Preventing Worms in Cats
Worms in cats can cause discomfort and illness if contracted, so it’s important that, as a pet owner, you take steps to reduce the risk. The team at Leadon Vale can advise you on the most effective brands and methods of protection.
How Cats Can Get Worms? 
Cats can contract worms in several ways, including:
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Ingesting worm eggs or larvae from contaminated soil, faeces, or grass
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Hunting and eating infected prey such as mice, birds, or rabbits
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Eating raw or undercooked meat
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Contact with other infected cats or their faeces
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Fleas (which can transmit tapeworms when swallowed during grooming)
Book an Appointment for Cat Worming Advice
Signs of Worms in Cats
If your cat has worms, you may notice:
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Worm segments in their faeces, vomit, or around their bottom (tapeworm segments often look like grains of rice)
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Weight loss despite a good appetite
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Increased hunger or changes in eating behaviour
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Vomiting or diarrhoea
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A dull or rough coat
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In kittens: a pot-bellied appearance and stunted growth
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Lethargy or general unwellness in severe cases
Types of Worms in Cats
1. Roundworms
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Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina are the most common roundworms in cats.
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They resemble long, white spaghetti-like worms.
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Toxocara cati is especially common in kittens, often passed through the mother’s milk. The larvae can migrate through the body, including the lungs, before maturing in the intestines.
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Toxascaris leonina has a simpler lifecycle and tends to stay within the intestines.
2. Hookworms
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These small parasites attach to the intestinal lining and feed on blood.
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While relatively uncommon in the UK, they are more prevalent in warmer climates.
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Heavy infestations can cause anaemia, especially in kittens.
3. Whipworms
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Much less common in cats than in dogs.
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They live in the large intestine but are rarely a concern for UK cats.
4. Tapeworms
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Flat, segmented worms that attach to the wall of the small intestine.
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Common in cats, especially those that hunt or have fleas.
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Segments often appear in faeces or are stuck to fur around the anus, resembling grains of rice.
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Most cats become infected by swallowing infected fleas during grooming or by eating small prey animals.
Treating Worms in Cats
At Leadon Vale Vets, we recommend a proactive approach to worm prevention in cats. While it’s impossible to prevent all exposure, regular vet-recommended worming treatments greatly reduce the risk of illness.
We offer tailored treatment plans based on your cat’s age, lifestyle, and whether they are indoor-only or outdoor hunters. Treatments are available as tablets, spot-on applications, and pastes.
Why Choose Leadon Vale Vets for Worming Advice?
Our veterinary team is up-to-date with the latest recommendations for parasite control. We will:
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Accurately diagnose any existing worm infestations
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Prescribe the most suitable and effective worming treatment for your cat
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Provide clear instructions on how to administer medication at home
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Create a tailored worming schedule to protect your cat year-round
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Advice on flea control and hygiene measures to prevent reinfection
For Worms in Dogs Advice, Click Here
Book an Appointment for Cat Worming Advice
Don’t wait for your cat to show signs of worms. Contact Leadon Vale Vets today to discuss prevention and treatment plans tailored to your cat.
