Worms in Cats: Symptoms, Causes, and Easy Prevention Tips for Pet Parents

Even the cleanest cats can pick up worms — but don’t worry, they’re easy to prevent and treat!

You scoop the litter box and see something… wiggly.
Your heart skips a beat, and you immediately think, “Oh no, my cat has worms!”

Before you panic — take a deep breath. Worms in cats are very common, and the good news is that they’re treatable and preventable. Whether your cat lives indoors or ventures outdoors, these pesky parasites can find a way in.

In this article, you’ll learn what cat worms are, how they spread, and simple steps you can take to protect your cat and your home — without stress or fear.

What Are Worms in Cats?

Worms are internal parasites that live inside a cat’s intestines (and sometimes other organs). They feed on nutrients from your cat’s food or blood, which can lead to poor digestion, weight loss, or fatigue.

Think of them as tiny freeloaders that your cat definitely didn’t invite.

While they sound scary, most worm infections are easy to treat once you spot the signs early. Kittens are especially vulnerable since their immune systems are still developing — that’s why deworming young cats is so important.

Types of Worms in Cats

Here’s a quick look at the most common culprits you might encounter:

• Roundworms:
  These look like long, white spaghetti strands — often seen in stool or vomit.

   

• Hookworms:
  Tiny, thread-like worms that attach to the intestinal wall and suck blood. They can cause pale gums and anemia.

   

• Tapeworms:
  Flat, rice-grain-like segments that appear near your cat’s tail or in litter. Commonly caused by fleas.

   

• Whipworms:
  Thin worms with one narrow end (like a whip). Usually detected only by microscopic stool tests.

   

• Others (less common):
  Heartworms, lungworms, and liver flukes can also affect cats, though they’re rarer.

Common Symptoms of Worms in Cats

Spotting cat worms isn’t always simple — sometimes your feline friend looks perfectly fine. But here are the most common signs to watch for:

• Diarrhea or visible worms in stool

   

• Vomiting (sometimes with worms present)

   

• Pot-bellied belly, especially in kittens

   

• Dull or rough coat

   

• Weight loss despite good appetite

   

• Coughing or labored breathing (worms in lungs)

   

• Pale gums (sign of blood loss from hookworms)

   

Even if your cat looks healthy, they can still carry worms — regular vet checks are key!

How Cats Get Worms (Causes & Transmission)

You might wonder, “How did my indoor cat even get worms?”
The truth: it only takes one flea, one lick, or one contaminated spot of soil.

Here’s how worms usually find their way in:

• Eating infected prey like mice or insects

   

• Swallowing fleas (tapeworm eggs) while grooming

   

• Contact with contaminated litter, soil, or feces

   

• Kittens nursing from infected mothers

   

• Grooming contaminated fur or sharing litter boxes

   

Pro Tip: Keeping your cat indoors and using monthly flea prevention can cut the risk of worms by up to 90%.

Diagnosis: How Vets Detect Worms

When in doubt, your vet can easily test for worms using a stool (fecal) sample.
They perform a quick fecal flotation test to identify worm eggs under a microscope.

Even if you can see worms in your cat’s stool, your vet may still run a test — because cats often carry more than one type of parasite at a time.

Good news: The test is quick, painless, and usually done during a routine visit.

Treatment & Deworming Options

Treating worms in cats is straightforward when guided by a vet.

• Oral medications (liquid or tablet)

   

• Topical spot-on treatments (like Revolution or Profender)

   

• Injectable formulations for severe cases

   

Some worms die after one dose, while others need repeated treatments over several weeks.
Your vet will choose the safest medication based on your cat’s age, weight, and infection type.

Avoid DIY remedies!
Garlic, apple cider vinegar, or other “natural” cures online don’t work — and can be toxic to cats.

Always follow your vet’s dosage schedule and complete the full course — even if symptoms disappear early.

Prevention: Keeping Your Cat Worm-Free

Here’s your simple, no-stress checklist to stop worms before they start:

Deworm every 3 months (more often if your cat goes outdoors)
Apply monthly flea prevention year-round
Clean the litter box daily and disinfect it weekly
Wash hands after handling litter or soil
Avoid feeding raw or undercooked meat
Schedule annual or biannual vet stool tests

Lifestyle Tip: Scoop the litter daily and replace all litter every 5–7 days. Worm eggs can survive in used litter, even after scooping.

Can Humans Get Worms from Cats?

The answer: Yes — but rarely.
Some worm eggs (like roundworm or hookworm) can infect humans if proper hygiene isn’t followed.

To stay safe:

• Wash your hands after cleaning the litter box.

   

• Keep cats off kitchen counters and dining tables.

   

• Teach kids to avoid touching cat feces or outdoor soil.

   

These small steps protect your whole family from unwanted guests.

When to See a Vet Immediately

If your cat shows any of these red flags, call your vet right away:

• Pale gums or weakness (sign of blood loss)

   

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhea

   

• Refusing food for more than a day

   

• Visible worms after treatment

   

• Difficulty breathing or lethargy

   

Don’t wait — cats can recover quickly when treated early.

Worms in cats may sound unpleasant, but with awareness and simple care, they’re nothing to fear.
From flea control to regular deworming, prevention is easy once it becomes part of your routine.

Remember: a healthy cat is a happy cat, and you’ve got the power to keep it that way.

“With a little prevention — and a lot of love — you can keep your cat happy, healthy, and worm-free!”

Have you ever dealt with worms in your cat? Share your experience or prevention tips in the comments below!