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Cats/Worms
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Question
HI AGAIN!!!!!
Houdini has worms.
I already made him a vet appointment, but we can't go until Monday the 20th :(
But.. is there anything I should do in the meantime?
They look like teeny tiny little strings and are white and are just kind of hanging out in his, um, area.
How do cats get worms? He has been treated for them in the past. He had roundworms. I think he might have these again.
But.. how did he get them?? Could Spanelli have them too? I haven't seen any on Spanelli, just on Houdini.
Are they dangerous to me or my birds? Should I disinfect my house?!?! WILL MY CATS DIE? :(
Kayla,
I would suggest that you call and book Spanelli an appointment as well because it's quite likely that he has worms as well even though you haven't seen any yet. I would suggest that you pay extra special attention to hand washing when cleaning the litter boxes or handling vomit or stool from either cat because worms can be passed on to human beings if proper hygiene isn't practiced. Cats are often born with worms, many vets deworm kittens with a drug called Strongid T - this drug won't kill all types of worms and if it wasn't administered multiple times at prescribed intervals it wouldn't have killed the roundworm eggs. A broad spectrum dewormer like Drontal will kill roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms with one dose. This drug's dosage depends on how much these guys weigh so your vet will have to calculate that for you. Disinfecting your house isn't necessary - the litter boxes and anywhere that stool may have ended up should be thoroughly cleaned and again hand washing is super important. I have no idea whether or not the worms could be passed on to the birds so it would be best to ask your vet that question. Provided that your cats are healthy, have good nutrition and are treated promptly for worms they won't likely die. Deaths in pets related to intestinal parasites are often found in very young animals who haven't been properly cared for and the worms have been allowed to get out of hand and cause anemia. In this case the kittens or puppies would have to be treated for the worms and in some cases a blood transfusion might be needed. I am fairly confident that the intestinal parasites are more of a nuisance in this case - your cats look quite healthy and well cared for.
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Answers by Expert:
Ali
Expertise
I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.
Experience
I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.
Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.
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