Cat Vomiting Worms: Here’s What to Do
It’s understandable that pet parents would be a little panicked and extremely grossed out if they found their cat had vomited worms. I would be too! The first thing I would wonder is where in the world the worms came from and how I could get rid of them — fast!
Although any kind of cat vomit is less than ideal, when pet parents find it contains worms, it makes it even more unpleasant.
Here we will discuss why cats vomit worms and what pet parents can do about it.
Cat Vomiting Worms: Immediate Steps
Cleaning up cat vomit is no fun, but there are steps pet parents can take to ensure it is done quickly and safely.
Pet parents should start by gathering a few supplies, which include:
- Camera
- Disposable gloves
- Paper towels
- Disposable bag
- Enzymatic pet stain and odor remover
First, snap a quick picture of the worms present in the vomit so that you can show your veterinarian at your cat’s appointment. This will help identify the type of worms and the most appropriate treatment.
Next, put on a pair of gloves and gather a bunch of paper towels. Carefully clean up as much of the vomit as you can and put the soiled paper towels into a disposable bag.
Use an enzymatic cleaner to remove any residual vomit while also removing any stains and smell that may be present. This is especially important if your cat vomited on a rug or carpet. Making sure this area is thoroughly cleaned will prevent your cat from wanting to re-soil it. Be sure to follow the directions on the back of the cleaning bottle. These products work best when spraying and letting them sit on the soiled area for a certain amount of time so it can combat the stain and the odor effectively.
Remove your gloves and throw them away with the bag of soiled paper towels. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly.
Types of Worms in Cat Vomit
Cats with intestinal worms commonly vomit as a result. Two types of worms are large enough to be seen by the naked eye if found in cat vomit:
Roundworms
These spaghetti-like worms are long and white and are easily spread when cats accidentally ingest feces or soil contaminated with roundworm eggs. They are also spread from a mother to her kittens during nursing.
Tapeworms
These long, white flat worms are picked up by cats most commonly when they swallow fleas. Rarely, a cat may become infected with tapeworms after eating an infected dead animal.
Treatment
If worms are present in your cat’s vomit, bring them to the veterinarian promptly for an accurate diagnosis. The veterinarian can determine a suitable treatment plan according to which type of worm is present. Possible treatment options for worms in cats are as follows:
- Pyrantel pamoate
- Praziquantel
- Fenbendazole
- Moxidectin
- Selamectin
- Milbemycin
After treatment, speak with your veterinarian about choosing a flea, tick and heartworm preventative medication, such as Bravecto PLUS, as a way to prevent recurrence of intestinal worms.
My Take on Worms in Cat Vomit
If I saw my cat vomiting worms, I would be pretty concerned and would want to determine what type of worms they were and how I could get rid of them. I’m sure most pet parents would agree! As a veterinarian, even though a cat vomiting worms is unpleasant, I know the condition is highly treatable.
With the proper veterinary care, the worms can be eliminated and most cats feel better relatively quickly. If you see worms in your cat’s vomit, clean up the mess quickly and safely, then call your veterinarian for guidance.
