appear in kittens. Typically characterized by stunted growth and lack of weight, an enlarged abdomen and dull coat.

The offspring also develop:

• Anemia, expressed in pallor of the mucous membranes and skin.
• Diarrhea and vomiting. Blood may be found in the stool.
• Possible increase in temperature.
• Itching of the anus, due to which the cat will constantly lick it.

Due to the migration of larvae, cats may experience complications due to damage to internal organs:

1. Pneumonia.
2. Ascites.
3. Peritonitis.
4. Cough (due to the release of larvae into the trachea).
5. Liver damage.

If there are a large number of parasites, the kitten may develop intestinal obstruction, causing constipation. The bile ducts are also blocked, leading to obstructive jaundice.

How dangerous is ascariasis for cats?

Roundworms in cats cause the chronic disease toxocariasis. In principle, even the name “roundworms” for roundworms that parasitize the body of cats and dogs is not entirely accurate. Toxocara leonina, Toxocara mystax, Toxacara catti live in the intestines of cats and dogs. You can see how they look in the photo. These parasites belong to the general suborder of roundworms (nematodes) Ascaridata of the genus Ascaris. It has been clinically proven that roundworms of cats and dogs cannot cause helminthic infestation in humans.

Dog or cat roundworm eggs will not be able to develop in the human body, even if they are purposefully “planted” there. This is due to the fact that human roundworm develops in the intestines at a temperature of 36.6 degrees, and roundworms of cats and dogs develop at a temperature of 38.5 - 39 degrees.

A person can become infected with other worms from animals, so pets need to undergo a full course of deworming once every 3 months, and if a helminthic infestation is diagnosed, they need adequate treatment.

First aid

Treatment of toxocaridosis in cats is carried out using a single dose of an antiparasitic drug. The medicine is given to the animal in the morning, on an empty stomach, or in the evening, 2-3 hours after the last feeding.

Pets can be infected with several types of parasites at once, so veterinarians usually prescribe them broad-spectrum medications that destroy flukes, cestodes and nematodes at the same time.

Common antiparasitic medications in tablet form include:

• Albendazole - tablets are used in the treatment of echinococcosis, trichonellosis, ascariasis, toxocariasis, enterobiasis, hookworm.
• Milbemax is an easy-to-use, single-use, complex action product. Helps with cestodiases, nematodes. The medicine is contraindicated in weakened animals and pets weighing less than 0.5 kg.
• Azipirin is a drug based on pyrantel and praziquantel and has a wide spectrum of action. Effective for roundworms in cats and dogs.
• Pratel - tablets containing praziquantel and pyrantel are effective against adult and developing tapeworms. Pratel can be given to both adult animals and kittens.
• Azinosx - the medicine contains praziquantel. Used in the treatment and prevention of tapeworms.

Products used for application to the withers:

• Profender - drops contain emodepside, praziquantel. The product is effective against nematodes and mixed parasitic infestations. Profender cannot be used to treat kittens under 1.5 months old, as well as animals weighing less than 0.5 kg.
• Drontsit is a praziquantel-based solution that can be administered to pregnant cats and newborn kittens.
• Prazicide - can be given to adult pets and young cats over 6 months old.
• Helminthal K is a drug intended for the treatment of ascariasis in cats weighing more than 4 kg.

Ways of infection of pets

Even if your pets are constantly at home, the possibility of ascariasis in cats cannot be ruled out.

Even if your pets are constantly at home, the possibility of ascariasis in cats cannot be ruled out. An animal may “just for a second” jump out onto the landing, or may sniff and lick your outdoor shoes, which almost always contain worm eggs.

Puppies and kittens can ingest eggs in their mother's milk or become infected in utero from a sick mother. Before mating, animals must undergo anthelmintic treatment.

With the feces of a sick animal, fertilized eggs of parasites fall into the soil, where, under favorable conditions, the maturation process occurs. Microscopic mature worm eggs are carried by flies, ants, and shoes. Gusts of wind during drafts, along with dust, can be carried into the apartment through open windows. It is noteworthy that in direct sunlight the eggs die within a couple of hours, but they can tolerate frost down to -25 degrees, just being on the surface of the earth.

Only regular wet cleaning, disinfection of trays, maintaining a sanitary culture of housing, regular deworming and proper treatment can protect pets from parasites.

