How can cats get worms?
Worms live differently than →fleas or →mites, inside your cat, and are often only discovered when your kitty has already been infested for a longer period and shows symptoms. To best prevent a worm infestation, it is important to understand how your cat can actually get infected with worms:
Transmission usually occurs through the ingestion of worm eggs. It is enough if your cat sniffs, licks, or eats something that is contaminated. Especially outdoor cats often move in "risk areas" and frequently sniff or lick feces, animal carcasses, or floors that are infested with worm eggs. But they can also get worms from infested birds, mice, or other small animals that your outdoor cat likes to catch.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Einmal schlecken an infizierten Vögeln, Mäusen, Tierkot oder auch Gras kann schon reichen, dass sich deine Katze mit Würmern ansteckt.
The eggs then enter the intestine of your furry friend, and the reproduction process begins. Quickly, larvae develop from the eggs, which can spread throughout your cat’s body, such as in the lungs or muscles.
Note that even indoor cats can get worms. For example, they can become infected through the transport of eggs on your shoes or by feeding them →raw meat like ground meat. Therefore, always pay attention to good hygiene with your cat's water and food bowls and feed fresh, high-quality cat food.
Unser Futter für Katzen: ehrlich, gesund, lecker.
How do I recognize a worm infestation in my cat?
Whether your kitty has caught a →tapeworm or a →roundworm, the symptoms are quite similar and usually only appear when the worms have already settled in. Therefore, watch for the following signs:
- →dull coat and hair loss,
- a bloated belly,
- →diarrhea and vomiting,
- →digestive problems,
- →loss of appetite and possibly weight loss.
With tapeworms, it is also worthwhile to take a closer look at the feces, even if it is a bit unappetizing. If you can see small white crumbs in the feces, this can be a sign of tapeworms. If your cat vomits or coughs a lot, you should examine the vomit more closely. Here, white threads that look like spaghetti may indicate a roundworm infestation.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Vor allem Freigänger-Katzen können sich schnell mit Würmern infizieren, wobei auch Hauskatzen befallen werden können.
How are worms treated in cats?
Once your cat has been examined by a veterinarian and the diagnosis of which type of worms it is has been made, treatment can begin. A worm infestation is often treated with a corresponding medication in the form of chewable tablets. Some also administer deworming pastes. In more severe cases, supplementary preparations or infusions as well as injections may be given.
To ensure your cat eats the tablet obediently and does not sort it out in the bowl, sometimes a few tricks are necessary. With our delicious cream snacks, for example, a tablet can easily be given to your cat without her noticing.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Cremig, schmackhaft und der perfekte Snack für Zwischendurch, zum Verabreichen von Medikamenten oder beim Training.
How can I prevent my cat from getting worms?
Let me say this upfront: There is unfortunately no hundred percent protection against worms. Usually, the eggs of the worms are ingested faster than your cat can say "meow." The good news, however, is that there are several ways to effectively and easily prevent worms and other parasites →like ticks.
These include prophylactic and regular deworming as well as consistent flea control - especially if your furry friends are outdoor cats. Additionally, the food bowl, sleeping area, and litter box should always be kept hygienically clean. If there are other animals in the household, they should also be regularly checked for parasites and treated if necessary.
