“All kittens are born with worms”, this is what the vet said to me while I was having a stray kitten treated for an upper respiratory infection. That little stray kitten turned out to be our Lydia, who originally made her way into our yard through the small holes (1¾ inch x 1¾ inch) in our cat fence. Apparently, our fence is “cat proof” but not “kitten proof”!

The Fecal Test… Eewww, Gross!
The vet recommended a fecal matter test for worms, which we promptly had performed on Lydia, and consequently, came back negative for any signs of worm eggs. The vet informed us that she is negative for worm eggs now, but that she probably has worms and it just indicates the eggs haven’t matured enough to show-up positive in the fecal test. This is when the vet said to me, “all kittens are born with worms” and they are passed to them from their mothers while in the uterus. Of course, for those who know me… you already know that the next thing I did was hit the internet to do some research. So, here is what I discovered about cat worms.

Thanks for the Worms Mom!
It has been reported that 95% of kittens contract worms in one way or another, either from inside the mother’s womb or while nursing on the mother’s milk. Even if a mother cat shows no signs of intestinal parasite infection, they may still have worms that lay dormant and get passed to their kittens. Also, if the mother has fleas or the kittens themselves have fleas they can be infected.

Apparently, there are several types of worms that can infect a cat. Here are the most common types of cat worms according to an article at WebMD.

Worms in Cats: An Infection of Intestinal Parasites
WebMD

What Are the Most Common Types of Worms in Cats?

• Roundworms are the most common internal parasites in cats. Resembling spaghetti, adult worms are three to four inches long. There are several ways cats can become infected. Nursing kittens can get roundworms from an infected mother’s milk, while adult cats can acquire them by ingesting an infected rodent or the feces of an infected cat.

• Hookworms are much smaller than roundworms-less than an inch long-and reside primarily in the small intestine. Because they feed on an animal’s blood, hookworms can cause life-threatening anemia, especially in kittens. Hookworm eggs are passed in the stool and hatch into larvae, and a cat can become infected either through ingestion or skin contact. Please note, hookworms are more common in dogs than in cats.

• Long and flat, tapeworms are segmented parasites and range from 4 to 28 inches in length. An infestation can cause vomiting or weight loss. Cats acquire tapeworms by ingesting an intermediate host, like an infected flea or rodent. When cats are infected, tapeworm segments-actual pieces of the worm that resemble grains of rice-can often be seen on the fur around a cat’s hind end.

Unlike intestinal parasites, lungworms reside in the lungs of a cat. Most cats will not show any signs of having lungworms, but some can develop a cough. Snails and slugs are popular intermediate hosts of this type of parasite, but cats are usually infected after eating a bird or rodent who has ingested an intermediate host.

Read more: http://pets.webmd.com/cats/worms-cats-infection-intestinal-parasites

Signs and Symptoms of Cat Worms
Depending on the type and location of the parasitic worms that a cat has been infected, the signs and symptoms exhibited by the host cat will vary. Here are some clinical signs and symptoms associated with each type of cat worm. Note, some symptoms appear the same with different types of worms and this is not a comprehensive list.

Roundworms

• Swollen belly (pot bellied)
• Constantly hungry
• Vomiting
• Chronic Diarrhea
• Lethargy
• Dull or poor coat

Hookworms

• Diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain
• Kittens, stunted growth

Tapeworms

• Small white rice-like segments on fur near anus
• Worm segments in cat’s feces
• Constant hunger
• Weight loss

Lungworms

• Cough
• Trouble breathing

Heartworms (less prevalent in cats)

• Almost no symptoms
• Diagnosis difficult 

How to Treat Parasitic Cat Worms
It’s very important that you don’t try to treat your cat for worms until you consult your veterinarian and have them tested for the type of parasitic worm infection before diagnosing and prescribing treatment. One solution to reducing the risk of your cat being infected with worms is to treat your cat properly for fleas. Cat World has an informative article on treatments for cat worms and a specific section on heartworms.

