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If you’re a new pet parent, deworming your kitten is key to keeping them healthy and happy. Kittens can easily get worms from their mom or the environment, and these parasites can cause serious health problems.
Kittens with gastrointestinal parasites might show signs like vomiting, weight loss, soft stool, diarrhea, or changes in appetite, says Dr. Anna Kaufman, a veterinarian at Bond Vet.
Most kittens will need deworming because they’re so common. It’s best to start treatment when your kitten is 2–3 weeks old and continue as your vet recommends. Dewormers work by killing or removing the worms, helping your kitten grow strong and stay healthy!
Keep reading to learn more about the types of worms infecting kittens and how you can deworm your cat the right way.
How Do Kittens Get Worms?
Dr. Kaufmansays kittens can get, including:
- Nursing
- Contact with infected prey like rodents and worms
- Eating poop
- Grooming other cats
- Reinfecting themselves from poop on their butt
- Through the skin
While no cat breed is more likely to get worms than others, outdoor cats are at a higher risk than indoor cats.
Lastly, reinfection is common, especially if your kitten is around contaminated soil or other animals with worms. It can also happen if fleas are present or if your kitten isn’t on a regular deworming schedule.
Does My Kitten Have Worms?
Kittens can pick up worms in many ways, so it’s important to watch for these common signs:
- Bloated belly: A kitten with worms may look pot-bellied as if they ate a meal that was too big for them.
- Weight loss: If your kitten eats a lot but doesn’t gain weight—or loses weight—worms might be stealing their nutrients. A lack of appetite paired with weight loss is another red flag.
- Vomiting or diarrhea: Digestive issues like these could mean worms are present. Sometimes you might even see the worms, though some, like whipworms, are hard to spot.
- Low energy: Worms can drain your kitten’s energy, leaving them tired or lethargic—even when they haven’t been active. Hookworms are especially exhausting.
- Scooting or licking the rear end: Worms leaving the body can be uncomfortable. Your kitten might lick their rear end or scoot to relieve the irritation.
In extreme cases, Dr. Kaufman says kittens might have lethargy, pale gums, or even collapse.
Why Is Kitten Deworming Important?
If left untreated, worms can cause serious health problems. They steal nutrients, leading to malnutrition, weight loss, weakness, and low energy, even if your kitten is eating well.
Some worms, like hookworms, can also cause anemia by sucking blood, which makes kittens even more tired. Since kittens are often born with worms, it’s crucial to catch symptoms early and deworm them to ensure they grow up strong and healthy!
What Are the Types of Worms Kittens Can Get?
Before deciding on a deworming method for your kitten, new cat parents should know what parasites they’re up against! Here are the most common types of worms:
Type of Worm | Appearance | # Of Species | How They Infect |
Roundworms | Long, spaghetti-like, white or light brown | Two that can affect kittens | Through ingestion of eggs from contaminated food, soil, or mother’s milk |
Hookworms | Small, thin, and red or brown, with hook-like mouths | Two that can affect kittens | Infected by ingesting eggs from contaminated soil or through skin contact |
Tapeworms | Flat, segmented, white or cream-colored | Two that can affect kittens | Infected by swallowing fleas or rodents that carry tapeworm larvae. |
Whipworms | Thin and thread-like with a whip-like shape at one end | Only one that can affect kittens | Infected through ingestion of eggs from contaminated soil or feces |
How to Choose & Use Kitten Dewormers
First, choose the right dewormer. Here are the most common:
- For roundworms and hookworms, over-the-counter options with Pyrantel (like Drontal or Nemex) work well.
- For tapeworms, look for Praziquantel-based products (like Droncit or Tapeworm Dewormer).
- If your kitten has more complex worm issues, your vet may prescribe dewormers like Panacur (for multiple worms) or Interceptor Plus (for heartworms, roundworms, and more)
After choosing the right medication with the help of a vet, follow the dosing instructions. Make sure to always follow the directions on the package or your vet’s advice. Giving too much or too little can be harmful or ineffective. Remember that kitten dosages tend to be smaller than adult ones. Dewormers come as pills, liquids, or topicals like Revolution.
If you have a particularly squirmy kitty, wrap the pills in a soft treat or pill pocket. If that doesn’t work, try wrapping your kitten in a towel (the “burrito method”) to keep them still. For topical treatments, part the fur at the back of their neck and apply the medication directly to their skin, keeping it away from their face.
All in all, while you can buy some dewormers at the store, it’s best to see a vet. They can figure out what kind of worms your kitten has and prescribe the right treatment.
What About Natural Kitten Dewormers?
Some pet parents consider natural remedies for worms, such as:
- Pumpkin seeds: Contain cucurbitacin, a compound that may help paralyze and expel certain worms.
- Diatomaceous earth: A fine powder that can damage worms’ outer layers, causing them to die.
- Garlic: Contains allicin, which some believe can help expel worms, though it should be used carefully as too much garlic can be harmful to cats.
- Carrot juice: Contains fiber and can help clear out worms, but it’s not a guaranteed solution.
- Coconut oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, it may help kill parasites when ingested in small amounts.
- Apple cider vinegar: Some believe it can help balance your kitten’s digestive system and repel worms, but it’s not proven to be effective on its own.
While these options may support traditional treatments, they should not replace them. Remember that natural remedies are not as reliable or effective as pharmaceutical dewormers. They may not target all types of worms, like tapeworms or hookworms.
How to Keep Your Kitten Worm-Free
While worms can happen to any kitten, there are ways to reduce the chances and protect your kitten long-term:
- Go to the vet regularly to check for worms: Regular visits to the vet help catch any signs of worms early. Your vet may also do fecal tests to check for parasites.
- Keep the environment clean: Worms can be spread by pests like fleas, so keeping your home free of insects helps protect your kitten.
- Use flea and parasite preventatives for constant protection: Monthly treatments can help keep fleas and worms away.
- Fecal testing: Some kittens may have worms without showing any symptoms, so regular fecal tests are the best way to know for sure.
Takeaway
Whether you choose over-the-counter kitten dewormers or work with your vet to find the best treatment, it’s important to follow the proper guidelines and keep up with regular check-ups. By staying on top of your kitten’s health and using effective deworming treatments, you can help ensure they grow strong and parasite-free. Don’t forget that your vet is the best resource for advice on managing your kitten’s deworming needs.