Top Cat > Worms


Worm infestation is common in cats and can cause distress, ill health and even death if severely infected. When infested your cat may suffer from vomiting or diarrhoea, and will probably lose weight and condition. Heavy roundworm infections may cause a distended stomach and ‘pot-bellied’ appearance which is particularly noticeable in kittens. A cat with tapeworms may spend more time than usual cleaning its bottom, since the egg-filled worm segments cause irritation and should be taken as a sign to worm your pet.

Roundworms: are spread from animal to animal and are very similar looking to earthworms but much thinner. The adult worms live in the intestines, feeding on the contents – in effect, stealing your pet`s food and growing to around 4 inches in length. The commonest infection situation is during pregnancy, when large numbers of worm larvae migrate into the kitten in the uterus (womb), infecting it before it is even born.

Tapeworms: consist of segments with a head that attaches itself to the intestine. Mature segments break away and can be seen in the motions or around the base of the tail. They appear to show signs of life and resemble flattened grains of rice. Tapeworms, unlike roundworms, need an intermediate host (e.g. flea or mouse) which when eaten infects the cat. Adult tapeworms anchor themselves to the gut wall and feed on the animal’s blood causing anaemia, lethargy, loss of appetite and a dull lifeless coat.

Worms are, unfortunately, impossible to prevent, however, there are a number of very effective products that will kill worms. Remember however, that most oral worming products are effective at the time of use – they do not have a prolonged action thus it is necessary to use a worming treatment regularly – every 3 months is recommended.

Drontal Cat: still the only wormer to kill all commonly found cat worms in the U.K. Available in single tablets that can be used for kittens over 6 weeks old, lactating queens and of course all adult cat. For adult pets four treatments per year will form the basis of an effective worming regime; kittens should be treated from the age of 6 weeks, every 2 weeks there after until they are about 3 months of age.