Part 1-Parasitic Worms
Cat World

Treatment of parasitic worms in cats:

“There are many excellent products on the market to treat the more common worms such as tapeworm, roundworm & hookworm including tablets & topical products which are applied to the back of the neck. Your veterinarian is the best person to speak to in regards to which product will suit your cat best.

There are no approved methods to treat heartworm in cats. The treatments which are available are themselves dangerous. A single dead worm can be fatal in cats as it can break away & cause a blockage of the pulmonary artery (pulmonary embolism).

 If there are no clinical symptoms your vet may decide not to treat the cat & wait for it to clear the parasite in its own time. As stated earlier, heartworms live for around 2-3 years in cats. If this is the chosen method, your veterinarian will want to monitor your cat every 6-12 months for signs of complications.

If the cat is displaying symptoms of heartworm disease supportive therapy may be recommended. Prednisone may be given to the cat to reduce the inflammation & reaction to the worm.

Cats with severe symptoms may require additional supportive therapy such as a bronchodilator to open the airways, oxygen therapy & intravenous fluids.

Adulticide treatment may be recommended for cats with clinical signs who are not responding to supportive care. Caparsolate is the drug used & kills the adult worms. This carries risks, as a dead worm can result in a pulmonary embolism. Around 1/3rd of cats receiving treatment will face life threatening complications as a result of the dying worms. Confinement will be necessary for a few weeks after treatment. Either way, if you choose to let nature take its course & hope that the worm lives out its lifespan within the cat, or if you use an adulticide there are risks. These must be weighed up by your veterinarian before a decision is made. Surgical removal of the worms has been used in some cases.”

Read more: http://www.cat-world.com.au/internal-parasites-in-cats

Cat Worms – Prevention Tips

• If possible keep your cat indoors
• Keep your cat away from other infected cats, rodents, fleas and feces
• Keep your pets, home and yard flea free
• Use good hygiene when cleaning litter or removing feces
• Keep litter box clean from feces regularly
• Use vet approved internal parasite treatment or preventative products

Personally, I take my cats to our regular veterinarian to be tested and treated for cat worms and internal parasites. I use a product recommended by my vet called, Revolution to maintain flea protection and it also contains a preventative dose of internal parasite treatment. We’ve had a lot of success with this product and my cats are flea free and free of cat worms.

When it comes to providing good health to an expecting feline, there are some important guidelines that you should consider.

Care of a Pregnant Cat – Cat Reproduction 101: Lesson 5
About.com

Pregnant Cats Need Calcium
Pregnancy (and subsequent nursing) causes a depletion in the amount of calcium in the bloodstream. This condition can result in eclampsia, a life-threatening disease. Although it more often occurs during nursing, it can occur during the last stages of pregnancy. A calcium supplement can help prevent this potential problem, particularly when caring for a pregnant stray cat.

In addition to quality food, make sure that fresh, clean water is available at all times. The best way to provide this essential is with an automatic water fountain.

Routine Care for a Pregnant Cat
Other than kitten food and KMR during the last trimester, for the most part, a pregnant cat needs the same good care you would give any other cat:

A Comfortable Place to Sleep
This can be anywhere from sharing your bed, to a cardboard box lined with a fluffy towel or blanket, to a comfortable commercial bed designed for cats.

A Litter Box and Quality Litter
As your pregnant cat’s abdomen begins to enlarge, make sure her litter box is low enough for easier ingress and egress. Keep the box scrupulously clean to avoid possible infections from soiled litter. Refresh your knowledge of litter box cleaning techniques with this article on Litter Box Maintenance.

Scratching Post,Cat Toys, and a Cat Tree
Pregnant cats are just like other cats, in that they need the stretching activities they can get from a nice long scratching session, an interactive play session (take care not to tire her), and a nice spot from which to relax and view the world below.

