My Cat Has Worms – How Do I Clean My House?

Cats are vulnerable to any type of parasites, especially worms, and they would easily catch them as soon as they’re outdoor. 

If you’re reading this article, you probably got frightened at the sight of worms on your floor, bedsheets, or pillows. 

Now you’re not only worried about your cat’s health but probably also frustrated at the mess around, and you don’t know what to do.

Cats suffering from worm infection have their hindquarters irritated, which they then drag on the floor and any surface or object with which they come into contact. 

This is why it’s essential to clean your house carefully.

This article will tell you how to clean your house if your cat has worms. First, let’s learn more about this condition! 

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How Do Cats Catch Worms?

Worm infection is typical among cats, especially outdoor ones. It’s common for them to catch worms when they roam around.

Usually, it’s the direct result of contacting parasite eggs or infected feces. 

Because cats have this automatic grooming gesture, they carry on the eggs or the feces as they clean their fur and paws. 

Furthermore, worms make a home for themselves within the muscle tissue of small rodents, a cat’s favorite prey! 

When they eat an already infected rodent, they get contaminated. 

Finally, cats risk contamination from any infected animal they get in contact with, such as dogs. 

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How to Clean Your House from Worms?

If your cat has worms, you’re probably worrying about the most effective way of cleaning your house and the best product to remove any unpleasant scent and refresh your home.

Paper Towels and a Dustpan

Wear your gloves before starting cleaning. Use newspapers or paper towels (it’s better to use kitchen paper rather than bathroom paper) to put cat worms.

Sometimes the waste is watery. In this case, you’ll need a dustpan.  

Hot Water

After removing the residues, use hot water with a detergent to clean up your floor or leather furniture.

If the contaminated area is a carpet, it may need more effort. Make sure to scrub repeatedly and deeply. 

Cleaning Carpets

Carpets are known to be worms’ favorite spots. That especially goes for roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms that linger even for months.

It’s crucial to be a bit extra attentive when cleaning your carpets to do it effectively.

Enzymatic Products  

Unfortunately, the previous steps may remove the worms, but not the smell they leave behind. 

The best solution for that is using an enzymatic product. Keep in mind that the scent won’t disappear immediately; you’ll need to apply it a few times before it disappears.

Furniture

If your cat has contaminated big furniture such as a couch or armchair, the best way would be to use a steam cleaner, as it provides the required degree of heat to get rid of eggs.

Cleaning Soft Materials

Your cat’s worms may stick to soft materials such as blankets, pillows, and toys. Wash them with hot water to ensure that every egg dies.

Your Cat’s Litter Box

Don’t forget to disinfect your cat’s litter box and any area your cat could have possibly walked into. Worms thrive in your cat’s fur, so make sure to clean everything. 

Don’t Forget to Clean Outside Your House!

While you may have done a great job at disinfecting your home inside, it may not be enough to eliminate all chances of contamination. 

Your outside area is as crucial since your cat has probably carried it outside on its way out. 

• Although you may think using a large hose or a pressure washer is more practical and may save you time and energy, it’s not the case. Actually, it may lead to worms further spreading around.
• Hot water is always the most effective way! Mix hot water and bleach and pour it all over the area. 
• After finishing cleaning, disinfect whatever cleaning tool you used and even your clothes. Wipe your dustpan, vacuum, and steam washer using kitchen paper and hot water.
• Remember to also throw away the gloves you used. 

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Tips to Prevent Worms in Indoor Cats

Here are some tips to prevent worm infection in your cat (s):

Keep the Litter Box Clean

The most important tip is to keep your cat’s litter box clean, so maintain and disinfect it daily.

Groom Your Cat

Although cats tend to groom themselves regularly, it would be safer if you groom them weekly with a flea comb. If there are any worms, the comb will get hold of them before they spread and worsen your cat’s condition.

Don’t Let Your Car Wander Alone

Next, try to keep your cat indoors as much as possible. Cats only get worms as a result of coming into direct contact with already contaminated objects or animals. 

Therefore, keeping your cat indoors would likely keep them safe and healthy. 

Take Your Pet Outside

Accompany them if you don’t want to deprive your cat of enjoyable outside walks. 

Supervise them and pay as much attention as possible to see what they step on and what objects they encounter.

If you’re busy and your cat is bored, leave them to a trustworthy friend who would be as caring as you, but never leave them on their own outdoors! 

Keep Fleas Away

Because fleas are the primary reason behind tapeworms, you would rather prevent them from getting into your space. 

To do so, use anti-fleas medication. This way, you’ll keep your cat and yourself safe. 

Heartworm Cures

Heartworms are the most fatal type of worms your cat can catch. 

To keep the soft presence of your cat lightening your dark days, ensure a monthly heartworm cure. To do so, consult a veterinarian.

Having More Than One Pet at Home? 

Make sure to separate them all together in case one is infected, so they don’t contaminate the other. Also, don’t share their food containers, water bowls, and toys.

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Common Types of Worms in Cats

Worms in cats do not usually cause death and can be cured by regular treatment. However, some types can be really dangerous. 

The following types of worms aren’t fatal:

• Roundworms
• Hookworms
• Tapeworms
• Whipworms

Lethal types of worms include:

• Lungworms
• Stomach worms
• Liver flukes
• Heartworms

Worry not, however, as these worms are not common in cats.

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Symptoms Your Cat Is Suffering from Worm Infection

The following are universally acknowledged symptoms of worm infection in cats, but it’s important to know that sometimes cats don’t show any symptoms. 

For this reason, remember that you should constantly take your cat to the veterinarian.

Worm infections usually manifest themselves through: 

• Vomiting: cats with worms constantly vomit. Sometimes, you’ll notice that their vomit contains worms. 
• Diarrhea: can be bloody or not.
• Significant weight loss.
• Tarry feces
• Distended abdomen
• Skin lesions

When their condition gets severe, cats will display:

• Weakness
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure

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Is Worm Infection a Painful Experience for Cats? 

Yes, worms in cats may cause pain, which would manifest through:

• Irritated eyes: you’ll notice that your cat rubs their eyes and has a discharge or squinting. 
• If you pay close attention to your cat, you’ll also notice a change in their breathing rate. 
• The mentioned above vomiting symptom indicates belly pain. 

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Can You Treat Your Cat at Home? 

You can use some homely tips to treat your cat, but it’s better to seek professional advice.

Among these remedies known to cure and even prevent worms in cats are apple cider vinegar, garlic, pumpkin seeds, carrots, and turmeric. 

Leaving your cat untreated may lead to a severe health condition that ultimately results in death.

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FAQ

Can cats infected with worms contaminate humans? 

Yes. If you keep close contact with your cat, you can get infected. For this reason, avoid sleeping on the same bed with your cat no matter how lovely and cute it feels. 

Also, don’t forget to always wash your hands after petting or playing with your cat. 

Which common cat diseases can get worse because of worms?  

• Feline Leukemia Virus (FLV): it is the most frequently diagnosable disease in cats, and it targets their immune system, which causes death. The disease doesn’t display symptoms immediately. 
• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): this virus also targets cats’ immune systems but develops slowly. Depending on when you discover it and when your cat gets treatment, it may take months to years to reach its alarming stage.
• Feline Upper Respiratory Infection (URI): generally caused by viral bacteria infecting other animals or objects with which your cat would come in direct contact. They affect your cat’s nose, throat, and sinus- area.

How often should you deworm your cat? 

To ensure her safety, try to deworm your cat at least once every three months.