Roundworms are not particularly harmful to adult cats, but large numbers may cause life-threatening problems in kittens and debilitated older cats. In kittens, common clinical signs include a pot-bellied appearance, abdominal discomfort, depressed appetite, dull hair coat, vomiting and diarrhea, or poor growth.
What happens if roundworms go untreated 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.
Can cats recover from roundworms?
Simple cases of roundworms in adults are fortunately very easy to treat with a course of medication, and your cat is likely to make a full recovery. However, in cases with very heavy parasite loads, cats with health issues, or in kittens, complications can occur, and additional supportive treatment may be required.
What do I do if my cat has roundworms?
Cats infected with roundworms are typically given a deworming medication by mouth. “This will immediately start killing the worms, and you may see dead worms in the cat's poop or vomit,” Nichols says.
How long until roundworms are gone in cats?
After deworming a cat, if the cat is not reinfected with worms by grooming itself or eating infected feces, which means no re-treatment of worms is required, on average it takes about 3 to 9 days for the worms to be completely gone out of the cat intestines or system.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
How do you get rid of roundworms in cats without going to the vet?How long does it take to cure roundworms in cats?