Keep Your Pregnant Cat Indoors
This should go without saying, but if your cat became pregnant because of unlimited outdoor privileges, you really should train yourself and her to keep her inside. This is extremely important for her safety and your peace of mind.

Read More: http://cats.about.com/od/reproduction/a/pregnant_care.htm

Remember after the mother has delivered her kittens, she will spend the first few weeks with them feeding, cleaning and regulating their body temperature by keeping them warm. Make sure you’re providing a quiet area for her and the kittens away from other pets and high traffic areas of the home. Take the mother and kittens to your vet to have a check-up within the first month to be sure she is maintaining good health as well as her kittens to insure they live a long and healthy life.

You are getting a new family member and it’s a kitten, you’ll want to compile a checklist of everything that you’ll need to care for your new kitten. Think of this kitten care checklist like a “cat owners manual”.

1. Cat food is the most obvious choice. It may seem like a no brainer but sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we run out of cat food for our pets, so be sure to stock up on your cats brand of cat food. It is essential that your kitty is eating a high quality food developed for kittens. If you purchased your kitten from a shelter, breeder or a foster home make sure he is eating the same food he received there to avoid an upset tummy from a sudden change in diet.

2. A kitty litter box is the next most important choice that you’ll make when preparing for a new kitten. You will need to scoop the poop everyday and also change the litter and wash the litter box out weekly. Also, keep in mind when choosing a litter box to make sure the box is shallow enough for your little kitty to easily enter and exit the box.

3. Cat toys are great things to have for new kittens as they have a lot of playful energy. Interactive cat toys are a great way for you to bond with your new kitten. However, your kitten will usually start playing with something else rather than the toy that you bought, like a wadded-up piece of paper. This is because your cat is absolutely thrilled at anything they can get their hands on whenever they’re in a playful mood.

4. A good vet is another important decision you’ll have to make and a reliable vet will definitely make sure that your cat receives the best medical care possible. You can try asking your friends with pets which vet they recommend or simply call the local animal shelters for any good recommendations on a reliable vet.

5. A brush for grooming your cat is vital. You will both build better bonds when you groom your cat and a brush also helps to control his shedding so he will have less fur to groom himself. This is definitely a good thing for your cat because with less fur, this will reduce the risks of hairballs going into his digestive system.

6. Nail clippers are another item you’ll need, as it is essential that your kitten’s nails are trimmed regularly. Most cats do not usually like to have their nails trimmed, so clipping your kitten’s nails early is another way for you to get them used to this procedure. You might want to give your kitten a little foot rub prior to clipping their nails, as this will encourage them to feel more relaxed and will make nail trimming a lot easier on both you and your kitty.

7. Having a warm toasty bed for your new kitten to sleep in is a plus as kitten’s love warmth. You’ll often see your cat following the sunshine along the floor or stretching out in front of the heat vents; this is because they know these are often the warmest places in the house. The best bed to purchase for your kitten is a bed that is either fully washable or one that has a washable and/or replaceable cover.

8. A scratching post for your kitten is another essential item for great cat care. Scratching posts are an excellent way to ensure mental health and awareness when caring for your new kitten. Kittens love to climb and by purchasing a scratching post, you’ll know how to keep your kitten active, agile and strong.

These are just a few items you’ll want to have on hand when your new kitten arrives, you might also consider buying a small kitty condo or crinkle tunnel for playtime and fun. Congratulations and good luck with your new kitten, with the proper cat care your new kitty will enjoy a long and healthy life!

There are quite a few cat breeds on the market. If you’re like most people, you don’t understand much about them. In order to help you make an informed decision about the different cat breeds, here’s some helpful information.

Do you want a cat that will entertain himself and not get into trouble? Then don’t consider the Sphynx, the Rex, the British Angora or the Siamese. These cat breeds are very energetic and seem to look for trouble. For those who are trying to find a cat to provide them with amusement, these are the ideal choice. The Rex is a silly cat who will definitely entertain you.

