Almost all cat owners have experienced cat worms at one point or another. It’s important to know that there are a number of natural options that can treat and prevent these bothersome parasites in your cat because many people are worried about the side effects of conventional worming treatments.
The best method to treat and prevent worms in your cat should always be determined in consultation with your veterinarian because every cat and situation is unique.
Cat health needs to be a top priority when it comes to cat care, and these internal parasites can be difficult. However, we’ve prepared some of the best 6 home remedies for worms in cats because pet health is something that we always say that anyone should pay the most attention to.
6 Home Remedies For Worms In Cats
We found 6 natural dewormers you can try at home: pumpkin seeds, chamomile, turmeric, Apple Cider vinegar, Coconut, and carrots.
Let’s see each and one of them in detail:
1. Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a great deworming agent due to the amino acid cucurbitacin. The worms are made immobile so that they can be quickly taken out of the intestine. You can give them to your cat whole as a treat or grind them into a fine powder and add it to the food.
To use pumpkin seeds as a natural dewormer for your cat, you should feed them one teaspoon of raw pumpkin seeds for every 10 pounds of body weight twice daily. Pumpkin seeds are generally well-liked by animals, and consuming them regularly can help to paralyze and remove worms from the digestive system.
Once they are let out, these unwanted visitors will be gone once and for all. Your cat should consume the seeds as you normally would since they will contain many parasites because they lay eggs that will develop into parasites. We want to continue eliminating those awful parasites and prevent re-infestation.
Pumpkin seed amino acid cucurbitacin paralyzes leeching worms, causing them to release their hold on the intestinal walls of you or your pet.
After they release their hold, they can be simply pooped out without further help from you. You can chew the seeds. Add them to a salad, sprinkle them on other foods, or grind them up for your cat’s diet.
2. Chamomile
Roundworms and whipworms can be prevented and treated using chamomile. For digestive issues, chamomile tea is frequently given to pets and is said to relax the entire digestive system.
In Europe, it is given to infants in bottles to help with colic and to help them learn how to nurse. However, chamomile possesses anti-parasitic properties, just like many other herbs.
It has been demonstrated that chamomile is effective in the treatment of whipworms and roundworms. The best way to administer it to your cat is as a tincture; see your veterinarian to determine the ideal dosage.
Making it just requires 1 tsp of tea, which is simple, and experts advise combining at least 1/4 cup of water with 1/4 tsp of herb. Add 1/4 cup of water to a pot or other suitable container and heat it over a stove or other heat source until it reaches boiling point.
Take the pan off the stove. Add a quarter teaspoon of the herb, cover it, and wait for two minutes. Finally, stretch it. Your cat should receive this from you.
One teaspoon is advised by Dr. Andrew Jones for every 10 pounds of body weight. Newborn kittens as tiny as infants can safely get a third of a teaspoon of brewed tea in their formula twice daily.
3. Turmeric
A tasty spice with a long history and numerous health advantages is turmeric. Curcumin, a compound found in the roots and bulbs of a particular plant, has been used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for thousands of years due to its many medicinal properties. It is a miraculous spice.
The primary ingredient present in the plant’s roots and bulbs is curcumin. These include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-coagulant, antiseptic, healing, and anti-cancer effects, making it a powerful tool in the treatment of a variety of illnesses.
But when it comes to our pets, they can experience the same illnesses as us. Therefore, when it comes to our most cherished canine friends, turmeric is an excellent natural herb that can help improve your cats’ overall health and vitality.
Turmeric, a superfood known for its anti-inflammatory properties, can help to improve the health of a cat’s digestive system. Additionally, it has elements that can help with worm elimination and the repair of intestinal damage.
Turmeric is unquestionably safe for cats and has therapeutic advantages, and because of that, it is a common remedy for cat illnesses. Their immune system’s performance is enhanced, which helps in the struggle against many diseases.
4. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been noted for its potential health benefits and is believed by some to be effective in treating worm infestations in cats.
It functions because, in contrast to other vinegar, it increases the cat’s intestines’ alkaline levels, which deters parasites and worms from thriving.
Read more How to Get Cat Urine Smells and Stains Out of Concrete: 3 Practical Options
If you add 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of raw organic apple cider vinegar to your cat’s water each day, you might notice an improvement in the condition of its coat in addition to several other health benefits.
5. Coconut
As a vermifuge, dried coconut can assist you in getting rid of worms in your cat. Coconut oil can help to get rid of parasites in cats and has many other health benefits.
To use it as a dewormer, sprinkle the appropriate amount (1 tsp for small cats, 2 tsp for medium cats, and 1 tbsp for large breeds) onto your cat’s food daily.
The lauric acid in coconut oil is converted by the body into monolaurin, which has been found to be effective against tapeworms, giardia, and other parasites.
