LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Cats

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Hi Sara,

Tape worms will usually appear as small rice-like segments around your cats rear end or in litter box and bedding. If you believe this is the type of worm your cat has, then you can try treating with a worm treatment from your local pet supply store. Also be sure to completely wash any areas where your cat has slept.

This may clear up the problem. It might be a good idea to take in a fecal sample to the vet for testing. This should be fairly inexpensive and tell you if the worms are cleared up or if the cat has another type of parasite.

Some types of worms, left untreated, can cause serious health issues.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, I think my cat has tapeworms and what if I can afford the vets. Will my cat die?

-- Contributed by: Sara

Hi Heather,

He may have more than one type of worm. I would take him to the vet. Since he is vomiting and also has some defecation issues, he could get dehydrated quickly. Try to take a fecal sample if you can. The vet can tell what type of worms you are dealing with and medication appropriately.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I grilled up some leftover hamburger for our barncats last night, and was very surprised when one cat didn't want any. But, this morning he didn't eat his normal dry cat food breakfast, either. He got up and vomited liquidy red foam. He's also a little lethargic. His gums are their normal pink color. Could these symptoms arise from having tapeworms? I'm pretty sure he has an infestation(I found segments). Would it be unwise for me to give him de-wormer, right now? The fact that the vomit looked like spilled red pop worries me, I'm not sure if there is blood in it or not, it wasn't thick or spotty. Thank You

-- Contributed by: Heather

Hi Vanesa,

Throwing up can be one sign of worms. I would do a couple of things for him. First, take a sample of his feces (I realize this is gross if it is runny, but necessary) to the vet and have it tested for worms. Next, I would cut out the canned food and rice as well as gatorade. Give him only dry food for a bit and see if that clears up the diarrhea problem. Also, give him the highest quality kitten formula you can afford. Try to find one with few fillers and human grade meats. This will cost a little more, but his health will be the better for it. Be sure to switch him slowly, if you need to change foods. Good luck!

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

hi, my kitten has had chronic diarreah for as long as i've had him.. i've tried changing his diet feeding him canned cat food mixed with rice and giving him gatorade but no change and today he threw up and i found a bit of blood in his diarreah.. could it be worms?

-- Contributed by: Vanesa

Hi Angie,

I don't mean to alarm you, but one of the symptoms of distemper can be sneezing (head distemper). More than likely, it is something less threatening, but my advice is to get both the bengal and the puppy to the vet as quickly as possible. Hopefully it will turn out to be something minor, but better to be safe than sorry.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, We brought a pure bred bengal home who had some eye discharge and sneezes. The eye discharge has cleared up but he still is sneezing occasionally. He sneezes every day once a day and sometimes twice. Now our puppy is sneezing too. What should we be looking for?

-- Contributed by: Angie

Hi Elena,

Even though it might not be Cat Flu, cats are still prone to upper respiratory infections. It can be brought on by a number of things, although at this time of year it could be seasonal allergies.

I think you'd probably better go ahead and take her to the vet. It sounds like she may be having trouble breathing. It's important to get her on antibiotics as soon as possible, so the infection will start to leave her body and she'll get better more quickly.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

hi, my cat has started coughing and has watery eyes. she sounds like she is weazing. i dont know what it is. it doesnt sound like cat flu because she hasnt lost her appitite.

-- Contributed by: elena

Hi Stephanie,

I'm so sorry for your losses. I'm not sure if it would be from worms. You'd likely notice other symptoms first. The best thing to do is to take a fecal sample from a couple of the cats to a vet. He will be able to diagnose if the cats have worms, what type and issue medication to stop the infestation.

In the meantime, I'd keep a close eye on the other cats and if you notice any strange symptoms take them to the vet. If another one dies, you may want to consider an autopsy to isolate the cause and protect the remaining cats or get them treatment.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have many cats and the other night one of the older cats came in and when i looked at the anal part I found protruse bleeding the next day she was fpund dead,then one of the kittens from another cat had died, and there was bleeding too.. Finally I had found out this was worms but i still cant identify the species.. If you could help it would be gre3atly appreciated

-- Contributed by: Stephanie

Hi Becky,

It really sounds like tapeworms, but it's impossible to say without having it tested. Try to collect some of the worms (use gloves and plastic baggies) and take them to the vet for analysis. He will also be able to prescribe the right medication based on the kittens' age to treat the worms.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, my kittens are 2 weeks old and have caught fleas from the mum. i was cleaning their basket and noticed smallp wriggley things almost about a few mm in size. there were lots of them. i hovered them out but they keep coming back? what are they?

