Symptoms of worm infections are similar regardless of the worm that has infected the cat or kitten. The only way to be 100% sure of the types of worms infecting your animal is to provide a stool sample to your local veterinarian for testing. The stool sample needs to be as fresh as possible and can be transported to the vet’s office in a bag. Some vet offices provide stool sample kits for pet owners to use.

Following is an overview of the three most common infections and how to treat them.

Tapeworms
Tapeworms live in a cat’s digestive tract absorbing much needed nutrients from the body. They infect an animal through infected fleas, uncooked meat or when a cat eats other animals such as rodents. Tapeworm eggs are eliminated through an infected cat’s stool.

Evidence of the worm’s presence can be seen in stool or around a cat’s rear end where eggs and worm segments are often found. In severe infections, evidence of the worm’s presence can be seen in vomit.

Treatment is simple. A dewormer (usually in pill form) is the common form of prescribed treatment. Veterinarians may also suggest some type of flea control as fleas are a common source of infection.

Roundworms
There are several types of roundworms. However, they have similar symptoms and the same treatment options. Roundworms are very common in kittens as they can be passed on through the mother’s milk.

Symptoms of roundworm infection are essentially the same as the symptoms of tapeworm infection. Again, this is why stool testing to confirm the type of worm infecting your cat or kitten is critical to ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.

There are additional symptoms in kittens: “vomiting, diarrhea, dull coats, a pot belly on a thin body, and weakness” are all symptoms of roundworm infection. A dewormer treats the condition although it may have to be repeated to be effective.

Hookworms
The least common of kitten worm infections, hookworms are generally present in hot, humid climates. They infect kittens through their mother’s milk, through prey and through rotten meat.

Hookworms have rather severe effects on their hosts including anemia, diarrhea and weight loss. A rash between the toes and dark black stools or stools that are dark red may also be present. Hookworm infections are very serious and must be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. While the infection may not be very common, it is very deadly if not treated.

Kittens and cats with hookworms may have to stay a day or two at a veterinary clinic for the initial treatment process. All areas used by the kitten will need to be cleaned and sanitized thoroughly and follow-up vet visits will most likely be required. If a pet owner lives in an area that has hookworms, it is a good idea to have pets tested for the parasite every few months.

Roundworms look like spaghetti and tapeworm segments look like little grains of rice. Cat worms can be found in your cat’s food, buried in your cat’s fur, around his anus, and around his paws (from scratching). Cat worms can be found in your pet’s ears as well. Ringworm isn’t a worm, it’s a skin fungus. The fungus is shaped like a worm, but it forms a ring. To identify ringworm, all you have to do is look for “ring” shape on your cat’s skin.

Of all the different types of parasitic worms, tapeworms are the easiest to transmit because they are transmitted to cats though fleas. If your cat has fleas, he cannot transmit tapeworm to his owner, but he can easily transmit the fleas that carry the tapeworm.

If left untreated, worms in cats can hinder normal body functioning, while others, such as heartworm, can be fatal. Ringworm lives in dead skin, while hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms, live in the cat’s intestines. Also known as dermatophytosis, ringworm is an infection in the dead layer of the skin, hair, and nails. The fungus uses dead tissue, called keratin, in the skin as a source of nutrition. Hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms live in the cat’s intestines and cause:

• Change in appetite
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Inability to exercise
• Distended abdomen, especially in kittens
• Dull coat

Hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms can be treated are not fatal if treated early, another type of worm called “heartworm” can cause sudden, serious, and fatal disease in the cat. Even a small number of heartworms can be serious. Symptoms of heartworm include:

• Respiratory stress (difficulty breathing or rapid shallow breathing)
• Gagging
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

To learn more about heartworm, prevention, and treatment, visit the American Heartworm Society at www.heartwormsociety.org.

To prevent cat worms, have your cat screened for worms twice per year. High-risk cats typically live in condensed urban areas and they usually live in a home with more than one pet. Outdoor cats are high-risk as well. High-risk cats should be screened more than once per year. It’s also a good idea to keep your cat clean and well groomed. You should also dispose of cat feces immediately. Never leave it in piles in the litter box. Whipworm and roundworm eggs can remain infectious for years, and hookworm larvae can multiply quickly in dirty litter boxes.

