Do Flies Give Cats Worms?

Flies are not necessarily a direct cause of worm infection in cats, but they can introduce worms to your feline friend. The flies feed on the blood and nutrients in your cat’s gut, causing the worms to multiply. The worms themselves are usually harmless. You should give your cat deworming medications every two weeks. Your veterinarian may also recommend periodic fecal examinations after treatment.

You can help prevent flies from giving your cat worms by keeping an eye on the flies around your cat. Try to minimize the fly population in your house by keeping your garbage and food waste in airtight containers. You can also make your home a fly-free zone by using screens and repairing cracks in windows. Lastly, don’t feed your cat anything that has been infested by flies.

In addition to stealing the nutrients from your cat’s food, flies can also pass on parasitic worms, such as roundworms. Flies can carry roundworm larvae by feeding on fecal matter. These worms are round and brownish yellow, and can grow up to four inches long. They lay their eggs in your cat’s feces, where they hatch and enter your cat’s body.

Although most adult cats aren’t affected by flies, eating flies may cause your feline friend to get sick. In some cases, your cat may vomit or show signs of stomach discomfort. If you notice your feline friend eat a fly, consult a veterinarian.