The amount of coconut oil you should give your cat daily should be based on their weight, with an increase of about 1 tsp for every 10 pounds.
6. Carrots
These well-known orange vegetables are rich in vitamin A and, it’s true, are also one of the home remedies for worms in cats.
Carrots that have been roughly chopped scratch the stomach and intestinal walls as they are digested, getting rid of any parasites and mucus that may be present. Your cats can enjoy carrots as a tasty treat or as part of their cat food meals because they are a great source of nutrients for them.
They are a great source of vitamins and minerals, strengthen the immune system, and are completely safe. Carrots will hugely help get rid of worms in our dear feline friends.
How Can I Deworm My Cat?
It is known that you can deworm your cat by yourself; however, since every case of worming is unique, it’s always best to consult your veterinarian first.
The most popular method for naturally deworming cats at home involves the use of coconut oil, turmeric, and essential oils.
Can Coconut Oil Get Rid Of Worms In Cats?
Since coconut oil can change lauric acid into monolaurin, it can be used to deworm cats. One potential all-natural deworming method for cats is coconut oil.
Given that it’s a natural remedy and that your cat might find it more enjoyable to eat than a pill, this has some appealing advantages.
Owners may find it simpler to encourage their cats to eat coconut oil rather than medication as a result. Due to its numerous health advantages, particularly its built-in antibacterial properties, coconut oil is becoming more and more well-liked among cats and dogs.
Because of this, coconut oil is recognized for having anti-parasitic properties that help cats by killing worms and their larvae. Coconut oil is not advised for cats with certain medical conditions because some cats may be allergic to it.
Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of coconut oil can cause diarrhea. To determine whether the coconut oil has successfully treated your cat’s worm issue, you must have the veterinarian professionally examine your cat’s stool.
Treat cat worms with coconut oil only if you’ve already discussed it with your veterinarian. It might not be adequate or suitable for your cat’s condition.
How To Use Coconut Oil As A Dewormer?
You can either rub it directly onto the infected worms or swallow a tablespoon of pure coconut oil. The antibacterial and antiviral properties of coconut are said to help treat feline worm infestations.
A two-step process is necessary for this treatment. Give your cat a spoonful of pure coconut oil every morning, either directly or as part of its food. At night, apply a small amount of coconut oil to the affected area.
Garlic As Treatment For Treatment Of Tapeworms In Cats
Garlic cannot be used to treat feline tapeworms because no study has demonstrated that it can. Garlic has been shown to potentially inhibit the production of eggs and larvae in certain types of intestinal worms. Tapeworms, which are long, flat worms with many segments, require an intermediary host to complete their life cycle.
The mature segments of tapeworms, which contain eggs, are expelled in feces and can be found in a cat’s feces, on their bedding, or in the hair around their anus.
Every type of tapeworm needs an intermediary host to complete its life cycle. In order for the cat to become infected, the intermediate host must first consume the eggs from the environment.
Different animals act as intermediate hosts for various types of tapeworms. In cats all over the world, Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis are the most typical tapeworms to be discovered.
Compounds called disulfides, and thiosulphates found in garlic can weaken and destroy red blood cells in a cat’s body, leading to a condition called hemolytic anemia, which can be fatal. It is important to be aware of this risk when giving garlic to cats.
Essential Oils For Deworming Cats
Cats can be dewormed using essential oils because they will protect your cat from any external parasites and act as a repellent, preventing further infections.
A quick solution is to combine a small amount with a cat shampoo that is suitable for the skin type of your cat.
As an alternative, you could give your cat their regular bath before putting the essential oil right on their skin. It should only take about five drops and be careful not to apply it to any open wounds or skin damage.
To use tea tree oil as a treatment for a skin condition in a cat, mix 20 drops of the essential oil with 100 ml of basic vegetable oil such as sweet almond, rosehip, or argan oil. Apply a small amount of this mixture to the affected area of your cat’s skin.
What Is The Best Home Remedy For Worms In Cats?
Turmeric can help improve your cat’s overall health and vitality while also proving to be very effective in treating worms in cats. The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric make it a superfood and treat worms greatly.
Additionally, it has elements that can help with worm removal and intestinal damage repair. This will improve the health of your cat’s digestive system! A perennial herbaceous plant, turmeric is unquestionably safe for cats and has therapeutic advantages.
Read more Can I Put Catnip in My Cat’s Food? What You Need to Know!
The common remedy for illnesses in cats is turmeric. Their immune system’s performance is enhanced, which helps in the struggle against many diseases.
How Do Cats Get Worms?
Cats typically get worms from interacting with infected feces or parasite eggs. Cats are known for their grooming habits and may accidentally ingest worms or their eggs as they clean themselves, as they may come into contact with infected feces or areas where eggs are present while grooming.