If you think your cat has been exposed to worms, please contact your vet immediately.
Caring for a cat with worms should be done under the care of a vet. Your vet will have access to a number of effective preventatives against the most aggressive types of parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, and heartworm. Your vet will also have access to a number of medications approved for treating worms.

These worms can be anything from the half-inch-long hookworm or a tapeworm.
In addition to finding worms in your dog’s feces, other symptoms of dog worms include:

·Change in your dog’s appetite
·Coughing and hiccupping (due to heartworm)
·Diarrhea
·Distended abdomen in puppies
·Dull coat
·Inability to exercise
·Vomiting
·Weakness
·Weight loss

In addition to recognizing signs of worms in dogs, it is important to recognize what the different types dog worms look like, and where they live. Tapeworms can grow up to a three feet long if left untreated and they can have as many as many as 90 segments. Other types of parasitic worms common in dogs include: roundworm, whipworm, and the heartworm. Hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms live in the dog’s intestines and the heartworm lives in the dog’s heart and in the blood vessels that lead from the heart to the lungs.

Round worms look like spaghetti and tapeworm segments look like grains of rice. In addition to your dog’s food, dog worms can be found on or buried in your dog’s fur, around his anus, around his paws (from scratching) and it is not uncommon to find them in your dog’s ears.

There are several ways to prevent a worm infection. As mentioned earlier, your dog should be screened twice a year, especially if he is considered high-risk. High-risk dogs live in condensed urban areas and they usually live in a home with more than one pet. Show pets and hunting dogs are also considered high-risk. It’s also a good idea to keep your dog clean and well groomed. You should also dispose of dog feces immediately. Never leave it in piles around your yard, dog run, etc. Whipworm and roundworm eggs can remain infectious for years, and hookworm larvae can multiply in the soil in and around a dog run.

It is important to keep in mind that fleas are a source of certain types of tapeworms. When a dog accidentally swallows an infected flea, the tapeworms can hatch in the dog’s intestines. These types of tapeworms can also be transmitted to humans as well. Animal carcasses such as rodents and rabbits may also contain tapeworms, so be sure to keep your pets away from them at all costs.

If your dog has symptoms of worms, please contact your vet immediately. Caring for a dog with worms should be done only under the care of a vet. Most non-prescription medications don’t work. Your vet will have access to a number of innovative preventatives and treatments that are effective against the most aggressive types of parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, and heartworm.

·Appetite changes
·Coughing and hiccupping (due to heartworm)
·Diarrhea
·Distended abdomen in puppies
·Dull coat
·Inability to exercise
·Vomiting
·Weakness
·Weight loss

Dog worms come in all shapes and sizes. The most dangerous type of dog worm is the heartworm. Heartworms live in the dog’s heart and in the blood vessels that lead from the heart to the lungs. The female heartworm can grow up to 14 inches long and the male heartworm can grow up to seven inches long. Dog’s can have as many as 300 heartworms. If left untreated, heartworms can clog the heart and major blood vessels leading from the heart. They can obstruct valve action in the heart, which can lead to malfunctioning of all other vital organs in the dog’s body such as the lungs, liver, and kidneys.

While heartworms do not produce symptoms for up to two years, if caught early (through twice yearly heartworm screenings) heartworms can be treated successfully. It is up to the owner to have the pet screened multiple times throughout the year so that the infestation does not get out of control.

Another type of dog worm is the tapeworm. The tapeworm can grow up to three feet long if left untreated. The tapeworm can also have as many as 90 segments, which look like grains of rice. Other types of dog worms include the half-inch-long hookworm, roundworm and whipworm. Unlike heartworms, which live in the dog’s heart and blood vessels, these types of worms live in the dog’s intestines. Roundworms look like spaghetti and whipworms have a large head and a whip-like thin tail section.

Fleas are a major source of certain types of worms, such as tapeworms. When a dog accidentally swallows an infected flea, worms can hatch in the dog’s intestines. These types of tapeworms can also be transmitted to humans as well. Animal carcasses such as rodents and rabbits may also contain tapeworms, so be sure to keep your pets away from them at all costs.

