There are several species of worms that can infest cats. A cat harboring a heavy worm population in the intestines may display a variety of symptoms however there are many worm infestations that can go undetected. Because of the many negative effects that worms have on their health and well-being, cats should receive year-round protection against worms. Two of the common worms that affect cats are roundworms and hookworms.

Roundworms

Roundworms are the most common internal parasites affecting cats. Adult roundworms can reach 3-5 inches long. The presence of many roundworms in the intestine can cause obstruction of the cat’s gastrointestinal tract. Adult cats can get worms from ingesting the feces of a cat which is harboring roundworms or by eating an infected rodent. Nursing kittens may get the parasite from an infected mother’s milk.

Hookworms

The less than an inch-long hookworms are voracious bloodsucking parasites. Heavy infestation can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in kittens and those with compromised immune systems. Hookworms can actively enter through the skin of the cat or when a cat ingests infected material.

Consult your vet Dayton, TN on how you can protect your pet against these parasites.