What are the main kinds of worms that infect cats?
The two main types of worms that infect cats are roundworms and tapeworms. Many cats dont show signs of having worms, but large numbers can cause weight loss, vomiting, diarrhoea and the failure to grow and develop. Roundworms are thin and string-like, whereas tapeworms are long and flat. The adult tapeworm stays in the bowel, shedding small rice-like segments called proglottids in the cats faeces. Cats become infested with roundworms when they eat birds or mice which carry minute small eggs are then passed out in the faeces again to infect another host and complete the cycle. Roundworms are also picked up directly from the environment. Kittens are particularly susceptible to roundworms and are often infected from birth. Tapeworms can also be picked up from eating rodents, but fleas are the most common intermediate host, so worming should be done in conjunction with flea treatment. Constant scratching and twitching is a sign of flea infestation and tiny black droppings can often be see
