Most cats will suffer from worms of one kind or another at some stage in its life.
There are two kinds of work that effect cats: tapeworms and roundworms.
Roundworms sit in the cat’s intestines and thrive on partially digested food passing its way. As a result, some of what your cat eats goes to nourishing the worms and consequently a cat with worms will often look out of condition (sometimes with a dull coat and pot belly). In younger or weaker cats, the symptoms can be more severe and can include diarrhoea, constipation and anaemia, all of which will make the cat seriously ill if left untreated. Occasionally, roundworms are vomitted up by cats; they can look like small coiled elastic bands.
Tapeworms are frequently associated with flea infestation since fleas can act as an intermediary host in the tapeworm’s lifecycle. Fleas eat tapeworm eggs, in the process of grooming cat’s eat fleas and the egg is introduced in to the cat’s intestine for a new cycle of infestation to begin. So, if you suspect your cat has tapeworms, it is equally important to treat for both tapeworm and fleas.
The telltale sign of tapeworm infection are small wriggly white pieces around, or caught in the fur surrounding, the cat’s anus. These are small egg laden tapeworm.
Treating worms (both type) is usually done with a single tablet. Dosing and frequency can change depending on several factors, so if you are treating your cat without the supervision of a vet then be sure to read the instructions before administering medication. Your vet will have a range of stringer more effective products than pet stores.
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