Worms in Cats: Roundworms, Tapeworms, Hookworms and Treatment
Almost every kitten is born with, or soon picks up, intestinal worms. Adult cats can get them too, even indoor cats. Worms are rarely dramatic, but they drain nutrients, cause digestive upset and, in some cases, pose a risk to people. Routine testing and treatment keep cats healthy.
Common worms
Roundworms (ascarids). Long, spaghetti-like worms. Kittens often get them through their mother's milk, and cats pick them up by eating infected prey or soil. They cause a pot-bellied appearance, vomiting and poor growth.
Tapeworms. Flat, segmented worms. Cats get them by swallowing infected fleas or by eating rodents. Segments look like grains of rice near the anus or in the stool. See fleas on cats.
Hookworms. Tiny worms that attach to the intestine and feed on blood, causing anemia, especially in kittens. They spread through contaminated soil or mother's milk, and can penetrate skin.
Whipworms. Less common in cats.
Lungworms and heartworms. Other parasites that affect the lungs and heart. Ask your vet about prevention where heartworm is common.
Signs
- Pot belly, especially in kittens
- Diarrhea, sometimes with blood or mucus
- Vomiting, sometimes with visible worms
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Dull coat
- Scooting or licking the rear
- Rice-like segments near the tail
- Pale gums and weakness in severe cases
Heavy infestations in kittens can be life-threatening. If a kitten is weak or has pale gums, see the emergency warning signs guide. See also cat vomiting causes.
Diagnosis
Your vet will test a fresh stool sample under the microscope, and may do a physical exam and blood tests. Tapeworm segments may not show up in stool samples, so tell your vet if you see them. Bring a fresh sample, ideally within twelve hours.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the parasite.
- Different dewormers target different worms, so ask your vet for the right one.
- Many need two or more doses, spaced to kill worms as they mature.
- Kittens are usually dewormed every two weeks from early life until they are a few months old, as advised by a vet. See the cat vaccination schedule.
- Tapeworm treatment also requires flea control.
- Recheck stool samples after treatment.
Use only dewormers recommended by your vet. Over-the-counter products may not work and can be unsafe for kittens, pregnant cats and sick animals.
Prevention
- Keep fleas under control year-round.
- Scoop litter daily, and wash hands afterward. See how often to clean a litter box.
- Prevent hunting, if possible, by keeping cats indoors.
- Test stool samples once or twice a year, or as advised.
- Use a monthly preventive that covers common worms, if your vet recommends one.
- Keep litter boxes away from food and sleeping areas.
Human health
Roundworms and hookworms can infect people, especially children. Wash hands after handling cats or litter, wear gloves for gardening, keep sandboxes covered and clean up feces promptly. Pregnant women should take care with litter, and ask a doctor about toxoplasmosis, a different parasite.
Kittens and worms
Kittens need early, repeated deworming. Ask your vet to set up a schedule at the first visit. Feeding and growth are covered in kitten feeding schedule, and litter habits in kitten litter training.
Costs and care
Fecal tests and dewormers are usually inexpensive compared with other care. See cat vet visit costs, and use the US vet directory to find a clinic.
A deworming routine
Ask your vet for a schedule that fits your cat's age and lifestyle. Kittens usually need repeated treatment, adults may need a yearly or twice-yearly stool test, and outdoor hunters may need more frequent care. Give every dose as directed, even if the cat seems well, and repeat the stool test if signs return. Keep a record of dates and products, and bring it to each visit.
Cleaning up
Remove feces promptly, wash litter boxes with hot water and let them dry. Eggs of some worms survive in soil for months, so keep outdoor sandboxes covered, and wash bedding in hot water. Good routines protect both cats and the people who love them, including children, who are most at risk of picking up parasites from soil.
Adopted and rescued cats
Cats from shelters, rescues or the street often carry parasites. Ask for the deworming history, and book a vet visit within days of adoption. Keep new cats apart from other pets until fecal tests and treatment are complete, and clean shared surfaces carefully. This protects the household and gives the new cat a healthy start.
When it is not worms
Diarrhea and weight loss can have many causes, including diet, infections and chronic disease. If signs persist after deworming, ask your vet to investigate.
Frequently asked questions
How do cats get worms?
From their mother's milk, by eating infected prey or fleas, or contact with contaminated feces or soil.
Can humans catch worms from cats?
Some parasites, like roundworms and hookworms, can infect people, so hygiene matters.
Do indoor cats need deworming?
Yes, they can still get worms from fleas, mice and contaminated items. Ask your vet about screening.
Are over-the-counter dewormers safe?
Use only products your vet recommends, since many are ineffective or unsafe for kittens.
Sources and further reading
Health information changes as research does. These organizations publish guidance worth reading alongside our articles.
- Cornell Feline Health CenterFeline health information from Cornell University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
- Cat Friendly Homes (AAFP and ISFM)Cat-specific care guidance and a finder for cat-friendly practices.
- Merck Veterinary Manual: cat ownersPlain-language veterinary reference written for owners.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.