Cat Throwing Up Worms

Seeing a cat throwing up worms can cause concern for any pet owner.

A Cat Throwing Up Worms Is Serious

A cat usually throws up/coughs up roundworms because most other types of worms are found exclusively in the intestinal tract and feces. However, it is still important to take a sample of the worms to your vet for identification. If for some reason you can't bring a sample, be sure to look at the worms carefully so you can give your vet a detailed description.

If your pet is throwing up worms, it's important to take her to the vet as soon as possible. By the time vomiting occurs, the worms are in the third stage of development where they are being coughed up from the lungs. The infestation is usually a large one at this point, and it should be evaluated by your vet. While a mild case of roundworms is not life threatening, it can lead to a heavier infestation if not treated, and this can ultimately cause the death of your pet.

Round Worms

Roundworms are a common parasite that can infect people and dogs as well as cats. The roundworm eggs and larvae are found in the following places:

• Kitty litter
• Feces
• Vomit
• Dirt
• A mother cat's milk

Your pet may have become infected in any of the following ways:

• Kittens can be infected when they drink their mother's milk if she is infected.
• Worm ova can be ingested when a cat uses infested kitty litter and then cleans her paws while grooming.
• Eating rodents that have roundworms is another way to acquire and infestation.
• Biting and ingesting infected fleas can also lead to a case of roundworm.

Roundworms are generally between three and five inches long, and they live in the intestinal tract of your pet. They are a very common parasite that can be recognized by their white to cream-colored, thread-like bodies. Some signs of a roundworm infestation, in addition to a cat throwing up worms are:

• Increase in appetite
• Sluggish behavior
• Lack of self-grooming
• Diarrhea

Treating Your Cat for Worms

Treating your cat for roundworms is as simple as giving her a pill. Follow the directions carefully and be sure that your pet gets all of her medication according to the directions.

Medications used to eliminate roundworms in cats include:

• Drontal
• Panacur
• Revolution

Giving a cat a pill can be difficult. Here are some tips:

1. Hold the cat firmly but gently in your lap.
2. Gently tilt her head backwards and open her jaw with your forefinger.
3. Place the pill as far back on her tongue as you can.
4. Holding her mouth closed, allow her to return her head to a comfortable position.
5. Carefully stroke her throat downward until she swallows.

Your vet will probably give you instructions for dealing with any other pets in your home and will likely want to give them worming medication as well. You may be asked to keep your cat, and her kitty litter separate from any other cats for a time.

Preventing Further Infestations

To prevent further infestations consider the following tips:

• Clean the kitty litter regularly.
• Keep new cats separated from the rest of your cats until you can have them checked for worms.
• Do not allow your pets to hunt.
• Keep fleas controlled.
• Have your pets examined on a regular basis.
• Follow your veterinarian's instructions carefully.

Any time your cat is vomiting, you should look for the cause. If you notice spaghetti like strands in the vomit, be sure and call your vet immediately. If you also have children, it is a good idea to have their pediatrician check them for signs of round worms as well. Although it is rare for these worms to be transmitted to children, it can happen. Roundworms in humans can have serious side effects.

If you cat has roundworms, she may also have other types of parasites as well. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with symptoms of parasite infestation. Keeping your cat healthy and happy requires you to be on the lookout for signals that there may be a problem.

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