Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms are common in cats and some spread to people. Learn the signs to watch for, how each type is caught, a practical deworming schedule for kittens and adults, and why a stool test beats guessing at the pet shop.
Worms are common in cats, especially kittens. The usual types are roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms. Signs range from none at all to a pot belly, weight loss, a dull coat, diarrhoea, or rice-like segments near the tail. Kittens need regular deworming from a few weeks old, and adults need routine treatment based on lifestyle. A vet stool test tells you exactly what to treat.
Roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms are common in cats and some spread to people.
Roundworms are the most common, and kittens often get them through their mother's milk. Tapeworms come from swallowing an infected flea during grooming, or from hunting, so a flea problem and tapeworms often go together. Hookworms are picked up from a contaminated environment and can cause anaemia. Some of these, especially roundworms and hookworms, can also infect people, which is why routine prevention and hygiene matter.
Many cats show no symptoms, which is why routine deworming matters. When signs appear, look for a bloated pot belly (especially in kittens), weight loss despite a good appetite, a dull or rough coat, vomiting or diarrhoea, and visible worms or rice-like tapeworm segments around the anus or in the litter. Occasionally you may see spaghetti-like roundworms in vomit or stool. Poor growth in a kitten is a common clue.
A fresh stool sample lets your vet identify the worm type and confirm the schedule.
Kittens are typically dewormed every two weeks from around three weeks of age until about twelve weeks, then monthly to six months, following your vet's protocol. Adult cats are usually treated every three months, but frequency depends on lifestyle: an indoor-only cat may need less, while a hunter or a cat with fleas needs more. Nursing queens are often dewormed alongside their litter. Always follow the schedule your vet sets for your individual cat.
Hiding the tablet in a treat or pill pocket makes routine deworming far easier.
Deworming products differ by which worms they target, so a single product may not cover everything. Your vet will match the product to your cat's parasites, weight and age. Give the full dose as directed, and never use a dog wormer or guess the dose. Hiding a tablet in a treat or a pill pocket, or asking your vet for a palatable or spot-on option, makes routine treatment much easier.
Consistent flea control removes a major source of tapeworm. Scoop the litter box daily and wash your hands after, especially before eating, and keep children from contact with litter. Many modern parasite products combine flea and worm coverage in one monthly dose, which simplifies protection for indoor cats in warm, humid homes where fleas persist year-round. Ask your vet which combined product suits your cat.
Can I catch worms from my cat?
Some cat worms, especially roundworms and hookworms, can infect people, usually through contact with contaminated stool. Good litter hygiene, handwashing and routine deworming keep the risk low.
Do indoor cats need deworming?
Yes, though possibly less often. Indoor cats can still get tapeworm from fleas and roundworm from a new kitten or contaminated items. Your vet will set an appropriate interval.
How do I know the deworming worked?
Signs should improve and visible worms stop appearing. For confirmation, your vet may repeat a stool test. Kittens often need several rounds because of their high initial burden.
Are over-the-counter wormers enough?
Sometimes, but many only target certain worms and dosing can be wrong. A vet product matched to a stool test is more reliable, particularly for kittens or a cat with symptoms.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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