How to Treat Round Worms in Cats

There are two types of roundworms, or ascarids, that infect cats. Toxicaris leonina and Toxicaris cati. These parasites live in the intestines of felines, causing disease by using up valuable nutrients. Roundworms are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed between species, so it is important to get an infestation under control for your own health as well as that of your feline friend.

Instructions

1

Speak to a licensed veterinary medical care professional to confirm the nature of the infestation. There are several intestinal worms that can affect cats that produce similar symptoms, including tapeworms and hookworms.

2

Choose an appropriate over-the-counter worming medication if you are unable to obtain or afford a prescription dewormer from your veterinarian.

3

Restrain your cat by wrapping her in a towel. This ensures that you are able to administer the medication without fear of injury or escape. Make sure all of the cat's limbs are secure within the towel.

4

Open the cat's mouth by applying a gentle pressure. Do not use force to open the cat's mouth, as this could result in a dislocated jaw.

5

Move confidently and at a moderate pace. Rushing or hesitating allows the cat enough time to bite or injure you.

6

Insert the medication as far back in the cat's mouth as possible. If the medication is in liquid form, use a syringe without a needle to squirt the medication into the cat's mouth. If it is in pill form, use a "pill popper" to place the tablet into the cat's mouth. A pill popper resembles a syringe with small pincers on the end.

7

Close the cat's mouth and rub his throat until he swallows.

8

Release the cat from the towel and let her calm down. Keep a close eye on her for signs of vomiting to regurgitate the medication.

There are two types of roundworms, or ascarids, that infect cats. Toxicaris leonina and Toxicaris cati. These parasites live in the intestines of felines, causing disease by using up valuable nutrients. Roundworms are zoonotic, meaning they can be passed between species, so it is important to get an infestation under control for your own health as well as that of your feline friend.

Instructions

1

Speak to a licensed veterinary medical care professional to confirm the nature of the infestation. There are several intestinal worms that can affect cats that produce similar symptoms, including tapeworms and hookworms.

2

Choose an appropriate over-the-counter worming medication if you are unable to obtain or afford a prescription dewormer from your veterinarian.

3

Restrain your cat by wrapping her in a towel. This ensures that you are able to administer the medication without fear of injury or escape. Make sure all of the cat's limbs are secure within the towel.

4

Open the cat's mouth by applying a gentle pressure. Do not use force to open the cat's mouth, as this could result in a dislocated jaw.

5

Move confidently and at a moderate pace. Rushing or hesitating allows the cat enough time to bite or injure you.

6

Insert the medication as far back in the cat's mouth as possible. If the medication is in liquid form, use a syringe without a needle to squirt the medication into the cat's mouth. If it is in pill form, use a "pill popper" to place the tablet into the cat's mouth. A pill popper resembles a syringe with small pincers on the end.

7

Close the cat's mouth and rub his throat until he swallows.

8

Release the cat from the towel and let her calm down. Keep a close eye on her for signs of vomiting to regurgitate the medication.