-- Contributed by: Becky

Hi Ryan,

It sounds like he may just have a sensitive stomach. I'd switch him to a cat food for cats with sensitive stomachs. There are several brands that make these. Some are Eukanuba, Science Diet and Blue. However, if you want an even higher quality food, you may want to check your local pet supply store and see what is available. If he begins to do this more frequently or shows signs of lethargy, I'd take him in to the vet.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I have a cat which is about 4 years old. He has lots of energy and seems healthy all the way around, except sometimes he gets diarrhea (once a month or once every two months.) At about the same frequency he will vomit up his food. Usually it is in a solid state and hardly digested. After that he is fine and has no problems for a month or two. I have checked the vomit and litter and there have never been any worms apparent. I picked him up at the animal shelter when he was about 6-7 weeks old and he had all of his shots, he is an inside cat. I feed him dry cat food of the same type so I am sure it is not due to any kind of diet change. Do you have an ideas or is this just something to keep an eye on and maybe take him in if it starts to get more frequent? Thank you for your help.

-- Contributed by: ryan

Hi DG,

She may have hot spots in her skin. This is typically caused by cat food and allergies. Try switching her to a sensitive skin formula and purchase the highest quality cat food you can afford. Be sure to look for formulations that use whole foods, for example, and less fillers.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi Joselle,

Seeing these types of worms is disgusting and it sounds like your kitten had at least two different types. The rice-like worms are from tapeworm. However, since they are dead, it is likely that the dewormer is doing the trick. I would wait about a week and then take a fecal sample to the vet. The vet will be able to make sure your kitten is worm free and if not tell what type of worms your kitten might have. You will also want to thoroughly clean bedding and other areas where your kitten has slept.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I don't think my cat has worms. She keeps licking the hair off the back of her tail and britches, also on her lower abdoman. She doesn't have fleas. Vet can not find anything.Going on for three years. She will suddenly jump and run as is something bit her then start licking again.

-- Contributed by: DG

My 9 week old kitten just received his first shots including dewormer and when we got home he used the litter box and came out we noticed a noodle type worm hanging out his butt.I freaked out and had my boyfriend remove it. The next day I tried to research on worm and was told to search where my kitten slept. I did that and found rice ones, guessing tape worms which didnt seem to be alive but creeped me out.and yesterday I just noticed one on a blanket, crispy and dead.i hope... My question is, is he just clearing out ? Is there other procedures I need to do? any information will be so helpful please and thank you :)

-- Contributed by: Joselle

Hi Kelly,

There are different types of dewormer and worms. It's possible he was treated, but not for the type of worm he has. If at all possible, get the worm and put it in a plastic baggie. Take it to the vet tomorrow to find out exactly what kind it is and get the proper medicine based on your cat's weight. If it was small and rice-like, it was likely a tapeworm segment. However, best to be certain what type of worm it is.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

My cat came from a shelter 6 days ago and he was given a dewormer. He just went to the bathroom and I saw a worm, I think it was a tapeworm, and it was still moving. Is that normal? I thought a dewormer killed the worm and then the cat would pass what was left of the dead worms.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

This sounds like a round worm, but I'd take it to the vet once he is back in the office. Most of the time, the kittens can pick up worms. Your best bet is to have her tested, so you know what type of worms to treat and the vet can also give you the right kind of medication for the kittens based on their age and weight. Put the worm in a baggie to take with you. Also, when you go, take a fecal sample for the vet to test.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

we have an outside/inside cat for the last week or 2 his stoach has been getting bigger he had a worm shot last june no signs of worms he has been eating and drinking. his stomach just seems to be not to hard. he sleeps alot and he still stalks the chipmunks that come around and slowly chases them. what should we be concerend about?

-- Contributed by: annette

About 2 days ago my cat Sheba vomitted and I found a spaghetti type worm in there. She has 5 4-week old kittens, hasn't picked up any weight but she is constantly eating and drinking. Her behavior hasn't changed. Will the kittens get the worms? I have called the vet but they won't be available for 2 more days. Do you have any advice?

-- Contributed by: Lo'ren

Hi Sandy,

It does sound like he may have worms. There are different types of worms. The rice-looking ones are tape worms and are likely the most common type of parasite that cats pick up. However, there are many different kinds out there. Be sure to take a fecal sample with you to the vet. The vet may be able to diagnose what's going on from that and can medicate accordingly.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi Mary,

I'm so glad we could help. Please don't hesitate to visit often and ask other questions as you have a need.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Recently our cat vomited and in the vomit was a clearish/somewhat opaque thin "string" of something perhaps 8-10" long. It was not mucus and held its shape as I cleaned it up. It was about the size and consistency of a cooked piece of spaghetti. I did not pay close attention to see what the ends looked like and I just discarded it. But I wondered about worms. I didn't notice any segments at all. Then yesterday, he had pooped in his litter pan, (it was diarrhea-like) and another of these long clear/opaque things was in it. It showed up as I was scooping out the feces from the litter and it went down the toilet before I could catch it. Does this sound like it could be a worm??? We have not seen any rice-like pellets where he sleeps which would indicate worms, but we have never seen anything like these two "things". We have made an appt with out vet, but would like your input.