Dog worms can also be contracted from other pet’s feces, which can be easily be found in parks, on pet runs, and even in your own backyard. Whipworm and roundworm eggs can remain infectious for years, and hookworm larvae can multiply in the soil in and around a dog run, park or yard.

In addition to noticing symptoms, dog worms can be detected by examining your dog’s feces. Dog worms may also be found in your dog’s food, on or buried in your dog’s fur, around his anus, and around his paws (from scratching). They may also be found in your dog’s ears.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent dog worms. One of the most important ways to prevent a serious dog worm infection is to have your pet screened for worms twice per year. If your dog is considered high-risk for worms, you should have him screened more than twice a year. High-risk dogs typically live in condensed urban areas and they usually live in a home with more than one pet. Show pets and hunting dogs are also considered high-risk. In addition to preventative measures, it is also a good idea to keep your dog clean and well groomed. You should also dispose of dog feces immediately. Never leave it in piles around your yard, dog run, etc.

Caring for a dog with worms should only be done under the care of a vet. Most non-prescription medications do not work. Your vet will have access to a number of innovative preventatives that are extremely effective against the most aggressive types of parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, and heartworm. If you notice any of the symptoms of dog worms listed above, please contact your vet immediately.

The tapeworm has more than one intermediate host. For example, the fish tapeworm (diphllybothrium) is found in the intestines of men, dogs, and cats. They may grow up to 90 feet long and they have two intermediaries. The pork tapeworm, (Taenia solium) has only one. When the pig’s digestive juices dissolve the shell, a tiny embryo with six hooks breaks free and makes its way through the intestine. It enters the blood stream, and eventually reaches every region of the muscles. In the muscles, the tapeworm encysts as a bladderworm until it is eaten by another animal or human.

Tapeworms or cestodes do not have a digestive system. Instead of consuming and digesting food, what this worm does instead is lie in the predigested contents of its host’s gut and absorb the necessary food. The head of the tapeworm, however, features hooks and suckers which attach to the host to keep the tapeworm in place. The rest of the body is made up of separate segments called proglottids, formed by budding from the neck region and trailing free in the host’s intestine.

Fertilized tapeworm eggs are stored in the tapeworm’s uterus. The eggs are surrounded by yolk and a protective shell. At the end of the tapeworm lies a sac of eggs. Several segments become detached at a time and pass out with the host’s feces.

Tapeworm infections are curable, but the key to catching them before they get out of control is recognizing the symptoms. Tapeworms may cause any of the following symptoms.

Abdominal discomfort
Anemia
Bloody stools
Chills
Constipation
Coughing
Diarrhea
Eye pain
Fatigue
Fever
Gas
Insomnia
Loss of appetite
Mental dullness
Nausea
Nervousness
Protein deficiency
Rashes
Stomach bloating
Vomiting
Weakness

It is important to keep in mind that these symptoms are also common symptoms for many other diseases and conditions, so its best to consult a physician for an accurate diagnosis. A physician will test for parasites by taking a feces sample and examining it for parasites and/or eggs. Fortunately, the vast majority of parasites can be eliminated by using some of the same methods or by ingesting some of the same types of medications or antibiotics.

Parasites can be eliminated from the body with colon cleansers and/or colonics, several rounds of antibiotics or medications as prescribed by a physician, and/or by utilizing a number of different herbal or natural remedies. It’s best to consult an herbalist for the very best herbal remedies to get rid of human intestinal worms. Several popular remedies are considered effective for treating intestinal parasites. These include:

Black walnut leaves, wormwood, quassia, cloves, male fern
Capsicum, wormwood, sage
Cramp bark, pumpkin seed, capsicum, thyme, garlic
Black walnut, pine needles, sassafras

In general, herbal remedies should be taken orally for a minimum of two weeks. Some individuals may complain of re-infection. It is very important to change your eating habits immediately if you suspect a parasite or worm infection. It’s best not to go back to your regular eating habits in order to prevent re-infection. Certain foods, spices, and beverages might help to ward off parasite infections or they will keep you from becoming infected through food or water sources. These include:

Cranberry juice
High-fiber foods
Pumpkin seeds
Garlic
Pomegranates
Apple cider vinegar
Figs
Bottled or distilled water
Thoroughly cooked meats and seafood
Organic fruits and vegetables, washed thoroughly

Avoid the following foods and activities if possible:

Undercooked meats
Chestnuts
Sugar
Watercress
Refined carbohydrates
Swimming in lakes, rivers, an streams
Using the microwave to cook meats

Lastly, you should always wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom whether it is in your home or in a public place. In addition, wash kitchen utensils and countertops with hot soapy water after each use and wear gloves when changing your cats litter box or cleaning up after your pets.

Source

Mitchell, James. “Flatworms, Flukes, and Tapeworms.” The Random House Encyclopedia. 3rd ed. 1994.

As for earthworms, besides being grossed out, accidentally swallowing a worm won’t harm you. In fact, some worms are actually beneficial to the body, although they are not necessary for survival. Worms are packed with protein, they are a source of nourishment and food for many animals, and they may provide a fair amount of entertainment as documented in the popular book How to Eat Fried Worms.

Other types of beneficial worms are being used in experimental research to treat intestinal diseases such as ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is an intestinal disease that causes severe cramps and sudden attacks of diarrhea. It is not curable, but doctors are trying to find ways to manage the disease and give patients relief from its symptoms. Worms are proving to alleviate the symptoms of this disease and give relief to those who suffer from it.

One mother from Iowa (Anna Glanz) visits her doctor every three weeks to drink worm eggs. The worms then grow inside her gut and then pass out of her system after a few weeks. The result of this treatment has been a complete remission from the disease. She no longer has any of the symptoms she previously suffered from. While the idea of deliberately eating worms (or in this case worm eggs) may make some nauseous, those who participate in research trials are finding that it is far better than suffering from the condition itself.

Other researchers continue to investigate the advantages of worms in the human body. Some believe that the human immune system is now out of balance since worms have been eradicated from the body. Gut worms in particular were part of the human system until about 50 years ago. A unique coincidence of this fact is that until about 50 years ago, allergies were virtually non-existent.

One UK scientist developed a case of hookworms when on a field trip. He studies himself as well as the worms living inside him because he has had nearly a complete remission of his hay fever symptoms since the hookworms entered his body.

These ideas are not entirely new. In many underdeveloped countries, natives still function with worms in their bodies. And, in some countries, such as China and Mexico, that eat worms as part of the daily diet. Worms can be nutritious, good for your health, and they do have a lot of protein.

Most worms that dwell in soil and gardens are fairly safe to eat. However, there are also many insects that appear to be worms in the early stages of life, but they are not worms at all. Butterflies, moths, and flies are commonly mistaken for worms in their larval stages. And while maggots (baby flies) are not likely to hurt anyone, they are seldom among the animals (worms or otherwise) that anyone wants to eat, even on a dare.

Source
British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3287733.stm

• Change in appetite
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Weakness
• Vomiting
• Inability to exercise
• Distended abdomen, especially in kittens
• Dull coat

These symptoms could be a sign of just about any type of cat worm including, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms. These types of worms live in the cat’s intestines. Another type of “worm” is ringworm. Ringworm is not an actual worm, however—it’s a fungus. Also known as dermatophytosis, ringworm is an infection in the dead layer of the skin, hair, and nails. The fungus uses dead tissue, called keratin, in the skin as a source of nutrition.

Hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms are easily treated through antibiotics, diet changes, and exercise. While these types of worms are rarely fatal if treated early, another type of worm called “heartworm” can cause sudden, serious, and even fatal disease in the cat. Even a small number of heartworms can be serious. Signs of heartworm include respiratory stress (difficulty breathing or rapid shallow breathing), gagging or vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

In addition to recognizing signs of cat worm symptoms, it is important to recognize what the different types of cat worms look like. Roundworms look like spaghetti and tapeworm segments look like little grains of rice. In addition to your cat’s food, cat worms can also be found on or buried in your cat’s fur, around his anus, and around his paws (from scratching). It is not uncommon to find cat worms in your cat’s ears as well.

