How do Cats get Worms?

Like dogs, cats can also get worms. Even indoor cats are susceptible to getting worms. In fact, kittens are born with intestinal worms. They are passed from the mother's body through the placenta into the kittens' bodies before they are even born. Worms can also be passed onto kittens through the mother's milk.

Generally, cats can get worms by coming in contact with eggs or infected pieces of feces. Worms can also be contracted by hunting and eating rodents that are infected with worms. Fleas also play a huge role in the infestation of worms. Cats can become infected by ingesting fleas carrying worms or if worm larvae bite the cat.

Cats most commonly contract roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Roundworms and hookworms live in the intestines and tapeworms live in the intestines and other organs, like the liver. When in your cat, these internal parasites drain your cat's blood and nutrients. Cats can also get heartworms, which live in the heart, are spread by mosquitos, and can be deadly