Introduction: Not All Worms Are Obvious
If you’ve ever looked at your cat and thought, “They seem a little off, but I can’t quite put my finger on it,” you’re not alone. At SnuggleSouls, we’ve met many loving cat parents who missed the early signs of a worm infestation simply because their kitty looked “fine.”
The truth is, cats are masters at hiding discomfort, and many worm infections go unnoticed until the symptoms are more serious.
Looking for a Complete Guide?
In our complete guide on how cats get worms, we cover all the ways worms spread, types of parasites, and how to treat them. But in this article, we’re focusing on the symptoms – the signs your cat may already have unwelcome passengers. Some are obvious, some are surprisingly subtle, but all are important to know.
👉How Do Cats Get Worms? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common symptoms of worms in cats, what they mean, and when it’s time to head to the vet. By the end, you’ll know how to read the early clues before they become real problems.
Symptoms of Worms in Cats
How can you tell if your cat has worms? In many cases, you can’t tell just by casual observation – cats with worms may show no obvious signs at all, especially in early or mild infections.
That’s why routine veterinary exams and fecal tests are important. However, there are several common symptoms and physical signs that, taken together, might indicate a worm infestation in your cat. It’s helpful to link certain symptoms to specific worm types:
Visible Worms or Segments
Sometimes the most glaring sign is actually seeing the parasites. You might notice long, spaghetti-like roundworms in vomit or feces, especially in kittens with heavy burdens. Or you might see the hallmark rice-grain segments of tapeworms stuck to your cat’s rear end or in the litter box.
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, won’t be seen this way), but if you do see something wriggling, it’s a clear confirmation that your cat needs deworming.
Pot-Bellied or Bloated Abdomen
A pronounced, pot-bellied appearance – especially in kittens – 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.
These kittens often have a contrasting “skinny” or malnourished look along their spine and ribs, with a big tummy in profile. Adult cats usually don’t become pot-bellied from worms (unless the infestation is massive), but any sudden abdominal distension in a cat should be checked by a vet.
Keep in mind, many healthy kittens have round bellies after meals, but a persistently bloated belly with dull coat and diarrhea likely signals worms.
Changes in Appetite and Weight Loss
Worms steal nutrients from your cat’s digestive tract, so infected cats may exhibit a big appetite but still lose weight. If you notice your cat eating more than usual yet looking thinner, consider worms as a possibility.
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.
Over time, chronic parasite load leads to poor body condition – you might feel your cat’s backbone or see that they’re just not as muscular or filled-out as before. Their coat might also become dull, dry, or scruffy instead of glossy, because they’re not absorbing nutrients properly.
These subtle signs can creep up, so regular weighing of your cat and noting coat quality can help catch issues early.
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Gastrointestinal worms often irritate the stomach or intestines, leading to digestive upset. Occasional vomiting or soft stool/diarrhea can have many causes, but worms are a common culprit.
Both 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 bloody or tarry diarrhea due to intestinal bleeding. Whipworms tend to cause mucus-laced stool.
Tapeworm segments in stool may be accompanied by mild diarrhea or irritation. Any chronic diarrhea in a cat should prompt a fecal parasite test.
Also note that coughing can occur secondary to roundworms or hookworms – these larvae can migrate through the lungs, causing a cough or gag, which might be mistaken for vomiting hairballs.
If your cat is retching or coughing as well as having GI issues, think about worms.
Anemia – Pale Gums and Lethargy
A heavy load of blood-sucking worms, particularly hookworms, can cause anemia (low red blood cell count). One of the easiest places to check is your cat’s gums – they should normally be a healthy pink color.
Pale or white gums are a warning sign of anemia in cats and warrant immediate vet attention. Anemic cats may also be weak, lethargic, or less playful due to reduced oxygen in their blood.
Hookworms are the top cause of worm-induced anemia (just a few hundred hookworms can seriously deplete a kitten’s blood supply). Flea infestations can also cause anemia via blood loss.
If you notice your cat is unusually tired, breathing faster, or has light-colored gums, consider that internal parasites could be draining their blood. This is an emergency in kittens – get to a vet right away.
