Cat Poop with Worms: What You Need to Know About These Unwanted Hitchhikers

Finding worms in your cat’s poop is one of those moments that sends a chill down every pet parent’s spine. Sure, scooping litter isn't glamorous to begin with, but discovering creepy-crawly, wriggling invaders in your kitty’s business? That’s a whole new level of gross. And yet, as unsettling as it might be, worms in cat poop are more common than you might think. The good news? Once you know what to look for and how to handle it, your kitty will be on the road to worm-free, happy poops in no time.

Let’s dive deep into the world of worms in cat poop, exploring how these parasites invade, what they look like, and how you can get rid of them—while keeping your sense of humor intact (as much as possible, anyway).

What Are Worms in Cat Poop?

So, what exactly do we mean when we talk about "worms in cat poop"? Unfortunately, we're not talking about the kind of worms you use for fishing. We’re talking about parasitic worms—sneaky, microscopic invaders that like to hitch a ride in your cat’s intestines and feast on their blood, food, or tissues.

There are several types of worms that can take up residence in your cat’s digestive tract, but the three most common types you’ll find in cat poop are:

1. Roundworms
2. Tapeworms
3. Hookworms

Each of these worms has its own unique shape, lifecycle, and—lucky for us—distinct grossness factor. Let’s break them down.

1. Roundworms: The Common Culprit

Roundworms are one of the most frequent types of worms found in cat poop. If your cat’s been infected, these bad boys will likely show up as long, spaghetti-like strands (sometimes still moving!) in your kitty’s stool. At full maturity, roundworms can grow anywhere from three to five inches long—basically the pasta you never want on your plate.

How Do Cats Get Roundworms? Kittens are often born with roundworms, having contracted them from their mother’s milk. But adult cats aren’t safe either—they can pick up roundworms from ingesting infected rodents, birds, or even insects. Another common source is contaminated soil. If your outdoor-loving cat comes into contact with worm eggs or larvae in the dirt and then grooms themselves, they can ingest the roundworms.

Symptoms of Roundworms:

• Bloated belly (especially in kittens)
• Vomiting (sometimes with worms in it!)
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• A dull, unhealthy coat

While roundworms might not always cause severe symptoms in adult cats, they can cause serious health problems, especially for kittens, due to malnutrition and stunted growth.

2. Tapeworms: The Rice-Like Surprise

Tapeworms are another common offender when it comes to worms in cat poop. These parasites latch onto your cat’s intestinal walls and feed off partially digested food. Unlike roundworms, tapeworms often break off into tiny segments, which is why you’ll see small rice-like bits in your cat’s poop rather than a whole, wriggling worm. Occasionally, you might even spot these segments wriggling around your cat’s anus or stuck in the fur near their backside—if you needed a new nightmare, there you go!

How Do Cats Get Tapeworms? Cats usually get tapeworms from swallowing fleas. That’s right—fleas are the middlemen in this tapeworm transmission scheme. When a cat accidentally ingests a flea while grooming, they also ingest the tapeworm larvae hiding inside. The larvae then grow into adult tapeworms in the cat’s intestines.

Symptoms of Tapeworms:

• Segments of worms in poop (tiny white rice-looking bits)
• Scooting or excessive grooming of the hindquarters
• Mild weight loss
• Vomiting (in severe cases)

Tapeworms don’t typically cause serious health issues unless left untreated for a long period, but they’re definitely uncomfortable and should be addressed as soon as possible.

3. Hookworms: The Bloodsuckers

Last, but certainly not least, are hookworms. These little nasties are not only smaller than roundworms and tapeworms (often too small to be seen with the naked eye), but they’re also much more dangerous. Hookworms latch onto the intestinal walls and feed on your cat’s blood. Over time, this can lead to serious anemia, especially in kittens or older cats.

How Do Cats Get Hookworms? Hookworms live in contaminated soil, and your cat can become infected by ingesting the larvae or simply coming into contact with it through their skin or paws. Kittens can also contract hookworms through their mother’s milk.

Symptoms of Hookworms:

• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Pale gums (a sign of anemia)
• Weakness or lethargy
• Weight loss

Hookworms are especially dangerous because they can cause rapid health decline if not treated quickly, particularly in younger cats who don’t have the reserves to handle the blood loss.

