How do indoor cats get worms? 6 most common ways explained

Unfortunately, even indoor cats get worms. They are quite common and lead to multiple problems for your cat, such as starvation, itching, and shaggy, rough fur. In this article, we will go through the 6 most common ways cats can get worms. 

How do indoor cats get worms?

The most common way indoor cats get worms is through contact with fleas. Cats infected with fleas may accidentally ingest them, which almost certainly means they will contract a tapeworm. Regularly check your cat for fleas, and treat it as soon as you see any signs of fleas in your cat’s fur. 

While indoor cats might never leave the home, they could still contract worms from nature. Dirt left on our shoes and clothes could potentially contain very small worm eggs. These eggs can survive for months, and I think all cat owners know how cats like to sniff our shoes after we have been outside. Make sure to clean off any dirt from your shoes and clothes before entering your home. 

Do you have a dog in your household? If so, be careful. Dogs are known to bring back parasites after being outside. Either the dog gets infected and passes it to your cat later, or they bring in dirt containing worm eggs. Your cat could also ingest fleas from the fur of your dog. Do your best to clean your dog before they come in contact with your cat, and make sure to consult a veterinarian at any signs of fleas.

Another, less obvious danger, is indoor plant pots. They seem innocent, right? Not really. The soil, as any dirt brought in from outside, could contain parasite eggs. Some cats have a tendency to play or dig in plant soil, meaning they could potentially come in contact with these parasites. If your cat then cleans his or her paws, they are at great risk of ingesting the parasite.

Does your cat share a litter box with another cat? That might be a problem. Worms and other parasites can be transferred through cat excrement. If you have multiple cats, it is advised to remove their excrement as soon as possible, and cleaning the litterbox with a disinfectant regularly. 

A female cat might spread a worm infection to her kittens through the mother’s milk. Kittens can contract worms and other parasites very shortly after birth this way. If your cat is pregnant, it is wise to keep an extra eye out for any signs of worms, as they are easily transferred to her kittens, through breast milk. Any cat can contract worms and fleas when in close contact with an infected animal. Kittens are at extra risk here, since they naturally stay very close to their mother.

Signs your pet cat has worms

Cats infected with worms show various obvious and less obvious signs. Keep an eye out for these, as it is important to treat these infections as soon as possible. We wouldn’t want to have worms, and neither do our cats. 

Cats with worms often show one or multiple of these symptoms:

• Signs of starvation. They eat more than normal but still seem to lose weight.
• Bloody feces
• Worms or parts of worms in their stool or around the anus
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Diarrhea
• Lower than normal energy
• Dull and dry fur
• Your cat drags its bottom against rough surfaces such as a carpet

These are all signs of cat worms in general. While these signs apply to most types of worms in cats, there are some signs that are specific or more prevalent with certain types of worms. Understanding what type of worm your cat has is critical in the treatment process. You can research this yourself, but it is recommended to consult a veterinarian.

Unfortunately, cats with worms may not live as long as healthy pets. This is just one of the factors that impact your cat’s lifespan, though. Check out our post on the average lifespan of an indoor cat for a more in-depth explanation.

What to do if your cat has worms

If you suspect your cat has contracted worms you should talk to a veterinarian to get it treated as soon as possible. If you believe you have identified the type of worm your cat is infected by, you can try to treat it with medication available online. Some recommend regular worm treatment, even if your cat isn’t showing any signs of worms today.