Pet cats can become host to internal parasites if they live indoors or outside.Adult cats pick up worms by eating worm eggs or vermin, while kittens pick them up from the mother in her milk.It is a good idea to know the warning signs of worms so you can seek veterinary treatment for the problem early on.It is rare that worms cause a cat to be seriously unwell, even though they can cause symptoms such as a dull coat or a potbelly.With a little knowledge, it's easy to determine if your cat has worms with the correct worming medication.
Step 1: Changes to the cat's coat can be seen.
Your cat's coat might become dull or flat if it has worms.This can happen because of dehydration or poor absorption of vitamins.
Step 2: Check your cat's teeth.
A healthy cat has pink teeth.If your cat's gums are pale or white, this could be a sign of anemic.There is a common explanation for this.If you want to check your cat's gum health, sit him or her in your lap or next to you and gently grasp his head under your jaw and behind his ears.To remove the flap of the cat's upper lip, use your fingertips.You should contact your vet if the gums are pale.
Step 3: Look at your cat's feces.
It is easy to keep an eye on your cat's feces if it uses a litter box.Blood loss from hookworms can be seen in dark, tarry stools.worms take up space in the gut and can cause diarrhea.If you see fresh blood or dark stools in your cat, you should seek veterinary help.
Step 4: If you vomit, watch for it.
Cat vomiting is common.If it occurs frequently, your cat should see the vet, as this may be a sign of worms or some other health problem.It is possible for worms to cause vomiting by blocking the outflow to the stomach.
Step 5: Do you pay attention to how much your cat eats?
A loss of appetite is caused by a high worm burden.There are a number of factors that contribute to this, including inflammation of the bowel lining, stomach ache, and the physical space the worms take up.
Step 6: The shape of your cat's body can change.
Cats with a lot of worms may have a potbelly.This is a general symptom and can happen for a variety of reasons, but this sign is enough to warrant a trip to the vet.
Step 7: There are signs of being sleepy.
The cat or kitten will be sleepy, listless, and lack energy if the worms are stealing nutrition from the bowels.Pay attention to the changes in your cat's energy level.This can be a symptom of many different ailments and warrants a vet check up.You know your cat's normal energy level best, so keep an eye out for any sudden reduction in energy or play.
Step 8: Eggs are in the cat's feces.
Put on some disposable gloves and use a popsicle stick to look for signs of parasites in the litter box.Egg packets may be stuck to the stool by tapeworms.These look like sesame or cucumber seeds.It is unusual to see a whole tapeworm in cat feces, but they look like flat, cream-colored worms.An adult tapeworm can grow to two feet (60 centimeters) in length.Sometimes whole worms pass out in the feces, or may even be vomited up, but roundworm eggs are too small to see with the naked eye.Roundworms are the same diameter as a strand of pasta.An adult roundworm is usually three to six inches long.Eggs are too small to see.An adult hookworm is only two to three millimeters long, making it difficult to detect.
Step 9: Look at your cat's anus.
Eggs are stuck to the fur when they migrate out of the cat's anus.If you see creamy-white egg packets, which look like sesame seeds, you can conclude your cat has tapeworms.
Step 10: Take a look at your cat's bedding and favorite spots.
If you suspect your cat may have worms, check the areas where the cat has sat, such as bedding or soft furniture, because egg packets can get stuck there.
Step 11: Call your doctor to schedule an exam.
Submitting a fecal sample for analysis to your local veterinary clinic is one of the most reliable ways to find out if your cat has worms.A microscope will be used to detect worm eggs.The most effective way to determine what type of worms your cat has is to look at the shaped eggs.Tell the vet any symptoms your cat is displaying.
Step 12: Take a stool sample.
If you are asked to collect a sample, you'll need to store some of your cat's feces until your appointment.For the best results, keep the container in a dark place such as a garage or a shady shed.Always wash your hands after you collect a fecal sample, and don't keep the container in a room where food is prepared.To decrease the chance of a false negative on the fecal test, some vets will ask for a pooled sample, which means collecting three bowel movements from three separate days in the same container.
Step 13: Bring your cat with you to the exam.
If the vet thinks it's necessary, they'll perform fecal tests on your cat.The vet will prescribe medication if your cat has worms.The problem should be solved quickly if youAdminister as directed.