LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

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Hi Saucedos,

Be sure to put the worm in a plastic baggie and take it to the vet. He or she will be able to tell exactly what type of worm it is and offer the best treatment to help rid your cat of worms.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat threw up a black worm with a tan line down the middle that was about 2 inches long and about as fat as a pencil. It also seemed to have eggs around the end of it that were about the size of peas. Does anyone have any idea what could be wrong? He doesn't seem sick at all he's an inside cat and his coat is very shiny.

-- Contributed by: Enter your name here

Hi Catmom,

I'm a little uncertain what Barley looks like, but tape worms can appear rather flat. They look like little pieces of rice. One way to be certain what type of worms that your cat has is to take a fecal sample to the veterinarian. He will test it and diagnose the type of worms. He can then subscribe medication based on that information as well as your cat's weight. This is the best and quickest way to rid your cat of parasites.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

what kind of worm resombles a piece of barley- pointy end and flat end, the size of a piece of barley? It stretches out and wiggles around.

-- Contributed by: 7catmom

Hi Ann,

I'm glad you found something that will work. That does sound pretty disgusting, but I'm sure your cats are thankful for the medicine. You may also want to change the litter a little more often than normal and repeat the medicine again in a few weeks. Check the dosage information to find out when it's safe to repeat treatment.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

well..it turned out to be worms! Ugh! All of them have it now as they share litter boxes!! I have them on a liquid wormer and it seems to be helping as I am seeng long dead worms in the stool in the litter box now and they are not vomiting anymore,diarrhea is less, no blood in stool,no more coughing,no more cryig incessantly as abdominal pains associated with this parasite infestation, and I think the lump on the neck is even gone! Surprisingly the vet didn't diagnose it but I did as the cat got sick and threw up 4 times and a large worm came up with it! REally gross! ugh..Thanks for all your help!!

-Artzstuf

-- Contributed by: Ann Reilly

Hi Brandy,

It sounds like tape worm. It really isn't a huge deal, but it is important that the kitten be treated. Also, I'm a bit concerned over not taking the kitten in to the doctor for health checks. It is similar to when you have a baby and you take a baby in for health checks, vaccinations and so on. The kitten needs some important vaccines during this time, such as distemper.

I would call some of the animal shelters in your area and see if any have clinics that are free or inexpensive or know of a vet that works on a sliding scale.

A fecal sample check shouldn't run more than $20.00, but this varies widely from area to area.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

: ( I read something saying kittens are most likely to get worms... and "free" kittens probably have them. Mine was free and i only a few months old. Every now and then there are these things that look like rice around his butt hair, and oodles and noodles in his poop... I'm very sad because I love him very much. I got D-Worm, I hope it works... actually I hope thats not the problem at all ... i hope hes just been eating weird things and pooping them out... how much is a fecal test at the vet ... i don't know if i have enough money to do that...

-- Contributed by: Brandy

Hi Christa,

The only way to be certain that he is worm free is to take a fecal sample to the vet and have it tested. What you are seeing may just be due to some minor straining while using the litter. However, I would go ahead and have the feces tested to be on the safe side. It's a fairly easy and inexpensive test.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Is it possible my indoor kitten has worms? I've never seen anything in the stool but lately, he has been passing a minor amount of mucusy blood at the end of his bowel movements. He was born in the barn but has been inside for 5 months now, only 7 months old too. Mother not known to be infected but couple of other outside cats she shared food with had worms. The kitten was not permitted to eat out of the same food dish but when he does eat, he eats a lot and seems hungry all the time.

-- Contributed by: christa

Hi Juliet,

It sounds like roundworm or hookworm. To be certain, take a fecal sample to your veterinarian. He or she will be able to tell you which type of parasite your cat has and how best to treat it. Worms are caught from outdoors or ingesting fleas, etc. Even if you clean the litter boxes, the cat can pick up parasites. If you have more than one pet in the home, they'll likely all need treated. All bedding must be washed completely too.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat has some flat dark brown worms (?) coming out of the rear. I clean litter boxes everyday and dump them every other day. What is this????

