Both kittens and adult cats may become infected by swallowing eggs that contain infective roundworm larvae. These eggs may come from the feces of infected cats or from the tissues of paratenic hosts (an accidental host). In a paratenic host, the roundworm eggs do not mature into adults, but are just transported.
Why do indoor cats get roundworms?
Cats can get roundworms by eating wild animals as well as from feces or a contaminated environment. Most cats are infected with roundworms at some point in their life. They often show no symptoms. If your cat suffers weight loss, dull hair, and a potbellied appearance, it may have a major roundworm infection.
How long does it take to get rid of roundworms in kittens?
Most medications are able to kill adult worms within 24 hours of intake. In some special cases, it takes a second dose between 3 and 4 weeks later to kill the rest, which was larvae at the time of treatment.
How do you get rid of roundworms in kittens?
There are several medications for treating roundworm in cats, including fenbendazole, emodepside, milbemycin, piperazine, moxidectin, selamectin, and pyrantel. Your veterinarian will select the remedy best suited for your cat.
Can kittens get roundworms from their mother?
Roundworms are extremely common in kittens, and as kittens can be infected from the mother's milk it should be assumed that all kittens are infected and worming should be started at a young age.
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