fbq(‘init’, ‘910829866053571’); fbq(‘track’, ‘PageView’); Roundworm infections are unfortunately common among cats, particularly kittens, and can cause a variety of symptoms. A roundworm looks like a long, white spaghetti strand and can grow to be three to six inches in length. Symptoms of a roundworm infection can include nausea and vomiting, and if your cat throws up worms, it is important to stay calm and take the right steps to address the issue.
It is important to properly dispose of the vomit and clean the area to prevent the spread of the roundworm infection. Disposable gloves should be worn while scooping the vomit into a tightly sealed bag and throwing it away in the trash. A pet cleaner or stain remover can be used to remove any odors or stains, and hands should be washed after cleaning up the vomit. After disposing of the vomit, it is important to contact a veterinarian to schedule an examination. The veterinarian may ask for a recent stool sample or the worm from the vomit, so it is important to be prepared to collect a sample from the litter box before the exam.
In addition to scheduling an examination, it is important to clean out the litter box to prevent the spread of roundworm eggs. Roundworm eggs are microscopic and extremely resilient, so it is important to use a bleach solution of one cup of bleach to one gallon of water to kill the eggs. After soaking the litter box in the solution, it should be rinsed off and all of the bleach should be washed away.
If the veterinarian diagnoses roundworms, a treatment plan should be started right away. The prognosis of cases of roundworms is often favorable as long as the medication is given promptly and consistently. Most roundworm treatments are simple and affordable, and the most common medications prescribed are Pyrantel pamoate, Piperazine, Fenbendazole, Selamectin, Emodepside, Moxidectin, Eprinomectin, and Milbemycin oxime. The medication must be taken several times to ensure that all the parasites are killed and removed from the body.
Roundworms are highly infectious and can be transmitted in several different ways. The eggs can remain dormant in the soil until they find a host and can also be passed through fecal matter. Nursing mother cats infected by roundworms can pass larvae through their milk and roundworm larvae can encyst and remain dormant in a cyst until a cat becomes pregnant. Outdoor cats are more susceptible to roundworm infections because they’re more likely to tread on soil and interact with other animals that may be roundworm hosts.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent roundworm infestations is to stay on top of roundworm and routine parasite medication. It’s especially important to give this medication to your cat during seasons when roundworms are more prevalent and active. New kittens should be dewormed as early as two to three weeks old and cats should be dewormed before breeding and during the later stages of pregnancy. Routinely cleaning up your cat’s litter box can also reduce the risk of transmitting roundworms by removing their eggs from the litter box.
Although roundworm infections are common among cats, especially kittens, there are steps that can be taken to prevent and treat them. Disposing of the vomit properly, scheduling an appointment with a veterinarian, cleaning out the litter box, and staying on top of roundworm medication are all important steps that should be taken if your cat throws up worms. Preventative measures, such as staying on top of roundworm and routine parasite medication, can greatly reduce the risk of infestations. With time and patience, cats can return to their normal healthy selves.
