Many people wonder if cats can eat worms. Worms can live in muscle tissues and can infect cats. Cats can become infected by ingesting the eggs or larvae of a parasite. Whether the parasite lives in the feces of an outdoor cat or in a litter box, cats can easily get a worm infection. This article will answer that question.
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Roundworms
If you have a cat, you might be wondering if they eat roundworms. This type of worm can grow up to six inches long and enter a cat’s body through various routes. The first step to preventing a roundworm infestation in your cat is keeping the living area clean, making sure the litter box is properly cleaned, and not allowing the cat to feed on wild animals or soil. This is especially important if you have children, as they are more likely to put their dirty fingers in their mouths.
The symptoms of a roundworm infestation are usually minimal, but if the worms become a problem, your cat may exhibit other signs of an infestation, including an abnormally dull coat, low energy, weight loss, and diarrhea. Your cat may also have a swollen tummy or a potbelly. In addition to the fecal signs, you may notice dead worms in your cat’s poop, a thrashy appearance, and an increased hunger.
Tapeworms
Cats do eat tapeworms. These are long, flat, white worms with hook-like mouths. They feed on nutrients that pass through the small intestines of cats. Tapeworms may be as long as 20 inches, but they are most common in cats at a size of eight inches. They shed segments called proglottids, which are about the size of a grain of rice, into the cat’s feces. Cats will eat these proglottids to make themselves feel better, but they are not the culprit.
Humans can also be infected with tapeworms. However, it is rare and unlikely to occur without the ingestion of fleas. However, infected fleas carry tapeworm eggs that can be harmful to people. In fact, humans are at a higher risk of contracting tapeworms from their pets. To avoid this problem, keep your pets and home clean. Also, remember to treat your pet for tapeworms and practice good hygiene practices.
Lungworms
Although it’s not recommended for your cat to eat infected birds or rodents, some cats can accidentally ingest infected slugs. Infected slugs may be ingested from your cat’s bowl, toys, or fur. A veterinarian should be contacted to help eliminate the infestation. Until then, the best way to prevent a lungworm infection in your cat is to avoid feeding it infected food.
The symptoms of infection depend on the type of worm that your cat has. If the worms are in the feces, a veterinarian may order a Baermann test. Another test is an endoscopy of the lungs to determine whether a cat is infected. In case of confirmed lungworm infection, the vet will test your cat’s feces to check for larvae. Although it takes up to a month for larvae to pass through a cat’s feces, a veterinary professional should perform multiple fecal exams to ensure that the worms aren’t living in your cat’s feces.
Hookworms
While it is difficult to prevent cats from eating hookworms, there are several ways to keep your pet safe from these parasites. Keeping your home sanitary is essential and should be done regularly, including monthly heartworm treatment. Make sure you keep your pet indoors and out of potentially infected areas, such as sandboxes and public parks. Keep your home and yard clean by picking up pet waste and disposing of it properly. Also, be sure to check your cat for intestinal parasites by ensuring they’re up to date on deworming.
If you notice any signs of a hookworm infestation, it is important to see your veterinarian immediately. Fortunately, there are several medications available to treat hookworms in cats, and proper monitoring can greatly reduce the risk of hookworm infection. A veterinarian can also recommend certain measures to prevent your cat from becoming infected. These steps should include keeping your cat indoors, avoiding areas where water may collect, and thoroughly cleaning the litter box.
Mealworms
If you have a cat, you probably wonder: Can cats eat mealworms? Many cats enjoy eating worms as they have a fun, interactive playtime. The large worms move in full motion and are attractive to cats. While they are not harmful to cats, feeding them can lead to parasites. It is best to give them protein-rich food instead. However, some cats may not like the taste.
Mealworms are insect larvae that cats can eat. They are the larvae of the darkling beetle. While insects can harbor parasites, freeze-dried mealworms usually don’t contain these organisms. However, you should avoid giving your cat live mealworms. Infection can be caused by worm larvae and if they become a habitual feeder, they may start eating frozen mealworms.