{"id":1517,"date":"2025-05-21T07:35:43","date_gmt":"2025-05-21T07:35:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/?p=1517"},"modified":"2025-07-04T01:25:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-04T01:25:29","slug":"symptoms-of-worms-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/symptoms-of-worms-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"S\u00edntomas de lombrices en gatos: 9 se\u00f1ales de alerta que debes conocer"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Introduction: Not All Worms Are Obvious<\/h2>

If you\u2019ve ever looked at your cat and thought, \u201cThey seem a little off, but I can\u2019t quite put my finger on it,\u201d you\u2019re not alone. At SnuggleSouls, we\u2019ve met many loving cat parents who missed the early signs of a worm infestation simply because their kitty looked \u201cfine.\u201d<\/p>

The truth is, cats are masters at ocultar<\/a> discomfort<\/strong>, and many worm infections go unnoticed until the symptoms are more serious.<\/p>

\u00bfBusca una gu\u00eda completa?<\/h4>

In our complete guide on how cats get worms<\/a><\/strong>, we cover all the ways worms spread, types of parasites, and how to treat them. But in this article, we\u2019re focusing on the symptoms<\/em> \u2013 the signs your cat may already have unwelcome passengers. Some are obvious, some are surprisingly subtle, but all are important to know.<\/p>

\ud83d\udc49\u00bfC\u00f3mo contraen lombrices los gatos? Causas, s\u00edntomas y tratamiento<\/strong><\/p>

In this article, we\u2019ll walk you through the most common symptoms of worms in cats, what they mean, and when it\u2019s time to head to the vet. By the end, you\u2019ll know how to read the early clues before they become real problems.<\/p>

Symptoms of Worms in Cats<\/h2>

\"cat,<\/p>

How can you tell if your cat has worms? In many cases, you\u00a0can\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0tell just by casual observation \u2013 cats with worms may show\u00a0no obvious signs<\/strong> at all, especially in early or mild infections.<\/p>

That\u2019s why routine veterinary exams and fecal tests are important. However, there are several\u00a0common symptoms and physical signs<\/strong>\u00a0that, taken together, might indicate a worm infestation in your cat. It\u2019s helpful to link certain symptoms to specific worm types:<\/p>

Visible Worms or Segments<\/strong><\/h3>

Sometimes the most glaring sign is actually seeing the parasites. You might notice\u00a0long, spaghetti-like roundworms<\/strong> in vomit or feces, especially in kittens with heavy burdens. Or you might see the hallmark\u00a0rice-grain segments<\/strong> of tapeworms stuck to your cat\u2019s rear end or in the litter box.<\/p>

If you spot anything that looks like a worm (or pieces of one), collect it in a baggie and bring it to your vet for identification. Not all worms are visible (hookworms and lungworms, for instance,\u00a0no<\/em>\u00a0be seen this way), but if you do see something wriggling, it\u2019s a clear confirmation that your cat needs deworming.<\/p>

Pot-Bellied or Bloated Abdomen<\/strong><\/h3>

A pronounced,\u00a0pot-bellied appearance<\/strong> \u2013 especially in kittens \u2013 is a classic sign of roundworm infection. Young cats with lots of roundworms develop a swollen belly because the worms take up space and cause inflammation.<\/p>

These kittens often have a contrasting \u201cskinny\u201d or malnourished look along their spine and ribs, with a big tummy in profile. Adult cats usually don\u2019t become pot-bellied from worms (unless the infestation is massive), but any sudden abdominal distension in a cat should be checked by a vet.<\/p>

Keep in mind, many healthy kittens have round bellies after meals, but a\u00a0persistently bloated belly with dull coat and diarrhea<\/strong>\u00a0likely signals worms.<\/p>

Changes in Appetite and Weight Loss<\/strong><\/h3>

Worms steal nutrients from your cat\u2019s digestive tract, so infected cats may exhibit a\u00a0big appetite but still lose peso<\/a><\/strong>. If you notice your cat eating\u00a0more than usual yet looking thinner<\/strong>, consider worms as a possibility.<\/p>

Conversely, some cats lose their appetite if the infestation causes nausea or tummy discomfort. Any unexplained weight loss, especially with normal or increased feeding, warrants investigation.<\/p>

Over time, chronic parasite load leads to\u00a0poor body condition<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 you might feel your cat\u2019s backbone or see that they\u2019re just not as muscular or filled-out as before. Their coat might also become\u00a0dull, dry, or scruffy<\/strong> instead of glossy, because they\u2019re not absorbing nutrients properly.<\/p>

These subtle signs can creep up, so regular weighing of your cat and noting coat quality can help catch issues early.<\/p>

Vomiting or Diarrhea<\/strong><\/h3>

Gastrointestinal worms often irritate the stomach or intestines, leading to digestive upset. Occasional\u00a0vomiting<\/strong>\u00a0o\u00a0soft stool\/diarrhea<\/strong>\u00a0can have many causes, but worms are a common culprit.\u00a0<\/p>