There are other crucial elements to consider when choosing a breed. For example, when trying to decide if you’d like to own a long hair or a short hair cat, think about how much time you’ll be able to dedicate to grooming, if you don’t feel you have the time for daily grooming, you shouldn’t consider a long haired breed. Those who choose a long haired cat will need to recognize the commitment to taking care of that coat. Should you not, it may tangle and also matt and have to end up being shaven and it can also present a health risk.

Vocal cats are often something which many people either think about or want absolutely nothing to do with. They may be very loud. Many cat owners don’t have a problem with vocal cats, they recognize that communication with them is essential. While other pet parents don’t feel that a vocal cat is a good choice for them.

Vocal/Loud Feline Breeds:

• Siamese
• Burmese
• Korat

Quiet Feline Breeds:

• American Curl
• Scottish Fold
• Somali

Attitude is your next determining aspect. Some cats want to be held and cuddled, while others want absolutely nothing to do with people at all. Some cats want the attention while others don’t. Selecting which one is right for you is a personal decision you will need to make as a pet owner.

Loving Breeds are perfect for children:

• Snowshoe
• Maine Coon
• Ragdoll
• Abyssinian
• Tonkinese
• Himalayan Persian

Reserved Breeds:

• Nebelung
• Russian Shorthair
• Norwegian Forest Cat

Finally, in the event that you would like to opt for a kitten or even an abandoned older cat, bear in mind that kittens have to be trained; however adult cats can be set in their ways. You can discover a number of breeds to choose from at the nearby cat show and look for these breeds at your neighborhood humane society as well. These types of cats need homes and these organizations are generally full to the brim with them.

I hope that you found this information helpful and you’re able to discover the best breed that is right for you and your family.

So, you read somewhere that introducing a new kitten into your home could be great for your current cat for companionship. And you remembered how much fun your cat was when she was a kitten, and you might love to re-live those glory days.

It’s generally thought that cats thrive better with the company of one more feline, particularly cats limited indoors. However, before you rush off to your local cat shelter or breeder, here are a few suggestions to make bringing home a new kitten as relaxed as possible.

Choose a time when your home is not too active and you have the time and energy to dedicate to your brand new kitty and your existing pet, avoid holidays, for example, or some other occasions when family and friends tend to visit.

Before bringing home the new kitten, take her to your animal medical practitioner to get her examined in addition to vaccinated, kittens possess fragile immune systems and are generally more likely to pick up something at the shelter or perhaps cattery. Consider adopting a kitty of the opposite gender to your current cat, this will steer clear of same sex competition and also associated issues. For several reasons all your felines should be spayed/neutered.

If possible arrange to bathe your new cat at a friend’s house before you bring it home, this will neutralize kitty’s odor, and go along way in preventing further disturbance with your current cat.

A shorter isolation period is important when presenting a completely new cat. It would be ideal to have a separate room for the brand new kitten; your new kitty will need her own litter box, water and food bowl. A few cats will hide out beneath furniture for a few days, much more adventurous ones will be eager to investigate their new house almost straightaway. Don’t try and pressure your new kitten to leave the area, you’ll know when she is ready.

Give your new kitty time to explore your house while your older cat is in another area. Help make the introduction, slowly, bit by bit, it’s an excellent idea to allow your current cat the opportunity to smell your new kitten’s blanket a couple of times before they actually meet. Help make the preliminary periods of contact short. Progressively increase the time they invest together as they get used to one another. It’s not uncommon for them to end up having a couple of quarrels in these first meetings, therefore do not let them be together unsupervised for long periods until they get along. If a fight should break out, distract the combatants and get them directly into individual rooms as soon as possible, never punish either cat.

The process of introducing a new kitten to an older cat can be relatively relaxed and need not be full of problems. The bottom line is making the introduction slowly, and perhaps the best idea would be to give your more mature cat just as much attention as well as affection as you give the newcomer.

Before long you will have two feline friends that enjoy each others company.