Forecast and preventive measures

If you do not delay treatment, the prognosis is favorable (with the exception of some cases). In neglected situations, kittens often die from exhaustion and intoxication. How can you prevent your cat from getting roundworms? Prevention should include the following measures:

• Before pregnancy (or in its early stages), a cat must be treated with deworming medications. This significantly reduces the risk of transmitting parasites to kittens.

• Kittens must be treated for parasites as soon as they reach the permissible age (at least four weeks). It is advisable to consult your veterinarian before doing this. This must be done before (!) the first vaccination. Always carefully read the instructions for the drug you are using!

• Note that even a cat that has been treated and dewormed can become infected even the next day, since it does not develop any immunity. If you notice any signs of infestation, treat the animal immediately. If your cat is at risk, this should be done at least once a quarter, and ideally monthly. For example, this applies to animals that spend most of their time outside, as well as those who regularly receive raw meat/fish.

• Many types of worms (heartworms, for example) have a clear geographic location, occurring only in a specific region. If your area is specific to certain types of ascariasis, please consult your veterinarian. The latter will be able to draw up an effective prevention scheme.

• Use flea collars and other insecticidal/acaricidal products to protect your pet from parasitic insects, as they are often carriers of helminthic diseases.

Are roundworms in cats transmitted to humans?

Quite often, when we see an infected animal, we reflexively scare it away, fearing infection. This is one of the most popular myths. The opinion that roundworms in cats are transmitted to humans turns out to be erroneous.

The fact is that round intestinal worms in animals do not take root in the human body. There is an opinion that large roundworms in the body of a pig can take root in humans, but this has not yet been proven by science. The very way of infecting a person with worms is as follows: viable eggs can enter the body only through the soil, and only from person to person.

Infection from undercooked meat

There is an opinion that some types of parasites can enter the body if a person eats raw or poorly cooked meat. Subsequently, very dangerous helminths are formed.

This is usually pork or bovine tapeworm. The fact is that they do not exist in a raw piece of meat; for their formation and reproduction, a completely different environment is needed. So it is unlikely that you can get this disease in this way.

How can you become infected with roundworms? They form and become parasitic only if the rules of food hygiene are neglected, nutritional disorders, and improper tillage of the soil in gardens. Another requirement is to go through a developmental cycle, which is characteristic only of roundworms.

The food route for the spread of worms is quite large. But it is impossible to become infected with worms through poorly cooked meat, since they do not live there in the first place. There is a whole list of other types of parasitic infections that enter the body through raw, undercooked fish or meat, but these are not roundworms.

Danger to humans

Although the worm cannot undergo a full sexual cycle in the human body, it can still act as an intermediate host. Once in the intestines, the larvae migrate to the muscles, central nervous system, eyes, liver, lungs and heart. There the larvae are encapsulated.

Toxocariasis is especially dangerous for children, in whom it can cause serious complications and lead to death. In general, the disease in people manifests itself as vomiting, diarrhea, and a sharp increase in temperature. Depending on the affected organ, decreased vision and anorexia can be observed.

Due to the high fertility of parasites, eggs can reach a person even after stroking a pet. Therefore, washing your hands after playing with your pet is strictly necessary!

Among all cases of infection, the largest percentage accounts for Toxacara canis, while feline roundworms occur in isolated cases.

Diagnostics

The main diagnostic method is to examine stool for worm eggs.

The main diagnostic method is to examine stool for worm eggs. It is necessary to carry out three samplings to exclude weak infestations. Tests are carried out at intervals of 10 days, during which time the helminths will be able to reach sexual maturity and begin to secrete eggs.

In rare cases, adults can be found in it. Worms are also found in vomit.

It is advisable to perform an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity to exclude blockage of the intestinal lumen and bile ducts. X-rays can also be taken using barium contrast.

Treatment

To treat roundworms in cats, anthelmintics are used - pyrantel, albendazole.

Therapy for toxocariasis is as simple as for most helminths. Usually used anthelmintics - pyrantel, albendazole. These drugs cause complete paralysis of adult worms and have a detrimental effect on eggs and larvae.

Drug dosage regimen:

1. Pyrantel – 5 mg per kg of body weight orally once.
2. Azipirin – 0.5 tablets once.
3. Levamisole – 7 ml per kg subcutaneously.

Therapy is repeated 2 weeks after the first dose.