-- Contributed by: Everydayjuliet

Hi Justin,

Although it isn't as likely, they can get worms while indoors. Sometimes a flea is carried in on someone's socks, for example, and the cat ingests it and gets tape worm. To see if your cat has worms, take a fecal sample to your vet. The vet will test to see if there are worms, what type of worms and prescribe medication if necessary.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

hello, can indoor cats get worms?

-- Contributed by: Justin

Hi Marie,

It really sounds more like tape worms. Do they look like little pieces of rice? The best way to find out for sure is to take a fecal sample to your veterinarian. He will be able to determine the type of worm and prescribe medication that will treat the worm and rid the cat of the parasite as quickly as possible. If you have other pets, you'll need to treat them at the same time.

Also, be sure to thoroughly wash any bedding, clean carpets, etc.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

my cat had little white worms about a half inch to a forth inch long and it looked like a maggot in its poop are these probly round worms or hook worms thay did have a blacl dot on one end

-- Contributed by: mariemom4andpetowner3

Hi Staci,

Tapeworms can't live long outside of a host. I would treat the pets, follow up with another dose in a couple of weeks and keep doing what you are doing with the vacuuming. You may also want to thoroughly clean any bedding that the pets sleep on and areas where they might rest during the day, such as the sofa or chairs.

If this does not clear up the problem and you still notice worms, you should take a fecal sample to your vet to be sure it is tapeworm and not another type of parasite. You may also have to get stronger meds from the vet.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have recently treated our cats for tapeworms. I think only one has it but we treated all cats and dogs. How long will it take for the worm segments to stop falling out along with the worms? Is it OK to alow my kitty that visually has it to roam the house? I vac...ed the segments up where she usually sits, will that be enough? Thank You so Much!

-- Contributed by: Staci Daniels

Hi Shelley,

Do you know what type of worm it is? Different parasites are picked up in different ways. If you aren't sure what type they are, can you describe the worms for me a bit?

Thanks!

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I was just curious about how my cats may have gotten worms, because they are solely indoor cats, and have had no contact with any plants that I am aware of, or have eaten any food except their cat food from the store or even other cats.. but somehow they have them ?

Just wondering if you had any assumptions as to how they may have gotten it so I can prevent them from getting it again besides treatment. Thanks.

-- Contributed by: Shelley

Hi Lara,

No, you will catch tapeworm from your cat. This type of tapeworm is contracted by ingesting a flea. Very, very rarely a child will get tapeworm, but it is from ingesting a flea on their own.

The best method of prevention that you can take is to make sure your home and pets are free of fleas. Go ahead and deworm your cat. Humans can catch roundworm, for example, from a pet.

Hope this puts your mind at ease a bit.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Just wondering whether humans can pick up tapeworms from a cat if cat has been diagonosed with tapeworm. My cat has had tapeworms and is an inside cat so am wondering on advice on my own prevention of tapeworm now that he has been treated.

-- Contributed by: Lara

Hi Melissa,

The white worms sound like tapeworm. One thing you can do that will cost less is to take a fecal sample to the vet for testing to see what type of worms your cat has. Otherwise, there are over-the-counter treatments you can purchase and try. It's going to be hit or miss, though, without the analysis of what type of worm it is.

On the paint, cats have very sensitive respiratory symptoms. It sounds like Tom has perhaps had an allergic reaction to the paint fumes. Cats can have allergies just like humans. You did the right thing in asking your son to stop spraying around the cat. I would keep a close eye on the coughing as that can be much more serious right now. If it does not clear up in a few days, then I would try to seek some help. Perhaps there is a vet who works on a sliding scale in your area based on income? You should be able to locate such options via your local animal rescue shelter. I hope your cat feels better soon.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

my cat of 8 years has little white rice like worms, just noticed. NOW he has a hacking cough non-productive. My son is a guitar builder and has been spray painting just "outside" the slider, there is paint dust in the kitchen and it smells. I have made him stop, however what to do about "Tom". could this be a combo of both or .. HELP. I can't afford the vet, I will try to find one that takes payments,I need advice..

