Ask-a-Vet: Question and Answer
Question:
Pet Info:
Species: Feline
Breed: Black short-haired
Sex: Male
Spayed/Neutered: Yes
Age: 3.0 years
Weight: 5.0 pounds
8/26/2012 9:52:31 PM
Today I noticed while changing my cat’s litter box that some of his feces was covered in some kind of maggot-like worms. Since then, I noticed my cat has been a lot more clingy and trying to rub his butt on the hardwood floor. He has pooped since then and it appears to be normal. I just want to know how normal this is, and if I should consult a veterinary clinic as soon as possible.
Answer:
8/30/2012 11:42:28 AM
Hi there! Sorry for the delay in answering your question. It sounds like your one has some gastrointestinal parasites. From your description, I would think tapeworms but I am not 100% sure. Cats get tapeworms from eating fleas, even just one sometimes. So, be sure if he is not on flea prevention that you get him started now. And, he does need to go see your vet for a dewormer medication. I would bring a stool sample with you so they can test the sample and look for worms.
Hope this helps!
Sincerely, Dr. Keri Reeves
Answered by:
Dr. Keri Reeves is currently practicing veterinary medicine at Falconbridge Animal Hospital, an AAHA-accredited practice in Chapel Hill, NC.
