how do u know when your cat has worms?

Answer 1

worms are tiny little organisms that will look like white rice. Approx the same size too.

Answer 2

There are a few ways to tell. If you actually see them in the cat's stool. This may sound gross but sometimes you can see them poking out of the cat's rectum. And also, if the cat drags his/her lil bottom across the carpet, can be another hint hint. If you are still not sure, take the cat to the vet for a definitive diagnosis, they will check a stool sample. Worms are caused by fleas. If a cat has fleas and eats one while cleaning, the flea carries the parasite and it gets ingested by le chat. Fortunately, if the cat is well nourished, the tapeworm does not usually harm them, however, this is not always the case. Treat the cat for fleas and worms. I would not use over the counter methods of flea control as many cats have had severe allergic reactions to those products. I have used otc for treating worms on my cats. The active ingredient in tape worm pills is " praziquantel". A good website to order flea and worm meds is www.drsfostersmith.com (usually cheaper than most vets).

Answer 3

Like others have mentioned, there are different types of worms and not all of these are invisible in the stool. Cats may have symptoms, such as worms visible in the poop or weight loss, but there won't necessarily be symptoms. Worms can be especially prevalent in young kittens and outdoor cats, but all cats are susceptible. The best idea is to take your cat to the vet for proper testing and treatment.

Answer 4

Tape worms are white flat worms that can show up in your pets stool. You can sometimes see them hanging out of the animals behind or crawling on the outside thier stool. Also, cats get a big pot belly when they have worms. They can either start eating alot or not as much. After the worms come out they look like little dried up white rice flakes.

Answer 5

Worms are not always present in the stool. Usually, the infestation is pretty bad if you start seeing worms in the litterbox. And tapeworms don't come out with poop. Tapeworm SEGMENTS can (they're actually sacks filled with tapeworm eggs).

And tapeworms are caused by eating fleas. Other worms are picked up in other ways. There are roundworms (which are usually the most common), and hookworms....there are more, but I can't think of them off the top of my head. Roundworms can be picked up a lot easier than tapeworms....and they can be transmitted between cats (especially in the litterbox).

There isn't really a "first" symptom to look for. But cats with worms will generally eat and sleep a lot, and tend to start losing weight.

This site has a lot of information;
http://www.thepetcenter.com/exa/worms.html

Sheesh, lots of people talking about "worms" and describing tapeworm segments. Roundworms are longer and a brownish color.....

Answer 6

Worms won't always come out in their stool. If they eat a lot and are still skinny, this is a tell-tale sign, but they can have worms and still be a normal weight. You need to take your cat to the vet so that they can do a stool test, or just have them deworm him/her. Deworming is a routine thing done yearly (or maybe every 6 months...I can't remember exactly) so you may just want to forgoe the testing and just get the deworming done, especially if your cat goes outside.

Answer 7

I know dogs will often drag their rear end on the floor when they have worms. I'm not sure if cats would do that too, but it might be something to look for. The above answers are probably more helpful.

Answer 8

You see worms in the stool, and the cat may get skinny although eating the regular size portions of food.

Answer 9

You can check their litter box, and see lil white worms moving or not moving. Take them immediately to the vet for medication(which is cheap $10-15).

Answer 10

Look at your cats stool. If you see anything moving or if you see white specs in it then you need to take it to the vet. Also if your are really worried about it then you can take your cat to the vet and they can do a blood test that will tell you everything!!