Cats may, at certain points in their lives, become infected with worms either through ingestion of contaminated water or soil, through their mother's milk, by eating infected prey or even fleas. Nevertheless, they can live a full life for up to 15 years even if they have worms.
How long can a cat live if it has worms?
The most common is called Dipylidium caninum and is associated with fleas. The second most commonly seen tapeworm is called Taenia taeniaeformis and is linked to small mammals, birds and reptiles. Tapeworms can live up to two years if untreated, but often do not cause great harm to their host.
What happens if a cat has worms for too long?
If left untreated, worms can cause weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss and a range of other health issues that can negatively impact kittens' growth. While adult cats often don't show signs of infection, kittens typically will have symptoms.
Can worms cause death in cats?
There are many different species of worms that cats can be infected with, each posing different risks. If left untreated they can seriously harm your cat, some even resulting in cat's death. Some worms can pass from cats to people through grooming, stroking or the environment.
What happens if worms are not treated in cats?
Depending on the type and severity of infection, worm infestations that remain untreated can lead to serious health issues for your cat – including malnutrition, severe anemia, and intestinal obstructions – which can become life-threatening.
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