Respiratory Signs (Coughing, Difficulty Breathing)
As mentioned, some worms travel through the lungs as part of their life cycle. Roundworms and hookworms in their larval stages can migrate to the lungs and cause coughing or gagging. You might notice your cat making intermittent hacking noises unrelated to hairballs.
Lungworms reside in lung tissue and often cause a chronic cough, wheezing, or even open-mouthed breathing if the infection is bad. Heartworms lodge in the pulmonary arteries and can lead to coughing fits, rapid breathing, and asthma-like attacks.
In any cat, especially an indoor cat with no obvious reason to be coughing, parasites should be on the rule-out list.
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 – it could save their life, since heartworm in cats can be fatal.
Scooting or Excessive Rear-End Licking
If you observe your cat dragging its butt across the carpet (scooting) or constantly licking/biting at the base of the tail, it often indicates irritation or itchiness around the anus.
Tapeworm segments 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.
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.
Note: some cats with worms may also have a slight bloating and gas which can cause discomfort in the abdominal area, making them restless or more prone to stretching out in odd postures to alleviate cramps.
Changes in Coat and Overall Appearance
As a general sign, a cat with a significant parasite load often just doesn’t look “right.” The fur may be unkempt, dull, or shedding more. You might see changes like a dry, flaky skin or fur that breaks easily (due to nutritional deficiencies).
Some cats develop a dehydrated look – the skin loses elasticity, and the eyes might appear sunken if diarrhea has caused fluid loss.
In long-haired cats, you might notice fecal staining or little dried segments stuck in the fur under the tail from tapeworms.
Also, note any behavior changes: a normally active cat might become sluggish (parasites draining energy), or a peaceful cat might become irritable (if experiencing stomach cramps or discomfort).
Sometimes, repeated vomiting of worms or frequent soft stools are dismissed as “hairballs” or dietary indiscretion – don’t overlook the possibility of worms as an underlying cause.
Conclusion
The symptoms of worms in cats range from “blatantly gross” to “barely there.” We hope this guide helps you spot the signs early, because early treatment means a faster recovery and fewer complications.
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, don’t wait – schedule a vet visit and ask for a fecal exam. It’s simple, non-invasive, and can give you real peace of mind.
Want to understand how cats get worms in the first place, and how to treat or prevent them? Read our full guide here:
👉How Do Cats Get Worms? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Your cat may not be able to tell you what’s wrong – but with a little knowledge, you’ll know what to look for. As always, we’re here to help you care better, love deeper, and live healthier with your feline family.
If you also have a kind heart and want to help more people and cats, welcome to join our community 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.
FAQ
Can I see worms in my cat’s stool or vomit?
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.
My cat is bloated but still eats well—is that normal?
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.
What are subtle signs of worms in adult cats?
Subtle symptoms include dull fur, weight loss despite normal appetite, scooting, or reduced playfulness. These often go unnoticed until the infestation is severe.
Does coughing mean my cat has worms?
Possibly. Coughing can result from migrating roundworm larvae or lungworm infection. It’s especially suspicious if there are no hairballs involved.
What’s the best way to confirm if my cat has worms?
A veterinary fecal test is the gold standard. It helps identify the specific type of parasite so the right deworming plan can be chosen.
References
Bowman, D. D. (2020). Georgis’ Parasitology for Veterinarians (11th ed.). Elsevier.
Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC). (2020). Parasite Prevalence Maps and Guidelines. Retrieved from https://capcvet.org
ESCCAP (European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites). (2021). Worm Control in Cats and Dogs: Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.esccap.org/guidelines/
Hendrix, C. M., & Robinson, E. D. (2016). Diagnostic Parasitology for Veterinary Technicians (5th ed.). Mosby.
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. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 23(3), 545–573. https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/cmr.00012-10
Lappin, M. R., & Breitschwerdt, E. B. (2017). Canine and Feline Infectious Diseases. Elsevier Health Sciences.
American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). (2022). Feline Zoonoses Guidelines. Retrieved from https://catvets.com/clinical-resources/practice-guidelines/
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cats. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/