Hookworms are a common but highly treatable parasite in cats. Hookworms attach themselves to a cat's intestine and feed off of blood. They enter a cat through ingestion or skin contact with contaminated soil or feces, and your cat may experience symptoms like diarrhea, anemia, and skin lesions. A vet will diagnose a cat by analyzing stool with a microscope and will treat the parasite using deworming medications. The prognosis is good for cats treated early and appropriately, but untreated hookworms can be fatal.
Hookworms are internal parasites with hooklike mouths that attach to the intestinal wall, where they feed on the cat's blood. This can cause potentially fatal internal bleeding, anemia, and blood loss in your cat. Hookworms are thread-like and less than a half-inch long, making them difficult to spot with the naked eye. Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense are the most common form of hookworm found in cats.
Some cats with hookworms exhibit clear symptoms, while others don't. If you notice your cat acting abnormally or feeling sick, visit your vet.
Hookworms in cats can cause a wide array of symptoms, some less specific than others. If your cat contracted hookworms by stepping on contaminated material, there may be skin irritation or lesions at the site of the worm's entry into the body. Because hookworms infect the digestive system, your cart may suffer weight loss, diarrhea, and anemia from nutritional deficiency. Your cat may also have bloody, tarry-looking stool due to internal bleeding caused by the worm.
Hookworm larvae, which thrive in warm, moist climates, can enter a cat through ingestion and skin contact.
A vet will diagnose hookworms by examining a cat's stool under a microscope and looking for eggs. This examination is performed with a procedure called fecal floatation, in which the cat's stool sample is mixed with a liquid that allows the hookworm eggs to float to the surface. Following the detection of eggs, your vet will perform a series of tests, including blood analysis and urinalysis.
Your vet will usually treat your cat's hookworms by prescribing a deworming medication. Your vet may also prescribe supplements and fluids to treat any iron deficiency or dehydration caused by the worms. Overall, treatment is simple and effective.
Medications will only affect hookworms in the intestines, not migrating larvae, so you should repeat treatment to eradicate them as they mature. The number of treatments necessary will depend on your cat's age and health.
With swift detection and treatment, the prognosis for cats with hookworms is good. However, if a cat is not treated, the blood loss caused by the hookworms can be fatal, especially for kittens.
There isn't a vaccine for hookworms in cats, but you can take preventative measures to minimize the risk of your cat contracting the parasite. This is primarily done by practicing good sanitation, cleaning your cat's litter box often and thoroughly, using a monthly deworming pill, and mindfulness in environments where worms may be present.
Hookworm larvae can infect people as well as cats. In humans, the hookworm larvae don't develop into adult hookworms, but migrating larvae cause skin irritation, itchiness, and inflammation. This condition is called cutaneous larva migrans (CLM). CLM appears as raised, red tracks on the skin, but symptoms will usually resolve without medical treatment. Hookworms in humans are rare and are best prevented by protecting your cat from hookworms.
You can get hookworms from your cat indirectly, but not directly. You cannot contract the parasite by cuddling or kissing your cat, but you may do so by stepping on its infected feces.
Thankfully, hookworms are relatively inexpensive to treat. Many dewormers are affordable and over-the-counter.
There is not a vaccine for hookworms, but putting your cat on a monthly dewormer and practicing good hygiene will help minimize the risk of contracting hookworms.
Everything You Need to Know About Raising Your First Cat
Whether you are thinking about getting a cat or just adopted your first one, these are the things to know to make your relationship a lasting one.8 Ways To Help Your Cat Lose Weight
Cats who are at a healthy weight are happier, more agile, and tend to live longer. Here are 8 tips for managing a cat weight loss programmeHeart Disease in Cats
Like humans, cats can get heart diseases that may lead to serious problems. Learn all about symptoms along with the causes, treatment, and prevention.Is Coconut Oil Safe for Cats?
Coconut oil is touted as a miracle food. Can coconut oil improve your cat's health? Is coconut oil even safe for cats?Taurine for Cats
Taurine is an essential animal protein in your cat's diet. Learn more about the various ways it supports your feline's body.Can Cats Eat Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is not toxic to cats, but it might not be the best choice of treat for them.Why Do Cats Stare at Walls?
Cats can have some quirky behaviors, including staring at walls. Why do cats do this and when should you be concerned?Patellar Luxation in Dogs
If your dog has a knee that seems to pop out of place, it may have a patellar luxation. Find out what this means and what can be done about it.13 Signs of Cancer in Dogs
The signs of cancer in dogs may include lumps and bumps, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, abdominal swelling, and more. Signs may be mild or obvious depending on the type of cancer and its severity. Learn common signs of cancer in dogs so you’ll know when to call the vet.Ear Mites in Puppies and Dogs
Ear mites can be a big discomfort for puppies and dogs. Learn about the causes, treatment, and prevention to keep mites away from your pets.Why Do Dogs Eat Dirt?
Some dogs eat some strange things. What does it mean if your dog eats dirt and when should you be concerned?200 Tortoiseshell Cat Names for Your Bi-Colored Kitty
Tortoiseshell cats are a rare phenomenon and deserve a fitting name. We've pulled together 200 tortoiseshell cat names, including male names, female names, cute names, and names inspired by their coat color and pattern.How to Manage Your Cat's Claws
Here are ways you can help your cat maintain healthy claws while protecting your furniture at the same time.Hair Loss in Cats
Hair loss in cats is a common problem with many possible causes. Learn the causes, treatments, and prevention of hair loss in cats, also known as alopecia.Neurological Disorders in Cats
Neurological disorders in cats range from minor to serious. Any neurological condition is a major disruption to your cat's central nervous system. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention of neurological disorders in cats.Hair Loss on Hind Legs in Cats
Cats experience hair loss on their hind legs for a variety of reasons. Learn about potential causes, treatments, and ways to prevent it.Can Cats Have Milk? Why They Really Shouldn’t Drink The Stuff
Despite what we’ve learned from pop culture, cats shouldn’t drink milk as most cats are lactose intolerant. Learn more about feeding milk to cats and alternatives you can feed your cat instead.Can Cats Eat Dog Food?
Can cats eat dog food? In small amounts, it's unlikely to be a problem, but long-term feeding of dog food to cats can cause health issues and malnutrition.Why Some Black Cats Look Different in the Sun
Some black cats look different in the sunlight. Whether it's cat genetics, a mutation, or a summer "rust," learn why they appear to have another coat.Training Your Fearful Cat to Be Confident
Cats can become scared for any number of reasons. Learn about techniques that can help your fearful cat and reduce its anxiety so kitty lives a happy life.