Hookworm in Cats and Kittens: What Do You Need to Know?

Hookworms are intestinal parasites typically found in the south and southeastern areas of the U.S., especially along the coast. Learn how cats become infected, the signs to watch for and the treatment options available.

How Do Cats Become Infected with Hookworm?

Cats can become infected with hookworms when they come in contact with contaminated soil or feces. Here’s what the typical hookworm life cycle looks like:

• The eggs in infected cats’ droppings hatch into microscopic baby worms, which can survive in soil for months.
• Other cats can either eat these tiny worms (for example, if soil gets onto their paws and they groom themselves), or they can migrate into the cat’s paws directly from the soil before making their way through the cat’s body to the intestine.
• Once inside your cat’s intestines, hookworm larvae mature into adult hookworms and the cycle starts over again.

Cats can also pick up worms by eating rodents or other small mammals that are infected with hookworms. Additionally, kittens are often infected at an early age and are usually dewormed during their first visit to the veterinarian.

What Are the Symptoms of Hookworm in Cats?

The signs of hookworms in cats can vary. If cats carry low numbers of worms, they may not show any signs at all. Higher hookworm numbers can be associated with the following symptoms:

• Anemia (because the worms feed on blood)
• Dark-colored blood in the stool
• Dull coat
• Weight loss
• Difficulty breathing and/or coughing
• Skin irritation around the feet

These signs tend to be more common and more serious in affected kittens than in adult cats.

Treating Cats for Hookworm

If you suspect a hookworm infection in your cat or kitten, take them to a veterinarian. You may be required to bring in a sample of your cat’s stool to confirm a diagnosis; vets can diagnose hookworms by looking for hookworm eggs in cat feces under a microscope.

If your cat has hookworms, your vet will administer a dewormer to kill the adult worms inside your cat; additional treatments may be needed to kill any leftover immature parasites as they mature into adults.

Deworming your cat is an important part of keeping your pet happy and healthy. This is most often achieved with treatments in the form of pills or topicals. Talk with your veterinarian to find the best treatment plan for your cat.