HELP! There are these little black worms around where my cats hang out, wherever there is dried blood?

Question

Please, I am horrified, does anyone know what these awful things are?

They are external parasites, not internal- also I find them in the flecks of blood ans NO I am not confusing them with flea dirt they are little tiny worms that wiggle and move, I sprayed them with bleach water and they died but I just can find anywhere on the internet anything that fits there discription, tiny black-even flea lavae isnt black.

Answer 1

If you mean in their bedding, where they lie down, etc., then you're probably seeing flea larvae (especially as you've mentioned dried blood). You may not see any adult fleas on your cats, as the main bulk of the flea population is in the environment rather than on the animal. Make sure you vacuum their beds, carpet. etc. on a regular basis and use one of the cat spot-on flea treatments from your vet (Frontline, or similar). They should also be on a regular intestinal wormer.

If you're really worried, you can scoop some of these things up in a container and take them to your vet. He/she should be able to identify them for you fairly easily.


******Actually, flea larvae can appear black if they've been feeding. I've just tried to find some good images for you: http://lovemyspca.com/images/Misc/fleas.jpg

Answer 2

I'd venture to guess that what you're describing is called "flea dirt". Flea dirt is made up of flea excrement and dried blood left by fleas who have been feeding on your cat. They appear as black flecks or curved structures. To see if this is flea dirt, take a few of them and place them on a wet paper towel. You should see the flecks start to stain the paper towel red, as the blood is reconstituted.

You should be able to find more flea dirt by gently rubbing the fur at the base of the tail in the "wrong" direction. The flecks will be close to the skin, and they can be brushed out with a flea comb. If you find flea dirt, your cat DOES have fleas, even if you are unable to find any.

To get rid of fleas, apply a monthly topical flea medication. I stress that you should not use a grocery store brand like Zodiac or Hartz. Many pets have had severe reactions to those and have died. Also, do not use a medication made for dogs, as some of these can kill cats. I highly recommend Advantage or Frontline for cats. These are available at pet stores and vet offices. They are very safe and effective. Within 24 hours, flea count on the cats will be zero.

After the 24 hours is up, you should wash any bedding they have used in hot water, and vacuum all carpets in the house, as well as furniture. You might even want to clean the curtains, as fleas live in carpets and other porous materials when they are not feeding on their host. As the flea medication begins to work, the fleas will start jumping off the cat and will hide in the carpet and furniture.

Then go through the cats' coats with a flea comb. This will remove any dead fleas and flea dirt. DO NOT bathe the cat. This is unnecessary and will remove the flea medication. Flea medication should be applied monthly to prevent future flea infestation.

If you do not find evidence of fleas but you are very concerned about the black worm-like things, bring a few in to your vet for a look, or schedule an appointment for the cats.

Answer 3

Black Worms In Cats

Answer 4

Sounds like flea dirt as there are NO black worms. Are you seeing little black flecks and little black curled up pieces..this is flea feces the flecks are like you say, dried blood from your cat. Get your cat some flea control, Advantage or frontline. Your cat can get tapeworms from ingesting a flea however.

Answer 5

What do they look like? Tapeworm segments are rice-shaped, you can find them in their bedding, on the cats, or in their litter box. deworming medication destroys these worms. roundworms are 3-5 inches long and you might find them in vomit or litterbox. Deworming also eliminates them. Either way be careful because they can be easily transmitted to humans. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning the litter box or cleaning up the worms (I would vaccuum!!) Definitely take your cats to the vet and get them dewormed!!

Answer 6

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possible could be a flea larvae. Unless you got a flea product from you vet (Advantage, Frontline or Revolution) then you are wasting your money. Contact your vet for a GOOD flea product

Answer 7

you should go see a vet in the emergency center right away. your cats can get a infection. it is very dangerous to see something like that. please go to the emergency center i dont want anything bad to happen to your cats.