If there is a deterioration in the kitten’s condition, they may be prescribed Gamavit, an infusion of infusion solutions. In case of massive invasion, antihistamines and corticosteroids can be used to relieve intoxication.

If there is a blockage in the intestines or bile ducts, surgery is performed.

Be sure to sanitize the cat's bowl, drinking bowl, tray and bed. All blankets and blankets on which the cat sleeps should also be treated with disinfectants. Wash floors and surfaces.

Treatment for humans

Usually, treatment for ascariasis caused by cat or dog Toxocara is not required; the disease goes away on its own over time. The exception is damage to the eyes and central nervous system. Antihelminthic drugs are also used, and surgical removal of parasites is possible.

Popular medications for worming in cats

If someone tried to view and compare instructions for deworming products for cats, they noticed that almost all tablets usually contain two substances:

• one of which acts on roundworms (usually piperazine, pyrantel, fenbendazole, milbemycin or emodepside),
• and another is effective against flukes and tape parasites (praziquantel).

Therefore, trying to identify something extraordinary and super-effective among them is quite difficult, since their chemical substances are basically the same and they work against the same helminths:

• Tohosaga cati,
• Ancylostoma tubaeforme,
• Ancylostoma braziliense,
• Echinococcus granulosus,
• Echinococcus multi-locularis,
• Dipylidium caninum
• Taenia spp.,
• Mesocestoides spp.,
• Joyeuxiella sp.

This group of universal products with the same set of active ingredients includes:

• Drontal - tablets, used from three weeks of age drontal - tablets, used from three weeks of age;
• Profender - drops, approved for use from five weeks of age,
• prazicide - suspension, not recommended for babies under three weeks of age;
• pratel - tablets;
• troncil K - used for kittens from 3 weeks;
• febtal - tablets based on fenbendazole;

• kaniquantel - used for cats and kittens starting from three weeks;
• milbemax (not earlier than six weeks of age) - it is worth highlighting because the active substance (mibelmicin oxy) against nematodes not only kills intestinal helminths, but also acts on dirofilaria, which live in the bloodstream and heart of the animal.

Unlike these drugs, polyvercan is based on other active principles: niclosamide (cestodic action) and oxybendazole (anti-nematode), but at the same time it also retains the title of a broad-spectrum anthelmintic.

In pharmacy kiosks you can find another antiparasitic drug in the form of drops - Inspector, which not only has anthelmintic properties, but can also simultaneously act on fleas and ticks, which is very convenient: you can get rid of all parasites in one go. It contains two chemicals:

• Fipronil is an excellent insecticide that, after application to the skin, tends to accumulate in its lubricant and hair follicles. Released over a long period of time, it ensures long-lasting activity. It is not recommended for use in kittens under 3 months of age, as well as in sick and old animals, due to possible negative consequences;
• Moxidectin belongs to the group of avermectins, but unlike ivermectin, it does not cause signs of poisoning in cats, even with an overdose. It works well against roundworms and is an excellent means of preventing dirofilariasis. If the test for microrofilaria and adults is positive, it is prescribed with caution, due to the high probability of the animal dying from intoxication as a result of the decay of helminths.

Recently, information has appeared that the drugs drontal, prazitel, and prazitid are often counterfeited, so you should be careful with their use. Not only will these remedies not rid your cat of worms, but they can also be fatal. Therefore, if you are not sure of the quality of the medicine, and the veterinary pharmacy does not have a license for it, then it is better to refuse such a dubious purchase.

How to treat your pet?

Highly effective antiparasitic drugs are used for therapy, which allow not only to get rid of adult worms, but also to destroy the larvae

It is important that the medications are not dangerous for the cats themselves, and some are even approved for use in kittens in the first month of life. The following products are especially popular among veterinarians and animal owners:

"Kaniquantel plus"

These tablets smell and taste like meat and are considered one of the best anthelmintic drugs. They allow you to fight several types of intestinal worms simultaneously and have a minimum of side effects.

Thanks to its smell, “Kaniquantel plus” is easily eaten by cats

It is important that it is not difficult to “persuade” your pet to eat the medicine - cats take such tablets as a treat and gobble them up with pleasure. For maximum effect of the drug, a single dose is sufficient.

The tablets are approved for the treatment of kittens that are 3 weeks old.