Certain types cat worms can be contagious to humans. Three of the most common types of contagious cat worms include roundworm, ringworm, and tapeworms. These types of worms are also easily transmitted between cats. Tapeworms are the easiest to transmit only because of where they actually come from. Tapeworms are transmitted to cats though fleas. If your cat has fleas, he can’t transmit an actual tapeworm to his owner, but he can easily transmit the fleas that carry the tapeworm.

Because cat worms are easy to transmit, you should keep the infected cat isolated until he completes treatment and the vet confirms that the cat is worm free. Caring for a cat with worms should be done only under the care of a vet. Most non-prescription medications just don’t work. Your vet will have access to a number of preventatives that are very effective against the most aggressive types of parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, and heartworm.

Worm medications are available in tablets, syrups, and pastes. You can purchase worm products over the counter, but again, most over non-prescription medications don’t work and there really is no substitute for a vet’s care. Don’t put your other pets or other members of your household at risk. Take your cat to a vet right away if you suspect that he has worms.

One of the best ways to prevent a serious cat worm infection is to have your cat screened for worms twice per year. If your cat is considered high-risk for worms, you should have him screened more than twice a year. High-risk cats typically live in condensed urban areas and they usually live in a home with more than one pet. Outdoor cats are especially susceptible to worms.

It is important to remember that fleas are a source of certain types of tapeworms. When a cat accidentally swallows an infected flea, the tapeworms can hatch in the cat’s intestines. These types of tapeworms can also be transmitted to humans as well. Animal carcasses such as rodents and rabbits may also contain tapeworms, so if you have an outdoor cat, it will be impossible to keep your cat away from them. You may want to rethink allowing your cat to roam around freely outdoors.

It’s important to keep your cat clean and well groomed. You should also dispose of cat feces immediately. Never leave it in piles in the litter box. Whipworm and roundworm eggs can remain infectious for years, and hookworm larvae can multiply quickly in dirty litter boxes.

There are a number of different ways to identify worms. You can identify them by becoming familiar with what common parasite worms look like or you may browse through images online. The most common types of parasite worms in dogs include hookworms, tapeworms, roundworm, whipworm, and heartworm. Hookworms, tapeworms, roundworms, and whipworms live in the dog’s intestines and heartworms live in the dog’s heart and in the blood vessels that lead from the heart to the lungs. Heartworm is the deadliest parasite infection for dogs.

To identify parasite worms, you can begin by looking for dog worms in your dog’s food or buried in your dog’s fur. Worms can also be found around your dog’s anus, around his paws (from scratching), and in your dog’s ears. Roundworms look like spaghetti and tapeworm segments look like grains of rice.

You can review pictures of the different types of parasite at The Dog Chat Forum at www.dogchatforum.com, Photo Vault, or “Photovalet. Pic search is another useful site. Pic Search features more than 2,000 worm images. Users may search through images by entering the type of worm or search page by page. Pic Search has roughly 20 images per page. Each image offers basic information about the worm and/or a link to a website that offers more detailed information about each subject.

To detect worms, you can also check for symptoms. Common symptoms of parasite worms include:

• Change in your dog’s appetite
• Coughing and hiccupping (due to heartworm)
• Diarrhea
• Distended abdomen in puppies
• Dull coat
• Inability to exercise
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight loss

While early detection is important, prevention is even more important. Regular visits to your vet should help you detect worms early (twice yearly vet visits is recommended), but your vet will also have preventative medications, vaccinations, and many methods to help prevent worms in the first place. If your dog is considered high-risk for worms, you should have him screened more than twice a year. High-risk dogs typically live in condensed urban areas and they usually live in a home with more than one pet. Show pets and hunting dogs are also considered high-risk.

In addition to prevention, you should keep your dog clean and well groomed. Dispose of dog feces immediately and never leave it in piles around your yard, on the dog run or in the park. If your dog has symptoms of worms, please contact a vet’s care.

To identify parasite worms, you can begin by looking for dog worms in your dog’s food, on or buried in your dog’s fur, around his anus, around his paws (from scratching), and it is not uncommon to find them in your dog’s ears. Roundworms look like spaghetti and tapeworm segments look like grains of rice.

