Worms

[staceyloobug]

My cat has effing worms AGAIN. He does NOT go outside. I have NO idea how he is getting worms. I have to call the vet tomorrow and get some MORE medicine. He's not a dog. I shouldn't have to worm him every year. You don't DO this with cats. I mean, not indoor cats. HE NEVER GOES OUTSIDE. He goes onto my patio, which is on the 2nd floor balcony with

Comments

[virtualannette]

You might have to give worming medicine to both cats, and completely replace and/or sterilize the litterbox. You also might have to do 2 doses of worming medicine a week apart--did your vet have you do that last time? I think it's so that in case the first dose doesn't kill everything the second dose will, but I'm not sure.

When my cat had tapeworms they also made me give her flea prevention stuff, because apparently they can get tapeworms from eating flea eggs. To my knowledge I didn't have fleas in my place, but I gave it to her anyway.

Maybe they just treated him for the wrong kind of worms? I think different kinds of worms take different kinds of treatments?

[staceyloobug]

Ok, but if all of the above is true - and they treated him for the wrong kind of worms - he's had worms for 1.5 YEARS. How is he still alive? Plus, they said what they gave me treated ALL worms, so no matter what, it would be fine (I didn't bring him in, so they clearly didn't see the worm).

I don't understand. I don't THINK I did two doses last time...And I know I didn't give them to my female at the time. But they do share litterboxes and foodbowls. She's never shown signs, but at this point, I'll treat her, too.

I'm calling the vet in the morning - I'm just disgusted and angry right now. I can't even look at him.

[frumiousb]

Aw, it isn't his fault-- there isn't anything one cat's doing that puts the other cat at risk. Most likely you've got a low level of fleas in the apartment and they're reinfecting him (or them) with worms. Fleas are the most common vector of tapeworms. The medicine probably got it the first time, but since fleas are cyclical and hatch from the eggs with the better weather, he's got it again.

If it isn't tapeworms, then you just have bad luck. Worm eggs can be brought in by someone walking outside in the grass.

Definitely get them both wormed, since if one has 'em, good chance that they both have 'em.

Unfortunately, worms and fleas are a normal part of cat ownership. It's bad luck to have to treat two years in a row, but it doesn't imply that you, your vet, or your cat have done anything wrong.

[frumiousb]

adding that apartment buildings can be particularly bad-- you may get rid of the fleas, but does your neighbor?

[staceyloobug]

I've NEVER seen a flea. Ever. Doesn't mean they aren't here, but still - you'd think I'd see them?

[staceyloobug]

I know it's not his fault - I'm just so FRUSTRATED.

I've NEVER had a cat with worms. EVER. IN MY LIFE. And I've had a lot of cats. I never knew they COULD get worms.

So if I call my vet and they give me meds and I apply flea meds, too...do I do anything else? Like, do I have to do something to my apartment? I've never seen a flea here...so I don't know how to get rid of them.

[dr_scholl]

I would actually consider taking him in to the vet and be tested to be 100% sure it's worms (though I guess once you know what to look for, it's kinda obvious?)

And dose both cats. Twice.

[staceyloobug]

I just don't understand how they're here. I guess he never got rid of them from a year ago when we brought him from the pound?

[frumiousb]

yes, this. But you know, I've never seen a flea infestation until it's been *epic*-- I notice it via flea dirt on the cat and then I go searching. If your neighbor has fleas, you could just be getting the occasional foot traffic-- and-- no, you'd never see them. Just (lucky you) get the resulting worm as a kind of surprise gift

[staceyloobug]

I'm a bit nervous to set off a bomb, because I have other pets that can't be moved (fish, aquatic turtle, lizards). I sort of feel helpless - I can pay a lot of money for treatments and to get my entire apartment cleaned and scrubbed, but it'll come back if it's someone ELSE'S apartment. The guy nextdoor has FOUR cats in a 2 bedroom condo. I feel crowded with my TWO. I assume it's from him.

[frumiousb]

well, the option is to accept yearly deworming, which is really not so bad either, right?

[janevok]

try to think about he is feeling right now, esp if you aren't able to show him any affection. like frumiousb said, it isn't his fault.

i would suggest treating both cats, cleaning your entire apartment. sofas, bedding and especially any thing they both sleep on. you need to ensure that everything is cleaned, we've had to deal with fleas twice and it takes a lot of effort to get everything as clean as possible but you have to remember why you are doing it, it isn't nice for your cat to experience worms :(

[staceyloobug]

They sleep EVERYWHERE. I really can't have the entire apartment cleaned (carpets, etc) right now...I can't stay anywhere else. And honestly - I have NEVER seen a flea.