Indoor cats can also be infected with worms if they share the same litter box that has infected feces. Because worms can live in the muscles of their prey, cats that hunt small rodents frequently and live outdoors are also more likely to get worms.
When a cat consumes a rodent that has worm larvae present, the larvae can grow to adulthood in the cat’s intestines and cause a worm infestation.
Types of Worms In Cats
The most common types of worms that cats can have problems with are whipworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and roundworms. But, there are also some worms that are not so common but can cause severe health issues and life-threatening problems, like stomach worms, liver flukes, heartworms, bladder worms, and lungworms.
Symptoms For Specific Types of Worms In Cats
These specific symptoms will help cat owners determine the type of worm based on their cat’s symptoms.
Whipworms
• Anemia
• Large bowel diarrhea (with blood)
• Dehydration
• Weight loss
Tapeworms
When a cat has tapeworms, you may not notice any symptoms, but you can obviously see specks that look like white grains of rice in these parts:
• On the feces or in the feces inside the litter box
• Around and on the anuts
• Attached to the fur under the tail and around the anal area
Hookworms
• Weight loss
• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea with blood
• Coughing
• Skin lesions
• Pale lips and gums
• Dark and tarry stool
Roundworms
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Intestinal obstructions
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Enlarged abdomen
Hookworms
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Poor appetite
• Pale gums and lips
RELATED: Cat Poop Color Chart – What Does Each Color Indicate?
Liver Flakes
• Swollen belly
• Swelling of the liver
Heartworm
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Lack of appetite
• Sudden collapse
• Sudden death
Bladder Worm
• Blood in the urine
• Pain while urinating
• Straining
RELATED: Cat Urine Color Chart: Everything You Need To Know And More
Lungworm
• Pneumonia as the infestation worsens and symptoms progress
• Difficulty breathing
• Coughing
Wrapping It Up
Pet parents can effectively handle the situation with the aid of home remedies for worms in cats. Pet owners must be aware that tapeworm infections are possible and that they must regularly administer worm treatments.
If you stick with your cat’s good hygiene habits and all parasite prevention and dewormings, these troublesome parasites will be avoided along with transmission to adults and kids.
For indoor cats, daily litter box cleaning, regular litter replacement, and regular litter box scrubbing are essential for reducing exposure to contaminated feces.
For outdoor cats, regularly removing waste from the lawn, sandbox, and flowerbeds will reduce the chance of the parasite’s life cycle spreading.
Related Content
What Is Whisker Fatigue?
Why Are My Cats Ears Hot? Find Out 6 Reasons For It
Cat Vomit Looks Like Poop: Causes And Solutions
— Update: 14-03-2023 — cohaitungchi.com found an additional article Worms in cats | Symptoms & how to help from the website www.bellaandduke.com for the keyword home remedy for cats with worms.
Symptoms of worms in cats
Many cats that are infected with worms do not show symptoms, however failing to treat worms can result in more significant health complications. It’s important to understand the signs of worms in cats, so you are able to begin treatment as soon as possible.
Common symptoms of worms in cats include:
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Coarse fur
- Lethargy
- Diarrhoea
- Distended stomach
- Irritation around the anus
- Visible traces of worms
- Dragging their rear end on the floor
If you notice any of the above symptoms, or are concerned that your cat could have worms, it is always best to seek veterinary advice to make sure you follow the appropriate course of treatment.
Types of worms in cats
There are various types of worms that can infect cats. These include:
Roundworms
The roundworm is the most common type of intestinal worm found in cats. There are two types of roundworms that are regularly found in cats; Toxascaris leonina and Toxocara cati. These types of roundworm lay eggs which are passed in cats’ faeces but are not visible without a microscope.
Once the cat faeces has been passed, the eggs remain and are still able to hatch for many months afterwards. More importantly these eggs are sticky and often remain in the coats of cats. These eggs may transfer to your hands when you stroke them. Washing hands before eating or touching your face will remove the eggs easily.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are flat in appearance and are made up of many segments, growing as long as 30cm. One of most common types of tapeworms in cats is the Dipylidium caninum, passed on to cats when they ingest fleas.
Tapeworm segments are shed and look like grains of rice, which are often visible on a cat’s bed or around their anus.Another type of tapeworm is Taenia taeniaeformis, which is usually passed onto cats when they eat small rodents that have eaten this type of tapeworm’s egg packets which dry into grains.
Hook worms/ Thread worms
Hookworms and threadworms are small intestinal worms that attach themselves to cats’ intestinal lining. There are two common types that cats catch; Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma tubaeforme.
They are usually found in the soil of the garden. When they latch on, they cause damage to the tissue. As a result of the way that hookworms damage the intestinal lining, this can cause bleeding, and protein loss. If cats have heavy burdens they may cause anaemia and weight loss side effects of having hookworms/threadworms.