If you think using images is a better way to best identify parasite worms, there are a number of reliable websites that publish dog worm photos. Visit The Dog Chat Forum at www.dogchatforum.com. This site offers a few pictures of dog worms and quite a bit of information about what they are and how to treat them. If you would like to search through a wide variety of dog worm photos (all in one place) try Photo Vault or Pic Search.

San Francisco-based Photo Vault features pictures of worms from A-Z as well as snakes, lizards, medical leeches, fish, and more. The site allows the user to enlarge images and it also offers basic information about each worm. Users cannot use the images without permission. If you are interested in using Photo Vault images, you must use the email function at the bottom of each enlarged photo to make a request, you can use the automated site called “Photovalet,” or you may contact Photo Vault directly by calling 707-775-2562.

Pic Search features more than 2,000 worm images. Users may search through images by entering the type of worm or search page by page. Pic Search has roughly 20 images per page. Each image offers basic information about the worm and/or a link to a website that offers more detailed information about each subject.

If you don’t find what you are looking for at Pic Search, Photovalet or Photo Vault, there are several other ways to determine which type of worm your dog might have. A good way to determine if your dog has worm and possibly which type is to check for symptoms. Symptoms of parasite worms in dogs include:

• Change in your dog’s appetite
• Coughing and hiccupping (due to heartworm)
• Diarrhea
• Distended abdomen in puppies
• Dull coat
• Inability to exercise
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Parasite Worm Prevention

There are several ways to prevent parasite worms in worms. One of the most important ways to prevent a dog worm infection is to have your pet screened for worms twice per year. If your dog is considered high-risk for worms, you should have him screened more than twice a year. High-risk dogs typically live in condensed urban areas and they usually live in a home with more than one pet. Show pets and hunting dogs are also considered high-risk.

Caring for a dog with worms should be done only under the care of a vet. Most non-prescription medications don’t work. Your vet will have access to a number of cutting edge preventatives that are extremely effective against the most aggressive types of parasites such as roundworm, whipworm, hookworm, and heartworm.

In addition to preventative measures, it’s also a good idea to keep your dog clean and well groomed. You should also dispose of dog feces immediately. Never leave it in piles around your yard, dog run, etc. If you notice any of the symptoms of dog worms listed above, please contact your vet immediately.

The most common types of kitten worms are tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms.

Tapeworms
Tapeworms live in a cat’s digestive tract absorbing much needed nutrients from the body. They infect an animal through infected fleas, uncooked meat or when a cat eats other animals such as rodents. Tapeworm eggs are eliminated through an infected cat’s stool.

Evidence of the worm’s presence can be seen in stool or around a cat’s rear end where eggs and worm segments are often found. In severe infections, evidence of the worm’s presence can be seen in vomit.

Treatment is simple. A dewormer (usually in pill form) is the common form of prescribed treatment. Veterinarians may also suggest some type of flea control as fleas are a common source of infection.

Roundworms
There are several types of roundworms. However, they have similar symptoms and the same treatment options. Roundworms are very common in kittens as they can be passed on through the mother’s milk.

Symptoms of roundworm infection are essentially the same as the symptoms of tapeworm infection. Again, this is why stool testing to confirm the type of worm infecting your cat or kitten is critical to ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.

There are additional symptoms in kittens: “vomiting, diarrhea, dull coats, a pot belly on a thin body, and weakness” are all symptoms of roundworm infection. A dewormer treats the condition although it may have to be repeated to be effective.

Hookworms
The least common of kitten worm infections, hookworms, are generally present in hot, humid climates. They infect kittens through their mother’s milk, through prey and through rotten meat.

Hookworms have rather severe effects on their hosts including anemia, diarrhea and weight loss. A rash between the toes and dark black stools or stools that are dark red may also be present. Hookworm infections are very serious and must be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. While the infection may not be very common, it is very deadly if not treated.

Kittens and cats with hookworms may have to spend a day or two at a veterinary clinic to begin treatment. While your kitten is at the vet, you must clean all areas of the home thoroughly to eliminate worms and eggs. You should also consider having your kitten tested several times a year and ask your vet about worm vaccines.