Worms are intestinal parasites and may or may not cause visible signs of illness. Worms use your cat as a host in order to get nourishment, reproduce, and complete their lifecycle. There are a number of cat parasites, including a few major classes of worms.

Roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms are the main types of worms found in cats. Fecal exam is the method of diagnosis and should be done during an annual check up.

Typically, cats that share litter boxes will all be afflicted. A fecal sample from one cat, therefore, is usually sufficient to determine if an infestation exists in the home. By the same token, it is recommended that treatment be given to all cats sharing litter boxes if one of them is infected.

Let's have a look at more detail on each of the major types of worms that attack cats.

Roundworms - Roundworms (Toxocara Cati) look like spaghetti, and are usually only visible when vomited up. Kittens can become infected with roundworm via their mothers. This is the case even if the mother cat shows no signs of infection. The encysted form of the roundworm lies dormant in the mother cat, and is passed to the kitten. Usually, even if test results are negative, veterinarians will worm kittens 2-3 times to be sure.

Mature cats often develop a natural immunity against roundworm. Adult cats, therefore, do not usually exhibit symptoms due to this parasite.

Hookworms - Hookworms hook themselves to the inside wall of your cat's intestines and hang on. Since they're tissue feeders, hookworms can cause blood loss, resulting in anemia. In addition, you may observe weight loss, intestinal illness, and poor hair coat. Most of the roundworm treatments used today will kill hookworms as well. Two or more treatments are required to eradicate this worm.

Tapeworms - Tapeworms are made up of a series of segments containing eggs. When the segments drop off the worm, they are passed in the stool. When they dry out, they look like grains of rice, which you'll sometimes see in areas your cat frequents or around the your cat's anus. If your cat experiences anal irritation and/or exhibits excessive licking, this worm may be present.

It's important to control fleas. The flea ingests the tapeworm eggs and then your cat eats the flea. The tapeworm then lives in the intestinal tract of your cat and then produces, you guessed it, more tapeworms.

More often than not, these worms do not cause any visible symptoms of illness in your cat. Understand that you cannot completely get rid of the tapeworm without also addressing the flea problem. As long as there are fleas, your cat is at risk.

Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are enemies of your cat. Keep in mind that while intestinal worms in cats may not always produce any visible signs of illness, your cat is still sick. Cat parasites put undue stress on your little friend, and you should do all you can to help him or her. That includes not only regular check ups, but proper care, high quality food, regular exercise, and the room to play and explore.