Feline Wellness:
Intestinal Worms

Your kitten should bechecked for worms by having its stool examined using a microscopic laboratory test. Kittens can get worms from their mother and other cats. Cats that hunt or are around other cats should have a fecal examination yearly.

Kittens should be given a preventative dewormer at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, and then once monthly until they are 6 months of age.

Tapeworms are transmitted by fleas and can be best detected by looking at a fresh stool specimen or around your cat’s anus for tapeworm segments. They are rarely diagnosed on a routine microscopic stool exam. Tapeworm segments are flat squares when fresh and look like sesame seeds or rice when dry.

Treatment for the different types of intestinal worms vary so identification is important. Only prescription medications are effective for the treatment of tapeworms.