-- Contributed by: melissa

Hi Elizabeth,

They sound like tape worms, but the only way to know for sure is to take a fecal sample to the vet and have it tested. The vet can also prescribe some medication based on your cat's weight, so that the worms will go away. Thoroughly wash bedding and anywhere the cat has laid as well.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi Michelle,

That sounds very painful for him. I would add some moisture to his diet in the form of canned cat food. Just make sure it is very high quality. If this does not help, you may want to take a visit to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I Have a 9 week old kitten, he is very contipated and does have worms,he cries when trying to pass a stool, what advice do you have? Thanks Michelle

-- Contributed by: Michelle

Hi Lisa,

She could catch worms. I would take a fecal sample to the vet and find out exactly what type of worms they have and get the appropriate medication. Ask the vet when it will be safe for your daughter to play with them without fear of catching worms.

You will also want to thoroughly wash any areas they've been.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

hi we just got two new kittens and i know one has worms because i saw it. I am sure yhe other does too. we will give them some meds. tonight the vet gave us some you put on them like flea meds. also i think they are round worms is it ok for my daughter to play with them if she does not touch poop? when you pick them up of corse you will touch their bottom does that cause problems also.

-- Contributed by: Lisa

Hi Vanessa,

The worms can't live outside of the body too long, so the cat probably picked the worms up elsewhere. It is a pretty common occurrence. It sounds like the cat probably has tapeworm. The best thing to do is to take a sample of your cat's feces to the vet and find out for sure. The vet will then give you the proper medication to treat the type of worms your cat has. Also, be sure that you thoroughly wash any bedding where the cat lays.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

i just got my cat last year around christmas time and hes my first one and my gramma got a cat too.just this year my gramma found out her cat had worms cuz she saw them. i still played around with her cat. then i saw worms on my cat did i give them to him?

-- Contributed by: vanessa

Hi Suzanne,

A cat's gestation period is around 65 days. Do you know when your cat might have gotten pregnant? It sounds like your cat has tapeworm. You really are in a dilemma, because if you don't treat the kittens will be infected. I'm not sure if the medication would harm the kittens or if perhaps a veterinarian would have a medication that would be safe. Your best bet is to phone your veterinarian, or take in a fecal sample. He or she will likely want to examine the cat, which might be a good idea anyway, since you suspect she is pregnant. If she is far enough along, you may be able to feel or see the kittens moving when she is at rest. I doubt the worms are bad enough to have her swollen, so try not to worry too much, but do seek out some treatment for her to relieve her from the parasites. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat looks very pregnant........ enlarged nipples, but has not given birth yet when I had supposed she should have. I have noticed these ringworms coming out of her bum after she has used the litter box. So now, I am not certain if she is full of worms? OR is pregnant? The nipples seem to make me suspicious of her being pregnant. I am afraid to treat her for deworming if she is pregnant. Not sure what to do here?

-- Contributed by: Suzanne

Hi Marie,

If your cat has tapeworms, the worms little like little white pieces of rice. That particular type of worm is usually picked up when a cat ingests a flea. It only takes one flea to cause this. I would take a sample of your cat's feces to the vet and have it tested and see if your cat has worms and what type. The vet will then prescribe medication.

The worms do sometimes come out of the cat's rectum as he or she is resting. However, most parasitic worms cannot live outside of the host's body for long.

If your cat does have worms, treat the cat and then thoroughly clean any areas where the cat has slept.

Since this is your first cat, I just want to encourage you to keep it all in perspective. I've owned cats and dogs my entire life and have yet to catch a worm from one. There have been times when they had worms and I had to have the animal treated. So, it is possible, but something that is easily treated. Hope that makes you feel better. It is gross but necessary to know.

If you find you have other questions as a new cat owner, please feel free to visit us again.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Is it true that there are worms that live in cats and at night they come out and then go right back into the cat after a while. This really scared me because I just got my frist cat.

-- Contributed by: Marie

Hi, Kim,

I'm so sorry to hear that your cat died.

In general, you cannot catch tapeworms from cats, but there have been very occasional instances where humans get tapeworm from ingesting a flea. It is rare. You are much more likely to get a tapeworm from eating sushi/raw fish. If the food is cooked properly, there is nothing to worry about.

