A complete guide to worming your cat

Worms can be an unpleasant problem for cats, but with the right care they’re usually easily preventable and treatable. Here’s what you need to know.

Worms are parasites that live in your cat’s intestines. If left untreated, they can cause more serious health problems. Thankfully, with routine preventative care or the right treatment if your cat gets ill, worms in cats can be prevented or managed.

Why is worming important?

Whether your cat prefers indoor living or is an outdoor hunting machine, if untreated, it’s likely they’ll get worms at some point. There are two main types of worms that cats can pick up: roundworms and tapeworms.

If they’re left untreated, worms in cats can do damage to their digestive system, immune health, and overall wellbeing. So, it’s important to use a reliable cat de-wormer regularly to ensure your cat stays fit, healthy and worm free.

How do cats pick up worms?

There are four common ways cats can be infected with worms. These are:

1
Hunting and eating prey
Rodents, birds, and other small animals often carry worm larvae. If your cat eats them, they can ingest the parasites too.
2
From their mother’s milk
Kittens can pick up roundworm larvae directly from their mother’s milk. This makes young cats particularly vulnerable to infection.
3
Through fleas
Fleas can carry tapeworm larvae. When cats groom themselves and accidentally swallow a flea, they can become infected with tapeworms. This is probably the most common cause of tapeworms in cats.
4
Environmental exposure
Roundworm eggs can survive for long periods in soil. If your cat licks or eats contaminated soil, they can become infected.

Types of worms in cats

There are several types of worms that affect cats in the UK, but the two most common are roundworms and tapeworms.

Roundworms

The two main species are Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina. Cats swallow these worms when they’re exposed to contaminated soil or infected prey. Kittens are especially at risk, as Toxocara cati can pass from their mother via her milk.

Tapeworms

The two main types of tapeworm are Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis. These are usually contracted by swallowing fleas carrying tapeworm eggs during grooming, or by eating prey animals.

Other worms

Another type of worm that’s less common but still possible for cats to get is the hookworm, which is smaller and harder to spot. Though they’re rarer in the UK, they can still cause health issues, particularly if cats have travelled abroad.

Signs and symptoms of worms in cats

Recognising the signs of worms in cats is important when it comes to early treatment. Worms in cats symptoms include:

Visible worms in cat faeces or around your cat’s anus. White worms in cats, resembling spaghetti or grains of rice, are often the most obvious sign.
Your cat is losing weight (despite eating well).
A bloated or swollen abdomen, particularly in kittens.
Diarrhoea or vomiting (sometimes with worms present).
Your cat’s coat looks dull or they’re shedding a lot.
Coughing is another sign, as roundworm larvae can migrate to your cat’s lungs.

Some worms may even be seen in or around their bedding. If you notice any of these worm symptoms in cats, it’s best to get prompt advice from your vet.

What do worms look like in cats?

Different worms have different appearances. Knowing what to look for can help you identify which kind of parasite your cat may have.

Roundworms – Long, white, spaghetti-like. These may appear in faeces or vomit.
Tapeworms – Flat with segments that look a bit like grains of rice. Individual segments may be found around the anus or on your cat’s bedding.
Hookworms – Much smaller and rarely visible to the naked eye.

Preventative worming

When it comes to dealing with worms, preventing worms is always easier than treating a heavy infestation. Therefore, worm preventative treatment should form part of your cat’s regular healthcare routine.

As a rough guide, adult cats may be required to be wormed every one to three months, depending on things like their lifestyle. For example, outdoor hunters or cats with flea problems may need more frequent treatment.

And, as mentioned, with tapeworms being closely linked to fleas, flea control is essential too and regular flea treatment alongside worming helps keep both parasites under control.

For more information, including how often you should worm your cat, we recommend you speak with your vet who’ll be able to advise you on the right schedule.

Treating worms when your cat has them

If your cat already has worms, don’t panic. With the right medication, the parasites can be treated quickly.

There are various treatment options available. These may include:

Tablets – Usually given with food. Some cats resist taking tablets, so methods like wrapping them in food can help.
Spot-on treatments – Convenient for cats that refuse tablets.
Injections – Given by vets and can be effective against some types of worms.

Vet-prescribed treatments are generally more reliable than supermarket products, so it’s always best to seek veterinary advice. The correct dose typically depends on your cat’s body weight so, again, this is something your vet will be able to advise you on.

Most treatments start working within 24-48 hours, though in some cases worms may be visible in your cat’s poo for several days until they’re all gone. Although giving cats tablets can be tricky, never skip doses, as incomplete treatment leaves your cat vulnerable to reinfection.

Do you flea or worm first?

It’s generally recommended that you treat fleas before worms, since fleas are a common carrier of tapeworm eggs. By treating fleas first, you reduce the risk of reinfection.

Natural remedies for worms in cats

Some owners ask how to get rid of worms in cats naturally. Remedies such as pumpkin seeds or grated carrots are sometimes suggested, but there’s not much scientific evidence that they work reliably. For your cat’s health and safety, it’s best to stick with treatments recommended by your vet.

Worming kittens

Kittens can be particularly vulnerable to worms, with untreated infections causing various health issues, such as stunted growth or even death in serious cases. This means following worming schedules is really important for young cats. For accurate information, speak to your vet for advice

Can indoor cats get worms?

Yes, even indoor cats can get worms. Worm eggs can be brought into the home on shoes or through other pets. That’s why all cats, regardless of whether they’re indoor or outdoor cats, should be wormed regularly.

Can humans catch worms from cats?

While it’s not a particularly nice thought, humans can get worms from cats, although thankfully it’s pretty rare. Roundworms are the most common type that are passed from cats to humans, usually through contaminated soil, litter trays, or surfaces. The condition is known as toxocariasis and can cause eye or organ problems. Children are most at risk, so it’s important they wash their hands after handling cats or cleaning litter trays.

Overall, while worms in cats are common and can cause some issues if left untreated, they’re totally preventable and treatable. Keeping your cat on a regular worming and flea treatment schedule, and seeking advice from your vet if symptoms appear, will ensure your pet stays healthy and happy.

For more information on keeping your cat healthy, see our range of health advice and guides for cats.

FAQs about worming your cat

Written by: Adam Jolley
Approved by: Adam Jolley
Last reviewed on: 2 January 2026

About the Author

Adam Jolley is a writer specialising in insurance, personal finance, and pets. He’s worked for Confused.com and Admiral Insurance, and currently writes and edits for an online magazine. His strangest pet was a hissing cockroach. Now, he’s a proud cat dad to Penelope, affectionately known as Nelly.