-- Contributed by: Sandy

This is an excellent site! Thankyou! I went to several sites & did not get answer. You answered my question completely.

-- Contributed by: mary

Hi Ashley,

It definitely sounds like worms. If it was small, like the size of rice, then it is likely tapeworm. However, there are many different types of worms that cats can pick up.

Your best bet is to take a fecal sample to your vet for testing. It shouldn't cost much. He should be able to tell the type of parasite she has and give you the appropriate medication based on her weight. If you have any other cats in your home, you'll need to test and treat them as well.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, my cat had kittens about 6 months ago and has been losing a lot of weight after that. i just noticed tonight a small creamy white "thing" moving around her butt. it wasn't moving much but enough to scare me she doesn't seem any less active than normal but does this sound like worms at all ?

-- Contributed by: Ashley

Hi Jamie,

I'm so sorry that your cat is going through this. While she likely is a bit sad over the loss of the other pet, her weight loss is pretty severe. If she was 10 pounds and is no 5, she has lost 50 percent of her body weight! Also, she doesn't sound like a large cat to begin with.

You should probably start by taking a fecal sample to the vet to make sure the worms are gone. That will tell you how to proceed. If the vet says she has IBS, does he have any suggestions for the best food to put her on to help with this? Although 11 is a senior cat, she should ideally have at least several more years of quality life. Most of my cats have lived to be around sixteen, and some a little longer.

If the situation doesn't improve, I'd ask the vet to do a complete blood panel on her. Check organ function, sugar levels, everything. It will cost a bit of money, but you'll have more peace of mind if the vet can locate what is going on with her.

I hope she feels better soon.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi-My parents cat April started losing weight and when we took her to the vet we found out that she had tape and stomach worms (she is inside/outside). She has been on 2 rounds of pills for the worms but still has diarrhea. She weighed 10lbs and has lost 5lbs since July. She had her yearly appt in July and got all of her shots and everything was fine. We did not find out about the worms until the end of Sept.when we took her to the vet because of the weight drop. The vet did bloodwork and sent it off. Everything came back FINE. Her organs are fine, no cancer, no thyroind problems, no diabetes, no feline Aids ... nothing. The vet seems to think she may have irrital bowl syndrome, which he said cats can have this later in life (April is 11). I wonder if she could still have worms. She is eating but seems to be week and we are giving her steroids. She was weighed in Friday and has gained 8oz. I just want to find out what is going on with her! Any advice would be great.

On a side note, we put our 18 yr old shih tzu to sleep in May and they were BEST buds. We all could tell that April was very sad. We have a new puppy yorkie now and i wonder if we got her to soon for April? Could she still be sad? Could this have anything to due with weight lose/diarrhea

-- Contributed by: Jamie

Hi Mary,

It's possible she may have some other issues going on as a stray. I would get her to the vet as quickly as possible and I would also keep her isolated from your other pets until you do so. If she does have something communicable, such as distemper, you don't want to expose your other animals.

Try to take a fecal sample with you, so the vet can test for worms and be sure to tell him all the details of how much medicine you gave her, what type (take the bottle with you) and all her symptoms and reactions. I hope she feels better soon.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Last week my husband found a stray cat about 6 months old near the warehouse where he works.He said everytime he would drive up the kitten would greet him so for the last month he has been bringing her food to eat.Well with the summer ending my husband decided to bring him home. Well we have 3 dogs and 1 kitten 4 months old. When she first got here she was very scared but after the second day she was playing eating and using the kitty litter box. Well by day 4 she vomitted up these long worms. I looked it up and they are round worms. I went and bought over the counter D-WORM and gave it just like it said and also gave it to my other kitten. Well my kitten Louie is fine but 3 days later Patches the stray will not eat she does not play and she stopped purring when I cuddle her. All she does is vomit up foamy worms and she has runny stool with worms and she just lays around and does not move much. I gave her the same amount I gave Louie and Louie is ok. Louie is only 3.5 lbs. she is at least 5 lbs. Do you think it was the medicine that made her worse because she was fine the first few days.

-- Contributed by: Mary
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