How to Tell if There Are Worms in Your Cat’s Poop

Now that you know the different types of worms that could be lurking in your cat’s poop, the next question is: how do you spot them? In many cases, you might actually see the worms (or their segments) in your cat’s poop, in the litter box, or even near your cat’s rear end. Tapeworm segments, for instance, are small and rice-like, while roundworms are more obvious, resembling cooked spaghetti noodles.

But what if the worms aren’t visible? Some types of worms, especially hookworms, might not show up as easily to the naked eye. This is where you’ll need to rely on symptoms and, ultimately, a trip to the vet. Regular vet checkups and stool tests can detect the presence of worms even if your cat is acting fine or you haven’t noticed any worms in the litter box.

The Impact of Worms on Cat Health

So, worms are gross, but are they dangerous? The answer depends on the type of worm, the severity of the infection, and the overall health of your cat. In mild cases, a worm infestation might not cause obvious symptoms, especially in adult cats with strong immune systems. But over time, worms can lead to a variety of health issues, including:

• Malnutrition: Worms steal vital nutrients from your cat, leading to weight loss and poor body condition.
• Digestive problems: Chronic diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset can occur.
• Anemia: Bloodsucking worms like hookworms can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in kittens or elderly cats.
• Growth issues in kittens: Worms can stunt a kitten’s growth and development by robbing them of the nutrients they need.

In severe infestations, the health risks become more pronounced, and in rare cases, untreated worm infestations can be fatal, particularly in vulnerable cats like kittens or seniors.

Treating Worms in Cats

Okay, so your cat’s got worms—now what? The good news is that worm infestations are highly treatable with the right medications. Your vet will likely prescribe a dewormer, which is a medication that targets and kills the specific type of worm your cat has. Dewormers are typically given orally, either in pill or liquid form, but in some cases, your vet might administer an injection.

Here’s a breakdown of common dewormers based on the type of worm:

• Roundworms: Medications like pyrantel pamoate or milbemycin oxime.
• Tapeworms: Praziquantel is a common dewormer for tapeworms.
• Hookworms: Medications like fenbendazole or moxidectin.

Most deworming treatments require multiple doses over several weeks to ensure that both adult worms and any larvae are eliminated. Be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully and complete the entire course of treatment, even if your cat seems better after the first dose.

Can Humans Get Worms from Cats?

Yes, it is possible, but it’s rare, and most infections can be prevented with good hygiene. Humans can contract roundworms, hookworms, and (in very rare cases) tapeworms from infected cats, particularly if they come into contact with contaminated soil or feces. For example, hookworms can penetrate human skin if you walk barefoot in areas where infected cats have defecated.

To protect yourself:

• Wash your hands after handling your cat or cleaning the litter box.
• Wear gloves when gardening or working in areas where your cat poops.
• Prevent fleas in your home and on your pets to reduce the risk of tapeworms.

Preventing Worms in Cats

Preventing worms is always easier than treating an infestation, so what steps can you take to keep your cat worm-free?

1. Routine Deworming: Ask your vet about regular deworming, especially if your cat spends time outdoors or hunts small animals.
2. Flea Prevention: Use flea prevention products to reduce the risk of tapeworms.
3. Good Hygiene: Clean the litter box frequently, and wash your hands after handling cat poop.
4. Regular Vet Checkups: Annual vet visits and fecal tests can help detect worms before they become a serious issue.
5. Prevent Rodent Hunting: Keep your cat indoors or supervise outdoor time to reduce the chance of them hunting infected rodents.

Conclusion

Worms in cat poop might not be your favorite subject, but it’s one that every cat parent should know about. Whether it’s the spaghetti-like appearance of roundworms, the rice-grain segments of tapeworms, or the invisible but dangerous hookworms, worms are no joke. They can cause significant health problems for your cat, from malnutrition to life-threatening anemia. But with prompt treatment and a few preventive measures, you can keep your feline friend healthy and worm-free.

So next time you're scooping the litter box, keep an eye out—you never know what surprise might be lurking in there. And while finding worms in your cat’s poop might be a bit unsettling (okay, it’s very unsettling), now you’re armed with the knowledge to handle it like a pro.