What Do Cat Worms Look Like?

Many cats will contract worms at some point in their life, due to contact with other cats, or fleas and ticks carrying the worm larvae. While most worm infections are easy to treat, it is important to know the different types of worms cats can develop, as symptoms can vary for each. In this blog, we will have a look at what different cat worms look like and how to identify them.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms are one of the most common types of cat worms. They are long and flat, often measure several inches in length and are made up of many segments. These segments look like rice grains or sesame seeds and can often be observed on a cat’s fur around their rump or in their feces.

Roundworms

Roundworms are also seen quite commonly in cats, and they look like spaghetti. These long and white worms can be up to two inches in length when fully grown and can often be seen in a cat’s vomit or diarrhea. Roundworms are typically the most visible type of worm, making them the easiest to identify.

Hookworms

Hookworms are quite small and difficult to see. Adult hookworms measure between 0.5 and 1 inch in length, which means they can often go unnoticed in a cat’s feces. Hookworms have a triangular mouth that can look like a small hook, which is how they have gotten their name.

Heartworms

Heartworms can be a serious issue for cats and can cause damage to the heart, lungs and other organs if left untreated. Adult heartworms measure up to seven inches in length, making them much larger than other types of cat worms.

Parasite Prevention

The best way to prevent worms in your cat is to keep your pet up-to-date on their parasite prevention medications. There are also treatments available for cats that are known to have worms, such as flea and tick medication, de-wormers and antibiotics.

Conclusion

By being aware of the different types of cat worms and knowing what they look like, you are better prepared to identify and take the necessary steps to treat any worm infections in your pet. It is important to keep your cat up-to-date on their parasite preventative medications and to stay aware of any changes in their health or behavior.