Read more Best Iron Rich Cat Food – Reviews & Buying Guide
Lungworm
Lungworm (Crenasoma vulpis,and Angiostrongylus vasorum) may be found in fox faeces and molluscs (like slugs and snails) respectively. Fox lungworm may cause chronic coughing or asthma type symptoms.
The one found in slugs and snails actually builds up in the larger blood vessels of the heart and can lead to clotting problems and bleeding.
This could be life threatening if left undiagnosed but is also rare in the north of the UK as it has arrived with travelling animals from continental Europe. As cats are less likely to venture into the eating of fox waste or molluscs it is more commonly a problem in dogs.
Other types of worms
While roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms are types of intestinal worms that are most prevalent in cats, there are other types of worms that can infect cats around the world. These include:
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis)
- Eyeworm (Thelazia callipaeda)
- Less common lungworm species (Oslerus osleri and more rarely Aelurostrongylus abstrusus and Capillaria spp)
How do cats catch worms?
Cats and kittens of any age are susceptible to catching worms. There are different ways for transmission to happen.
The most typical way for cats to catch worms is through ingesting worms’ eggs, which can be through having them on their fur and washing, or through eating from any contaminated surface. This is particularly common with roundworm and hookworm.
Another way for cats to catch worms such as tapeworm, is through eating an infected animal, for example, a mouse that has eaten worm eggs. As the cat digests the animal that they have eaten, the eggs are able to continue living and hatching inside the cat.
When female cats are pregnant, any dormant Toxocara cati larvae that they have in their body from previous roundworm infections even from birth can travel across the placenta directly to the kittens or to the mammary glands. This enables them to be passed onto kittens through the milk that a mother produces. As a result, many kittens catch worms at a very young age.
Some types of worms, such as the Dipylidium caninum a variety of the tapeworm, are transmitted by fleas. This happens as flea larvae ingest worm eggs and the cat then consumes the infected flea. This means that any cats with fleas should also be treated for Dipylidium caninum.
Diagnosis of worms in cats
When a cat shows the symptoms of worms, they should be taken for a veterinary check-up, so they can be assessed. Usually, this will involve taking a faecal sample to understand whether or not there is a presence of worms or eggs, using this information to guide treatment.
Our worm count kit helps you to screen for faecal worm eggs in your cat’s stool. All you need to do is fill the collection pot with your cat’s first poo of the day, write their name on the pot, complete the form and send it to the lab for analysis. This quick and effective test is a great way to find out if your cat has worms.
It is important to diagnose worms as quickly as possible to prevent them from causing any further health complications. In addition to this, some of the symptoms of worms can also be indications of other health conditions, meaning quick veterinary analysis can highlight any underlying problems.
Low numbers of some species like hookworm or thread worm may simply be that your cat is ingesting them rather than there is a significant infestation. Usually 25 eggs per gram signifies a significant burden in need of treatment.
Natural treatment for worms in cats
There are numerous ways to treat worms in cats without the need for unnecessary harsh chemical treatments. Remember to check that your chosen type of treatment is suitable for your cat before beginning and seek veterinary advice if you are concerned about your cat’s health in any way. Find a pro raw vet.
Raw pumpkin seeds
Raw pumpkin seeds release a type of amino acid called cucurbitacin, which stops worms from latching onto cats’ intestines. These can be ground fresh, adding 1 teaspoon per 10lbs of your cat’s body weight into their food each day.
Apple cider vinegar
A small amount of apple cider vinegar added to your cats food will help to create an environment that is inhospitable to worms. Start with just a drop or two and build up gradually to about half a teaspoon a day to allow your cat time to get used to the new taste.
“Cats will be suckling from their mother and investigating whatever their mum is eating from as young as three weeks. I would advise to not try and force wean until post eight weeks, but let them choose when to supplement their mum’s milk with a raw diet.” Dr. Brendan Clarke, President of the Raw Feeding Veterinary Society (RFVS)
Avoiding worms in cats
Prevention of worms in cats is far better than treating them once they are present. Chemical wormers won’t prevent worms, they simply treat any that may have been picked up since the last treatment.
As mentioned earlier in this article, kittens can catch worms through their mother’s milk, so it should be assumed that every cat, even from a young age, could be infected with worms.
To avoid worms in cats, you should:
- Carry out regular worm counts, and take further action if required
- Carry out regular natural worming treatments throughout a cat’s life
- Clean up any contaminated soil outside the home, for example, soil that clearly has animal faeces in it
- Use natural deterrents to keep fleas at bay, and if you see any fleas on your cat or in the home, make sure you thoroughly cleanse the area to prevent a flea outbreak
