Roundworms are the most common parasites in cats. What do roundworms look like? Protect yourself from worms from your cat. Kinds of Worms in Cats: 1. Look for them in your cat’s or dog’s stool. You do everything you can to protect your beloved feline -- after all, she is a part of your family. Feline housemates can ingest eggs from social grooming sessions or by stepping in infected poop during their potty break. If you do happen to get any interesting skin lesions visit your doctor and take your cat to the vet. The risk of infection is lower by keeping a cat indoors; it is still possible for infection to occur in several ways which are outlined below. Tapeworm eggs are frequently ingested through adult fleas. Your cat can also get roundworms from eating mice, cockroaches or birds, says Dr. Elizabeth McKinstry, a veterinarian in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The roundworm is a common parasite that infects cats, and cats are often infected when they eat a rodent that is a carrier. Sometimes cats are blamed unnecessarily, however up to 20% of cats can be asymptomatic carriers, and most cases of ringworm are the species that cats tend to carry. Roundworm: Two species of roundworm infect cats. Your cat can pick up a case of worms by sharing a litter box or food and water bowls with an infected cat. We’ll get into exactly how indoor only cats can get parasites and unlikely-for-them-to-catch diseases in the next section, but first, a word to the wise on prevention. Take roundworms, they are a parasite that feeds off the body to stay alive. Outdoor cats that hunt rodents can get roundworm from eating their prey; kittens usually get it via milk from their infected mothers. They can be acquired from ingesting fleas. How Do Cats Get Worms? How do cats get roundworms? How to Eliminate Roundworms in Cats. Roundworms can easily pass to humans. An infected cat can pass his pesky squatters to every other member in the household. Most roundworms don't readily distinguish between kings or commoners. The best prevention is to wash your hands after playing with or being around pets. If Trixy is showing certain symptoms, she'll have to see the vet immediately. If you have an outdoor cat, they can get roundworm from the prey they eat. T. Cati. Parasitic worms have evolved to be opportunistic, and there are several ways in which they can infect cats, even those who are strictly indoor cats. Even though cats are indoor only, a stray infected fly might come in and be eaten by your cat. - Worried Hi Worried, You absolutely do not have to get rid of the cats. YES! There are two species of roundworms, Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina. This is a common situation and perfectly treatable. That's scary, because people can get it too. Luckily, treating feline roundworm is fairly easy. Ascariasis is the most common type of worm infection in the world, with an estimated one billion people infected, but it is rare in the U.S. Roundworm's eggs live in the soil and in contaminated feces or bowel movements. As their name suggests, roundworms are round, up to four inches long, and white to pale brown in color. While many cats infected with roundworms remain asymptomatic, others will display a variety of symptoms, including malnourishment, vomiting and diarrhea. Mice for example, they can carry roundworm eggs. Tapeworms are segmented parasites that can often be seen around the fur of a cat's hind quarters. Nursing kittens can get them from a mother's milk while adult cats can get them from infected feces. Roundworms are tubular and can remind you of cooked spaghetti: pale in appearance — white or light brown — and with smooth, non-segmented bodies. Kittens normally get it from drinking their infected mother’s milk. Roundworms can easily pass to humans. As mentioned above, in order for a cat to get worms he must come into contact with the larvae or portion of the worm by ingesting it. Especially, wash your hands after cleaning the litter box. How do indoor cats get worms? Roundworms are highly contagious and very common--never a good combination. Are roundworms in cats contagious to humans? Firstly, cats who live outside and hunt are more exposed to getting worms by either eating rodents or chewing on insects or being bitten by ticks and mosquitoes that can carry such parasites. Even though you keep her inside and get her regular checkups, she may still wind up with a roundworm infestation. Can Dogs Get Roundworms From Cats? Based on what you have said it is possible that your kitten may have Roundworm (if he has it his siblings and mother may be similarly infected). Although not usually dangerous, caution must be taken when dealing with roundworms because they are contagious. Can humans get roundworms from pets? Are roundworms in cats contagious to humans? How Cats Get Roundworm. Growing up to several inches long, they can be seen by the naked eye. Just because you have an indoor-only cat, does not mean you should pass up keeping your cat up to date on vaccines and regular vet visits. How Do Cats Get Tapeworms? T. Cati and T. Leonina. Tapeworms are acquired by ingesting the larvae. What Are the Symptoms of Roundworms in Cats? Alas, like poor King Richard III, but for good hygiene, sanitation, screen doors, and bug repellent, go you or I! Female roundworms may lay more than 200,000 eggs every day; these eggs leave the body through bowel movements. Not sure if this is the most likely way for indoor cats to get worms like roundworm and ringworm, but it sure would seem one of the most likely ways to me.