"Milbemax"

Another combined anthelmintic drug, which has meat “signs” that are pleasant for cats, greatly facilitates the use of the drug. Milbemax is sold in tablets with different concentrations of the active substance. This allows you to choose the best option taking into account the age and weight of the animal.

Side effects of Milbemax are minimal and disappear within 24 hours

For babies six weeks of age, with a body weight of 500 g, and adolescent animals, “Milbemax for kittens and young cats” is indicated. For older people there is “Milbemax for adults”. Calculating the permissible amount of the drug is not difficult thanks to the simple and detailed instructions for the drug.

"Prasitel"

An excellent remedy for toxocariasis, approved for use in animals 3 weeks of age. Babies are given a suspension, and for adults Prazitel is released in tablet form.

A single dose of Prazitel is usually enough for a cat to recover

You should feed the medicine to your pet once, adding it to your favorite treat, usual food or drinking water. In case of advanced toxocariasis, it is recommended to take Prazitel again 10 days later.

"Drontal"

An anti-worm remedy that allows you to get rid of nematode parasites (roundworms) and taeniasis (tapeworms). Prescribed at the rate of 1 tablet per 4 kg of animal weight. It is recommended to give the medicine to your pet once, during morning feeding, with its usual food.

Before using Drontal, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian, since intolerance is possible.

If the animal does not have a history of hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, then taking it in recommended doses does not cause side effects.

"Dironet"

Dironet is a line of anthelmintic drugs for cats and dogs. Sold in the form of tablets and suspensions, separately for each type of animal. Effective against round and tape parasites. Additionally, they are available: “Dironet Junior” for kittens, as well as a drug with a brand name in the form of drops for application to the withers. The suspension smells like fresh salmon and is used in a dosage of 1 ml per 1 kg of cat’s body weight.

Dironet may not be suitable for breeds with small dimensions and low weight

In cases where the cat completely refuses to swallow the tablets, they are sometimes replaced with external drops such as Stronghold. Such drugs act more slowly, their concentration in the digestive tract will be less compared to tablets and suspensions.

Stronghold drops are suitable for uncooperative cats, but you should be prepared for the fact that their effect is less than that of tablets

For this reason, it is better to use drops when it comes to the prevention and treatment of helminthic infestation in the initial period. When it comes to a large-scale parasite attack, it is better to choose medications administered orally (through the mouth).

Regardless of whether your pet has had roundworms, it is advisable to periodically disinfect your cat’s accessories.

During treatment, care must be taken to ensure that all household items used by the cat are disinfected:

• bowls for food and water;
• pet tray and toys.

In addition, it is recommended to periodically use antiseptic solutions during wet cleaning of premises. If there are other cats and dogs in the family, you will also have to check them for the presence of worms and, if necessary, treat them.

Prevention

The use of purified water is an important preventive measure for the appearance of worms

Veterinary drugs for the prevention of ascariasis are available in the form of tablets, syrups, suspensions or drops. For small animals, it is better to take drops or syrup, as swallowing the tablet may be difficult for them. Manufacturers make modern deworming products with the taste of meat, fish or other products so that the animal does not throw it away.

If this doesn’t work, then you need to stick the tablet into a piece of cheese, melt it in the microwave for a few seconds, judge it and give it to the animal. The taste of hard cheese is very strong and can easily drown out the smell and taste of the tablet. So you won’t have to forcefully prevent ascariasis in cats.

• Timely preventive deworming. For cats visiting the street - once every three months, for pets - once every six months.
• Put outdoor shoes in the closet to prevent your pet from coming into contact with them.
• Avoid eating birds and rodents.
• Be sure to carry out deworming treatment when planning mating.
• Place a shoe mat in front of the door.
• Clean the litter box regularly.
• It is advisable to limit free access to the street.
• Mandatory flea treatment and wearing a special collar or using drops on the withers.
• It is advisable to choose ready-made commercial food, and also exclude raw fish and meat.
• Using purified water.

Prevention of ascariasis: other recommendations

The cat's litter box needs to be cleaned regularly.

In addition to the above preventive measures, a number of recommendations can be identified:

1. Feces should be removed from the litter box daily, preferably immediately after the cat goes to the toilet.
2. The tray must be washed with chlorine agents, and then thoroughly rinsed from chemicals.
3. The sink in which cat utensils are washed should also be treated with a disinfectant.
4. After cleaning the cat's litter box, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap.

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