Ambos<\/em> vomiting and diarrhea at the same time, especially if persistent, raise suspicion of parasites. Cats with roundworms might vomit up actual worms or have worms present in the stool. Hookworms can cause\u00a0bloody or tarry diarrhea<\/strong> due to intestinal bleeding. Whipworms tend to cause mucus-laced stool.<\/p>

Tapeworm segments in stool may be accompanied by mild diarrhea or irritation.\u00a0Any chronic diarrhea<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0in a cat should prompt a fecal parasite test.<\/p>

Also note that\u00a0coughing<\/strong> can occur secondary to roundworms or hookworms \u2013 these larvae can migrate through the lungs, causing a cough or gag, which might be mistaken for vomiting hairballs.<\/p>

If your cat is retching or coughing as well as having GI issues, think about worms.<\/p>

Anemia \u2013 Pale Gums and Lethargy<\/strong><\/h3>

A heavy load of blood-sucking worms, particularly hookworms, can cause\u00a0anemia<\/strong>\u00a0(low red blood cell count). One of the easiest places to check is your cat\u2019s\u00a0gums<\/strong>\u00a0\u2013 they should normally be a healthy pink color.\u00a0<\/p>

Pale or white gums<\/strong>\u00a0are a warning sign of anemia in cats and warrant immediate vet attention. Anemic cats may also be\u00a0weak, lethargic, or less playful<\/strong> due to reduced oxygen in their blood.<\/p>

Hookworms are the top cause of worm-induced anemia (just a few hundred hookworms can seriously deplete a kitten\u2019s blood supply). Flea infestations can also cause anemia via blood loss.<\/p>

If you notice your cat is unusually tired, breathing faster, or has light-colored gums, consider that\u00a0internal parasites could be draining their blood<\/strong>. This is an emergency in kittens \u2013 get to a vet right away.<\/p>

Respiratory Signs (Coughing, Difficulty Breathing)<\/strong><\/h3>

As mentioned, some worms travel through the lungs as part of their life cycle.\u00a0Gusanos redondos<\/strong>\u00a0y\u00a0hookworms<\/strong>\u00a0in their larval stages can migrate to the lungs and cause\u00a0coughing or gagging<\/strong>. You might notice your cat making intermittent hacking noises unrelated to hairballs.\u00a0<\/p>

Gusanos pulmonares<\/strong> reside in lung tissue and often cause a chronic cough, wheezing, or even open-mouthed breathing if the infection is bad.\u00a0Gusanos del coraz\u00f3n<\/strong>\u00a0lodge in the pulmonary arteries and can lead to coughing fits, rapid breathing, and asthma-like attacks.<\/p>

In any cat,\u00a0especially an indoor cat<\/em>\u00a0with no obvious reason to be coughing, parasites should be on the rule-out list.<\/p>

Sometimes owners assume their cat has asthma, but a heartworm test or lungworm screen reveals a parasite issue. If your cat has unexplained respiratory symptoms, see the vet for appropriate testing \u2013 it could save their life, since heartworm in cats can be fatal.<\/p>

Scooting or Excessive Rear-End Licking<\/strong><\/h3>

If you observe your cat\u00a0dragging its butt<\/strong>\u00a0across the carpet (scooting) or constantly licking\/biting at the base of the tail, it often indicates irritation or itchiness around the anus.\u00a0<\/p>

Tapeworm segments<\/strong> crawling out can cause this kind of itch. Cats might not scoot as obviously as dogs, but they will pay extra attention to an itchy bottom.<\/p>

Scooting can also be caused by full anal glands, but if you see it in conjunction with any tiny white grains stuck to the fur, tapeworms are the likely cause. After deworming for tapeworms (and clearing fleas), this behavior usually stops.<\/p>

Note: some cats with worms may also have a\u00a0slight bloating and gas<\/strong>\u00a0which can cause discomfort in the abdominal area, making them restless or more prone to stretching out in odd postures to alleviate cramps.<\/p>

Changes in Coat and Overall Appearance<\/strong><\/h3>

As a general sign, a cat with a significant parasite load often just\u00a0doesn\u2019t look \u201cright.\u201d<\/strong>\u00a0The fur may be\u00a0unkempt, dull, or shedding more<\/strong>. You might see changes like a\u00a0dry, flaky skin<\/strong>\u00a0or fur that breaks easily (due to nutritional deficiencies).<\/p>

Some cats develop a\u00a0dehydrated look<\/strong> \u2013 the skin loses elasticity, and the eyes might appear sunken if diarrhea has caused fluid loss.<\/p>

In long-haired cats, you might notice\u00a0fecal staining<\/strong>\u00a0or little dried segments stuck in the fur under the tail from tapeworms.<\/p>

