Ewwww My Cat Has Worms
@ScrappinHappyMom (914)
United States
February 20, 2007 11:58am CST
I know this is so gross but I thought if anyone could put light on this it would be someone here. I called the vet and he told me to try the over the counter stuff first because I don't have the $100 to take her in for a treatment. So I got that. I have also been cleaning like crazy, bleached her box, the floor around her box, poured boiling water in her bowls and just in general have been cleaning like a mad woman.
So my question is do you guys know of anything else I should be doing? Does anyone know if the over the counter stuff really works or should I just find a way to get her to the vet?
I feel so bad for her, she is an inside cat but apparently got ahold of a infected mouse. I just really love my cat and want to get her better asap.
I would be gratful for any suggestions. Thanks in advance!!
4 people like this
7 responses
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
20 Feb 07
Many of the over the counter medications for worms work. So you are doing the right thing by tryign that first. Cleaning everything out is smart, and make sure that as she uses the litter box you scoop it out right away. Make sure that after the treatment you do retreat in two weeks. That way you can be sure to get rid of them.
Just so you know there are other ways to get worms then just by eating an infected mouse. One of the big ways is from eating fleas, which even indoor cats can get. Check with your vet about getting capstar, it's a pill that you give the cat and it kills the fleas. Some pet stores also sell it, usually around $3 a pill. You can then use a colar or something like advantage to help keep the fleas at bay.
@ScrappinHappyMom (914)
• United States
20 Feb 07
The vet said it is more than likely pin worms because that is the most common carried in the mice up here. Thankfully we live at way to high of an altitude for fleas or ticks. That is why he hasn't ever given her shots before, normally we don't even have mice but because we have gotten so much snow they are coming in looking for food.
1 person likes this
@gemini52981 (158)
• Canada
21 Feb 07
If a cat is an outdoor cat, or even an outdoor/indoor cat, it doesn't matter where you live, the cat must have its' shots. There are so many illnesses out there, like feline leukemia, feline aids, rabies, and feline respitory infection like herpes, that your cat can get from wild animals, drinking puddles that a wild animal has peed in, or from bite wounds, also from insects. The yearly vaccines are very important, especially if you want to keep your cat around for a long time to come. Please don't use a flea collar, those things don't do anything, but you can purchase "advantage flea protection" from ebay as well.
2 people like this
@jellylilyjujuluver (251)
• United States
20 Feb 07
Sorry to hear your furry baby has worms - do not be alarmed! Is it ringworm or tapeworm? If it's tapeworm (intestinal) I am totally amazed that your vet can get away with charging $100 for a shot that is given so commonly. I would suggest calling another vet or your local Humane Society/SPCA. More than likely they have a low cost vaccination program. It's touch and go with the over-the-counter pills - I've always had better luck with the shot.
Also - call a local pet store and see if they know of any place that offers low-cost vaccination.
Now - if it's ringworm (on the skin) that's a whole other ball game. You really have no choice but to get the proper meds from the vet - not to mention that you can catch this. Again, call around for a low cost treatment and/or a payment program.
good luck!
3 people like this
@gemini52981 (158)
• Canada
21 Feb 07
actually, you can catch any worm that your cat has. and ring worm is not a worm at all, in fact it is just a fungus, a very contagious fungus. The only reason it is called ring"worm" is because it is a red circle on the skin that looks like a worm, but is actually a fungus. Ringworm is probably the easiest cat ailment to treat without going to the vet, just by purchasing cream for athletes foot and applying to affected areas...the fungus should be gone in up to two weeks.
2 people like this
@keepermykitty (2573)
• Canada
21 Feb 07
My cats had worms once , I bought the over the counter stuff and it did do the job ,or as far as I know it did .
Good Luck I know how you feel , Poor kitty
1 person likes this
@giannis_c (44)
• Greece
21 Feb 07
just go to any petshop and ask for a warm tablet. If they don't have for cats get for a dog and give your cat half. Now the problem is how to give it...mmmmmm. Make sure you wrap your cat with a jumper or something to prevent it scraching you, open its mouth and push the tablet down its throught. then keep the mouth shut and rub its throught gently till the tablet is swallowed. This might take some time and make sure the cat has not hidden it under its tongue or at the back of the mouth. clever little things they are. The result of this is that after a while the cat will have the sh1ts so make sure it's close to the litter box or at an outside area. I know it sounds cruel but is the cheapest and the only way. It has worked numerous times with mine. have fun
2 people like this
@cabergren (1181)
• United States
21 Feb 07
My cat also had round worms. They look like rubberbands. They say they can get them when they are born and they lie dormant and suddently come back. We did get her from a shelter so we don't know anything about her. I tried the over the counter stuff and it did not work. I don't know who your vet is but it only cost me about $30 to get the treatment. It was a paste that you shot down their throat every week for about 4 weeks and that took care of the problem. I would definitely get your cat to the vets, but I might consider finding a cheaper vet.
@TinWolf (184)
• United States
21 Feb 07
First of all save your money with over the counter. I have to believe that there is a local Humane Society facility where you are.
They sell wormers, depending on the weight of the animal, and usually in 2 stages. A pill, and a syringe which they'll advise you give in 2 weeks and keep refrigerated in the meantime. They are reasonably priced.
They should also determine the type of worm first.
The issue extends beyond your discomfort however, and even that of the cat. The most usual worms are caused by "Flea" bites and infestation. Not knowing if your cat is an in or in/out, or if you have other pets who do go out, I suggest you check.
If in fact fleas are apparent, that's where the worms originate, and that issue has to be addressed, likely with ongoing efforts.
Steven Wolf
Life long pet owner
