​Roundworms in Cats: What You Need to Know

Roundworms are one of the most common intestinal parasites that affect cats, particularly kittens. These parasites can cause a range of health issues, from mild discomfort to serious illness. As a responsible pet parent, it’s important to recognise the signs, understand how to treat roundworms, and take steps to prevent infestations. In this blog post, we’ll explore what roundworms are, how cats get them, and how you can protect your feline friend from these pesky parasites.

What Are Roundworms?

Roundworms, also known as Toxocara cati, are large intestinal parasites that can live in the digestive tract of cats. They are typically white or tan, and their long, spaghetti-like appearance is how they get their name. Roundworms are common in cats of all ages but are especially prevalent in kittens.

How Do Cats Get Roundworms?

Cats can become infected with roundworms in a variety of ways, including:

1. Mother to Kitten: Kittens can acquire roundworms from their mother during pregnancy or through nursing. This is the most common way for young kittens to become infected.
2. Ingestion of Eggs: Roundworm eggs can be found in the environment, particularly in areas where infected cats have left feces. Cats may ingest these eggs when they lick their paws or eat contaminated food, water, or prey.
3. Eating Infected Prey: Outdoor cats or cats with access to the outdoors are at risk of ingesting infected rodents, birds, or other small animals that carry roundworm larvae.
4. Contact with Contaminated Feces: Roundworm eggs are found in the feces of infected cats. If a cat comes into contact with contaminated litter or soil, they can ingest the eggs through grooming.

Symptoms of Roundworms in Cats

In many cases, cats infected with roundworms may not show obvious symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe. Common signs of roundworm infection include:

• Vomiting: Cats with roundworms often vomit, and you may even see the worms in the vomit.
• Diarrhoea: Roundworms can cause digestive upset, leading to diarrhoea.
• Weight Loss: Despite a normal or increased appetite, infected cats may lose weight due to the parasites stealing nutrients from their food.
• Visible Worms: In severe cases, you may see roundworms in your cat’s stool or around their anus, which appear as long, white, spaghetti-like worms.
• Bloated Belly: Kittens, in particular, may develop a distended or bloated belly due to roundworm infections.
• Lethargy: Infected cats may appear more tired than usual and may lack energy for play or normal activities.
• Poor Coat Condition: Roundworm infestations can lead to a dull, scruffy coat and overall poor health.

Diagnosing Roundworms

If you suspect your cat has roundworms, it’s essential to visit the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Your vet will likely perform a fecal exam, where a sample of your cat's stool is examined under a microscope for the presence of roundworm eggs. In some cases, your vet may also conduct blood tests or an ultrasound to check for a more severe infestation.

Treatment for Roundworms

Fortunately, roundworms are treatable, and most cats recover fully with prompt veterinary care. The typical treatment involves:

• Deworming Medication: Your vet will prescribe deworming medications, such as pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, or milbemycin oxime, which are effective against roundworms. The medication will typically be administered orally, and in some cases, you may need to repeat the treatment after a few weeks to ensure that any remaining worms or larvae are eliminated.
• Supportive Care: In cases of severe infection, your cat may require additional treatments to address dehydration, malnutrition, or secondary infections caused by the roundworms.

Shop our range of worming treatments containing pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, or milbemycin oxime here.

Preventing Roundworm Infections

Prevention is always better than treatment. Here are some steps you can take to help prevent roundworm infections in your cat:

1. Regular Deworming: Kittens should start deworming treatments at around 2-3 weeks of age and continue on a regular schedule as recommended by your vet. Adult cats should also receive routine deworming treatments as part of their annual wellness exams, especially if they have access to the outdoors.
2. Clean Litter Box: Keep your cat’s litter box clean and scoop it regularly. Dispose of waste promptly to reduce the risk of contamination from roundworm eggs.
3. Control Fleas and Rodents: Fleas can carry roundworm larvae, and rodents are common hosts for roundworms. By using flea prevention products and keeping your home free of rodents, you can reduce the likelihood of infection.
4. Keep Your Cat Indoors: Indoor cats are less likely to come into contact with infected prey or contaminated environments. If your cat goes outdoors, limit their time outside or consider creating a secure outdoor enclosure.
5. Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your cat, especially after cleaning the litter box. This helps reduce the risk of transmitting roundworm eggs to yourself or other animals.

Shop our full range of flea, tick and worming protection. 

Roundworms and Humans: A Health Risk

While roundworms primarily affect cats, it’s important to be aware that the parasites can also pose a health risk to humans, especially children. If humans accidentally ingest roundworm eggs, they can develop a condition called toxocariasis, which can cause symptoms like fever, coughing, or vision problems in more severe cases. Practicing good hygiene, cleaning your cat’s environment regularly, and ensuring that your cat is dewormed can help reduce the risk of transmission to humans.

Roundworms are a common but treatable condition in cats, especially in kittens and outdoor cats. Regular veterinary checkups, deworming treatments, and good hygiene practices can help prevent and manage roundworm infestations. By staying informed about the signs and symptoms of roundworms and following preventive measures, you can keep your cat healthy and parasite-free, ensuring they lead a happy, active life.