Also, note any\u00a0behavior changes<\/strong>: a normally active cat might become sluggish (parasites draining energy), or a peaceful cat might become irritable (if experiencing stomach cramps or discomfort).<\/p>

Sometimes, repeated vomiting of worms or frequent soft stools are dismissed as \u201chairballs\u201d or dietary indiscretion \u2013 don\u2019t overlook the possibility of worms as an underlying cause.<\/p>

Conclusi\u00f3n<\/h2>

The symptoms of worms in cats range from \u201cblatantly gross\u201d to \u201cbarely there.\u201d We hope this guide helps you spot the signs early<\/strong>, because early treatment means a faster recovery and fewer complications.<\/p>

If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, don\u2019t wait \u2013 schedule a vet visit<\/strong> and ask for a fecal exam. It\u2019s simple, non-invasive, and can give you real peace of mind.<\/p>

Want to understand how cats get worms in the first place, and how to treat or prevent them<\/a><\/strong>? Read our full guide here:<\/strong><\/p>

\ud83d\udc49\u00bfC\u00f3mo contraen lombrices los gatos? Causas, s\u00edntomas y tratamiento<\/strong><\/p>

Your cat may not be able to tell you what\u2019s wrong \u2013 but with a little knowledge, you\u2019ll know what to look for<\/em>. As always, we\u2019re here to help you care better, love deeper, and live healthier with your feline family.<\/p>

If you also have a kind heart and want to help more people and cats, welcome to join our community<\/a> and become a part of this loving family. Share your insights or tips in life to help more cats live a healthy, happy and joyful life.<\/p>

PREGUNTAS FRECUENTES<\/h2>
Can I see worms in my cat\u2019s stool or vomit?<\/strong><\/h5>

Yes, some worms like roundworms and tapeworms can be visible to the naked eye in feces or vomit. Others, like hookworms or lungworms, are not visible and require testing.<\/p>

My cat is bloated but still eats well\u2014is that normal?<\/strong><\/h5>

A persistently bloated belly, especially in kittens, can signal roundworm infection. It’s not normal if it persists alongside other signs like dull coat or diarrhea.<\/p>

What are subtle signs of worms in adult cats?<\/strong><\/h5>

Subtle symptoms include dull fur, weight loss despite normal appetite, scooting, or reduced playfulness. These often go unnoticed until the infestation is severe.<\/p>

Does coughing mean my cat has worms?<\/strong><\/h5>

Possibly. Coughing can result from migrating roundworm larvae or lungworm infection. It\u2019s especially suspicious if there are no hairballs involved.<\/p>

What\u2019s the best way to confirm if my cat has worms?<\/strong><\/h5>

A veterinary fecal test is the gold standard. It helps identify the specific type of parasite so the right deworming plan can be chosen.<\/p>

Referencias<\/h2>

Bowman, D. D. (2020). Parasitolog\u00eda para veterinarios de Georgis<\/em> (11\u00aa ed.). Elsevier.<\/p>

Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). (2020). Parasite Prevalence Maps and Guidelines<\/em>. Obtenido de https:\/\/capcvet.org<\/a><\/p>

ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites). (2021). Worm Control in Cats and Dogs: Guidelines<\/em>. Obtenido de https:\/\/www.esccap.org\/guidelines\/<\/a><\/p>

Hendrix, C. M., & Robinson, E. D. (2016). Diagnostic Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians<\/em> (5th ed.). Mosby.<\/p>

Lee, A. C. Y., Schantz, P. M., Kazacos, K. R., Montgomery, S. P., & Bowman, D. D. (2010). Zoonotic visceral and ocular larva migrans caused by Toxocara canis and T. cati<\/em>. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 23(3), 545\u2013573. https:\/\/journals.asm.org\/doi\/10.1128\/cmr.00012-10<\/a><\/p>

Lappin, M. R., & Breitschwerdt, E. B. (2017). Canine and Feline Infectious Diseases<\/em>. Elsevier Health Sciences.<\/p>

American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). (2022). Directrices sobre zoonosis felinas<\/em>. Obtenido de https:\/\/catvets.com\/clinical-resources\/practice-guidelines\/<\/a><\/p>

Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria de la Universidad de Cornell. (s.f.). Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats<\/em>. Obtenido de https:\/\/www.vet.cornell.edu\/<\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Introduction: Not All Worms Are Obvious If you\u2019ve ever looked at your cat and thought, \u201cThey seem a little off, but I can\u2019t quite put my finger on it,\u201d you\u2019re not alone. At SnuggleSouls, we\u2019ve met many loving cat parents who missed the early signs of a worm infestation simply because their kitty looked \u201cfine.\u201d […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1519,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1517","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cat-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1517","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1517"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1517\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2610,"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1517\/revisions\/2610"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1519"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1517"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1517"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/snugglesouls.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1517"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}