What's Happening If Your Cat Vomited Worms?

You don't have to worry if your pet starts vomiting, unless he has vomited for more than 48 hours. In most cases, a cat vomits if he has eaten too much food, has a hairball lodged in the intestines or has eaten something indigestible. Conversely, if your pet's vomit has worms in it, you need to conduct a prompt vet check, because the reason could be roundworm infestations and in some cases tapeworm infections. Roundworms are long, white and spaghetti-like parasites, while tapeworms are flat and segmented worms.

Worms in Cats

Most kittens are born with worms and these infections are a common problem in cats. Worms can be harmful because your pet can be deprived of essential nutrients while the worms feed on the nutrients present in the cat's body. Once your pet reaches the right age, you should start de-worming him to prevent the development of such infections.

Symptoms of Roundworm Infestation in Cats:

  • Frequent vomiting with the presence of adult worms in the vomit
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration as a result of watery stools
  • Worm segments around the anal area
  • Anemia
  • Distended belly
  • Intestinal blockage in animals that aren't treated in time
  • Loss of appetite
  • Loss of weight 
  • Poor coat condition

How to Manage and Control Worms in Cats

If the cat's vomit has worms in it, it means that the infestation of worms is so bad that the worms have moved from the intestine to the stomach. Such a cat will also have bits of worms hanging out of the anus. It's best to have your pet professionally de-wormed if there are worms in his vomit. After the pet is de-wormed, the cat should have followup vet checks and fecal exams. It may also be necessary to administer over the counter preparations to prevent infections from recurring.

Precautions

Since fleas are carriers of worm infections, it's best to get rid of fleas from your pet and your house. Bedding and other linen should be washed in hot water and bleach. Although your cat should be de-wormed regularly, a pregnant or nursing pet shouldn't be given any de-worming tablets or adulticides. Never pull out what appears to be bits of string from your pet's mouth or anus. The infested cat should be isolated away from humans and other pets, because the infection is easily transmitted from one pet to the other. In rare cases humans can also contract worm infections from pets. Since the eggs can survive for months, care should be taken to keep the environment as clean as possible. Your house should also be rodent and insect free, because these pests are carriers of worms.

Treatment

It's best to treat a worm infestation under the direction of a vet because over the counter medications are not always effective and can cause stomach problems. Treatment is given after identifying the type of worm infection present, as there are different medications administered for each parasite infection. You can ensure that your pet is free of intestinal parasites by administering an anti-worm medication and regular worm preventive medicines.

Both indoor and outdoor cats are susceptible to internal worms, but regular visits to the vet and a sensible de-worming program can keep your pet worm-free and in optimum health.

 

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