Signs a cat may have worms
Intestinal worms are common in cats, and signs vary with the type of worm and how heavy the infection is. Signs often listed include:
- Weight loss despite a normal or even increased appetite
- A swollen, pot-bellied look, especially in kittens
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea or soft stool
- A dull, rough coat
- Low energy or less interest in play
- Licking the bottom or scooting along the floor
- Pale gums, which can suggest anemia and need prompt attention
Many of these signs overlap with other digestive problems, including nausea, so they do not confirm worms on their own.
Many cats show no signs
Some cats with worms look completely healthy. For this reason, vets generally recommend regular fecal testing and routine parasite prevention rather than waiting for symptoms.
What worms can look like
Sometimes owners see worms or parts of them:
- Roundworms can look like pale, spaghetti-like strands in stool or vomit.
- Tapeworm segments can look like small grains of rice near the tail, in bedding, or on stool, and may be dry and stiff once they have dried.
- Other types, such as hookworms and whipworms, are generally too small to see and are found through stool tests.
Seeing none does not mean a cat is worm-free.
Main types of intestinal worms
- Roundworms: very common, especially in kittens, who can be infected through their mother’s milk.
- Tapeworms: often linked to swallowing fleas or eating infected prey.
- Hookworms: small blood-feeding worms that can cause anemia.
- Whipworms: less common in cats than in dogs.
Single-celled parasites such as coccidia and giardia are not worms but can also cause diarrhea, and are found with stool testing too.
How do cats get worms? Can indoor cats?
Cats can pick up worms from an infected mother, from fleas, by hunting or eating rodents (see do cats eat mice), or from contaminated soil and feces. Indoor cats can still get worms, for example through fleas brought in on other pets or on people, or through contact with contaminated soil on shoes or plants. Being indoors lowers the risk but doesn’t remove it.
Kittens
Kittens are particularly at risk, and young kittens are typically dewormed on a schedule set by their vet. A round belly in a kitten can be a sign of worms, but it can also have other causes. Read more in how to tell if a cat is bloated.
How vets diagnose and treat worms
A vet will usually examine your cat and test a fresh stool sample. Bring one if you can. Treatment generally involves a dewormer suited to the specific parasite, and some need repeat doses. Do not guess at an over-the-counter product: the wrong medication may not work, and dosing depends on weight and age.
Prevention
- Follow your vet’s advice for regular deworming and fecal tests.
- Use flea control, since fleas carry tapeworm larvae (see how to check if a cat has fleas).
- Scoop litter daily and wash your hands afterwards.
- Discourage hunting and eating wild prey.
Human health note
Some cat parasites, including roundworms, can infect people, especially children. Wash hands after handling litter or soil, keep litter boxes clean, and tell your doctor if someone in the household is ill and you are concerned.
When to see a vet
Book a visit if you see worms, if your cat has ongoing diarrhea or vomiting, if it is losing weight, or if gums look pale. A kitten that seems weak, has a swollen belly, or stops eating should be seen promptly.