does your cat have worms?

Prevention is a far better strategy for dealing with worms and parasites than treating your cat once they’re suffering from an infestation. Your veterinarian will recommend prophylactic testing and medication as part of your cat’s annual preventive care. Follow these recommendations to help keep your cat healthy and worm-free.

If you suspect your cat has any type of worm infestation, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Once your vet diagnoses your pet with a specific worm or parasite, they’ll prescribe an appropriate treatment to help remove the parasite. They’ll also help to treat any secondary health issues, like blood loss or digestive upset, caused by the worm.

There are a number of signs that point to your cat having worms. These range from diarrhea and lethargy to worm bits in poop and weight loss. Some cats can even exhibit no obvious signs.

Not all worms are created equally. Roundworm can show up as long, ribbony pieces in poop. Tapeworm appears as rice-like pieces in poop. Hookworm is rarely seen in poop but has a thin, hook-like appearance. And heartworm isn't found in poop at all!