Cat Flu is a different disease that is separate from tapeworm. Did your cat have this as well? You cannot contract the disease. There are a few diseases that humans and cats can share, but the feline flu virus is not one of them.

Please let us know if you have any other questions.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Can I be infected with the cat virous if they have died from the tapeworms?

-- Contributed by: Kim

I would reccommend stoping at your vet and asking them to give you two doses of wormer. Strongid works well for roundworms and is fairly cheep. Also de worm the every 1-2 months.

-- Contributed by: Chandra

Hi, Billy Bob,

There are many different types of worms your cat can get. The tell tale sign of tape worm are the small, flat white segments that look a bit like rice near the tail or on the bedding. Other symptoms of tapeworm include:

diarrhea
pot belly on cat
vomiting
lack of energy
anemia

If at all possible, you should take a feces sample to your vet for testing. This shouldn't cost very much to test and see if the cat in fact has tapeworm. If he or she does, then it is likely all the cats have tapeworm.

You are in luck because they recently made Praziquantel, the preferred drug to treat tapeworm, available over the counter. You can purchase the pills at fleasmart.com, however how much you give your cat can vary by weight so there is no substitute for a trip to the vet. I would at least telephone the vet and discuss your financial situation. You may even be able to find a local veterinary clinic or a vet who works on a sliding scale based on income.

Good luck!

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have 3 cats and suspect they have tape worms but i can not afford to take them all to the vet for treatment is there any over the counter treatment i could give them

-- Contributed by: Billy Bob

Hi, Shifa. I responded under your question over at Ask the Cat Experts under the topic "Introducing a New Cat Into Household.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

hello. i read your articles featured here.i need a clarification to why my kitten is having problems-she is around 5 months, she consistently eats (a lot) and she has diarrhea, and sometimes her stools is watery and it just came off like she can't control it. i gave her medication, a vet gave me an antibiotic to kill parasites, she said it could be due to a parasite infection in her stomach. but after giving her a 10 day treatment (i prolonged it) but she doesn't seems to recover. she is now so weak, can't really stand strong. she has a very big belly (since she can't stop eating-as if she is hungry all the time) and before the treatment she was very thin-although her belly is big and round. but after a while (during treatment) her condition improved but after giving her 10 days treatment, she is still eating a lot, has diarrhea and getting weaker. pls advice. thank you.

-- Contributed by: shifa

Hi, Geniva. You will find my response on Ask the Cat Experts under "Little White Worms".

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, my family and i recently rescued a kitten and we think she might have worms. We are not familiar with worms, but we found a small "maggot like" white slug thing hanging out of, her "you know where" it was Very very small, and we noticed that it was moving. I was wondering if you know if that was a real "worm", or mabey just something she ate? okay, thanks you ver very much!

-- Contributed by: Geniva

Hi Nancy,

You'll find my reply to your questions at Ask the Cat Experts under "What to Do About Cat Worms".

-- Contributed by: Kelly

I recently just noticed my 9 month old kittens have the tiny lil common worms..I wasnt happy so I bouth the new liquid have it to them in the food they ate it all at one time like it said..then in 10 days it says so it again & the at 30 days which I marked the calendar & will do on time no problem.I scoured the litter boxn & actually put it away temp. I bought a cppl of the dispossible ones & frsh litter as usual..they now have a fresh new box , litter to share as usual & I will throw it away again cpl days & use the nest dispposible one, I do NOT want to chance any worms in these kittens whom my kids cherish..they have bothe been(to vet twice) spayed & neutered & had shots & check ups at vet..ears cleaned etc ..no sign of them then..they checked too..so HOW now did they even get them..i know its common but i was just surprised ...they r indoor cats ONLY & we have a spotless home & tbey have NO fleas they r treated with the monthly type drops u put on the neck..since we do live in florida... but they donot go out side..they were born outside but we have had them since 6 weeks.I am hoping my kids will not have a problem from these worms & just need ANY tips u can give me..I so appreciate this & hope the problem will go away ASAP.???I also HOPE I am over opwried ..does the 1st tereatment usually kil em be froe the next 10 days r due??? Thankyou ..please answer.HELP ..any thought ..ideas..tips..true advice only please. :)

-- Contributed by: Nancy
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