Can I catch worms from my cat?
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Some roundworms and hookworms can infect humans, particularly young children who play in soil or don't wash hands after touching a cat. The risk is low with good hygiene, but it's another reason to treat infections promptly and keep litter areas clean. Wash your hands after handling your cat, cleaning the litter box, or playing in soil.
How long do deworming medications take to work?
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Most oral dewormers start killing parasites within hours, and you may see dead worms in the stool within 24 hours. Symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting often improve within 3-5 days, though weight loss can take longer to reverse. Follow-up doses are usually given 2-4 weeks later to catch parasites that weren't mature during the first treatment.
My indoor cat has never been outside—can it still get worms?
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Yes, indoor cats can get worms through contaminated food, water, soil brought in on shoes, or from an infected kitten. Even a single mosquito or flea can carry parasites into your home, so indoor cats aren't risk-free. Regular fecal testing and preventive deworming are still important.
What's the difference between roundworms and tapeworms?
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Roundworms look like spaghetti in the stool or vomit and are more common in kittens; tapeworms look like rice grains and are typically spread by fleas. Both are treated with different medications, which is why proper diagnosis is important. Your vet will recommend the right dewormer based on what they find.
Do I need to deworm my cat if there are no symptoms?
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Yes—many mild infections cause no visible symptoms but can still affect your cat's growth and immune health, especially in young cats. Annual fecal testing and preventive deworming for kittens are standard vet recommendations. If your cat is outdoors or has exposure risk, more frequent testing may be advised.
How often should my kitten be dewormed?
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Kittens are typically dewormed every 2 weeks starting at 6 weeks of age until they're 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months. After that, annual or bi-annual fecal exams and preventive deworming are recommended depending on lifestyle. Your vet will create a schedule based on your kitten's risk factors.
Can worms come back after treatment?
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Yes, reinfection is possible if your cat is re-exposed to contaminated soil, prey, or fleas. Preventing reinfection requires good hygiene, flea control, and limiting outdoor hunting. If your cat gets worms repeatedly, your vet can discuss ongoing preventive deworming or environmental changes.
What should I do if I see worms in my cat's stool?
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Collect a fresh sample and call your vet right away—you don't need to wait for a scheduled appointment. Bring the sample with you so your vet can identify the worm type and prescribe the correct treatment. Start deworming as soon as your vet recommends to prevent symptoms from worsening.
