Does Fleas Cause Worms in Cats?
Fleas can cause worms in cats, and they can also cause cat scratch fever, which can be life-threatening. They can be found almost anywhere, and they can be carried into a home by cats or wildlife. It is best to keep your cat indoors and use a preventative treatment for fleas.
Cats can contract lungworms by drinking contaminated water or eating birds that have been infected with lungworm larvae. The larvae travel to the cat’s lungs, where they develop and lay eggs. These worms are then expelled through feces or coughing. Lungworms are relatively rare, but can cause discomfort in cats.
To prevent a worm infestation, it is best to treat the fleas immediately. Using a flea spray is easy and convenient. Depending on the severity of your cat’s infestation, you may need to treat your yard or house as well. In some cases, you may not need environmental flea control at all, but you should consult a veterinarian to determine what type of treatment you need. In addition to flea treatment, you should thoroughly clean the home and yard to prevent fleas from returning. You should also educate your children on proper hygiene practices, such as rinsing and washing hands thoroughly after interacting with your pet.
Although intestinal worms are usually easily treated, lungworms and hookworms are more resistant and may require a long course of deworming medication. In addition to treating your cat for worms, you should keep the litter box clean at all times to avoid spreading the disease. If you suspect that your cat has worms, take your pet to a vet as soon as possible.