Roundworms vs Tapeworms in Cats: A Comprehensive Guide

Roundworms are one of the most common parasites found in cats, with a staggering 20% of felines worldwide infected at any given time.

Roundworms can grow up to 6 inches long and live for up to 5 years in a cat's body.

They thrive in a cat's intestines, where they feed on nutrients and cause damage to the intestinal lining.

Roundworms can be transmitted to kittens through their mother's milk, which is why it's crucial to get your kitten dewormed early on.

Tapeworms, on the other hand, are typically acquired through eating infected prey such as mice or rabbits.

Tapeworms can grow up to 8 inches long and have a distinctive appearance, with segments or "eggs" that pass out in the cat's stool.

These segments can look like grains of rice or small pieces of white cotton, which is why they're often mistaken for normal stool.

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Aelurostrongylus is a type of roundworm that can infect cats.

Eggs passed in the faeces of an infected cat can be ingested by another cat, allowing the roundworm to spread.

Kittens can also get worms through the milk of their mother, highlighting the importance of checking for worms in pregnant cats.

In addition, eggs can be eaten by other animals like mice or rats, and then a cat can become infected by preying on these animals.

Cats can get infected with worms through several routes. Eating soil contaminated with worm eggs from faeces is a common way, even for indoor cats.

Eating dead wildlife, like rodents or rabbits, is another way cats can pick up worms. This is especially true if they're hunting and eating prey that's already infected.

Kittens can get worms from their mother's milk. This is a key reason why regular worming of cats is so important.

Here are the ways cats can get roundworms:

It's worth noting that even if your cat is an indoor cat, they can still get worms.

Preventing worms in cats is crucial for their health. Aelurostrongylus is a type of worm that can infect cats.

Regularly deworming your cat is the most effective way to prevent worms. Developed by vets, this process involves administering medication to kill the worms.

Keeping your cat indoors can also reduce the risk of worm infestation. Outdoor cats are more likely to come into contact with infected animals.

Frequent cleaning of your cat's litter box and living area can help prevent the spread of worms. Worm eggs can survive in the environment for a long time.

Making sure your cat eats a balanced diet can also help boost their immune system, making them less susceptible to worm infestations.

Symptoms of worms in cats can be quite subtle, but there are some telltale signs to look out for. Excessive grooming under their tail, possibly causing hair loss, is a common indicator of intestinal worms.

Spaghetti-like roundworms in poo or vomit are a clear sign of roundworm infection. You might also spot small white things in poo that look like grains of rice, which are actually tapeworm segments.

Tapeworm segments may also be stuck in the hair around your cat’s bottom and tail. This is a common symptom of tapeworm infection.

Some cats may exhibit more general signs of illness, such as a dull coat, coughing, lack of growth, diarrhoea, vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy, weight loss, and a ‘big belly’. These symptoms can be caused by roundworms or other types of worms.

In extreme cases, roundworms can block the intestine and lead to a very serious complication called peritonitis, which can be fatal.

A faeces sample can be collected and examined in the laboratory to look for the presence of worm eggs. This is the best way to determine if a cat is actually infected with worms.

Here are some common symptoms of worms in cats:

Tapeworms are generally long flat worms composed of many segments. They can be seen on the hair around the anus of the cat, in the faeces, and on the cat’s bed.

The most common Tapeworms that infect cats worldwide are Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis. Dipylidium caninum is transmitted to cats by fleas.

Flea control is very important to prevent Dipylidium caninum infection. This is because the immature fleas larvae ingest the eggs of the worm, and then the cat swallows an infected flea during grooming.

Taenia taeniaeformis is passed on when cats eat small rodents, such as rats and mice. The rodents have eaten eggs from the environment.

Cats that hunt are very likely to get infected with Taenia taeniaeformis. Keep your cat indoors or away from garbage or dead animals to prevent this infection.

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When it comes to treating your cat for roundworms and tapeworms, it's essential to choose the right product.

You should start worming your kitten early and repeat it regularly, as they can be infected from a very young age.

For kittens from 4 to 16 weeks of age, treat every two weeks with a product active against roundworms, such as pyrantel.

Cats 6 months of age and older should be treated every two to six months with a product active against both roundworms and tapeworms.

The frequency of treatment will depend on your cat's exposure to tapeworms, which can be influenced by factors like fleas and hunting habits.

Here's a summary of the recommended worming protocol:

As we've discussed the differences between roundworms and tapeworms in cats, it's essential to consider the potential risks and precautions involved.

Roundworms can cause severe respiratory problems in cats, particularly in kittens. This is because their eggs can be inhaled, leading to an allergic reaction.

Tapeworms, on the other hand, can cause weight loss and digestive issues in cats. This is because they feed on the nutrients in the cat's food, leaving the cat malnourished.

Regular deworming is crucial to prevent roundworms and tapeworms in cats. This can be done through medication or by using a deworming product specifically designed for cats.

In severe cases, if left untreated, roundworms and tapeworms can cause life-threatening conditions in cats. This is why prompt veterinary attention is necessary if you suspect your cat has been infected.