A very difficult question to answer for a number of  reasons. Roundworm eggs voided in the faeces are invisible to the naked eye, so unless you are lucky enough, or unlucky enough, depending on your point of  view, to see the adult worms or Tapeworm segments, your cat could easily have worms without you knowing.

There are two types of worms that can infect cats, Roundworms and Tapeworms.



In kittens, Roundworm infestation can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties and a pot-bellied appearance and a failure to thrive.

Treament Regime: kittens should be wormed every 2weeks until 15weeks of age, then every 3months. This treatment will be provided at the time of your  kittens’ first health examination.

Adult cats


Unlike dogs, cats are not thought to be the major source of roundworms to humans. Young cats (less than 1year old) and prenant or nursing queens are  responsible for most of the environmental contamination with roundworm eggs.


Heavy infestations can cause anal irritation, digestive disturbances and ill thrift. They are aresthetically unpleasant as they resemble rice grains,  leave via the anus to deposit their eggs. the most common Tapeworm in cats is Dipylidium caninum which is contracted when the cat eats an infected flea or  louse. For obvious reasons, Tapeworm treatment should also be accompanied by vigorous steps to control any flea associated problems.

A second type, Taenia, is usually contracted through hunting.The time between eating an infective stage of worm to showing segements varies from  approximately 3weeks in the case of Dipylidium to 2-3months in the Taenia species of worm. In adult cats, worms are usually acquired through hunting,  resulting in few clinical symptoms.

Treatment Regime: Advice on the control of Roundworm and Tapeworm along with the most suitable medication can be acquired from the practice. At Braid,  we recommend worming every 3months. Treatment may be purchased at the practice, and will be routinely at each check up and vaccination visit.