Worms do not discriminate to species or location. So whether your cat is in Orange County or not they are in danger of these parasitic infections. These parasites can be identified and treated by veterinarians.
The most common types of worms are roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and lungworms. The symptoms of these can vary. They include diarrhea, bloody stool, bloating, weight loss, vomiting, constipation, trouble breathing, and sometimes coughing. It is important to recognize these symptoms, but do not try to self-diagnose your cat.
The most common worms that cats get are roundworms. They look like spaghetti, and can grow to about three or four inches. They can get these from infected milk when they are nursing, or from eating infected rodentia or cat feces.
Hookworms like small roundworms only growing to less than an inch. These can infect cats either through contact or ingestion. Of course, these are much more common in dogs as opposed to cats.
Photo by Gabby.
The longest type of worms are tapeworms. They can grow anywhere between 4 and 28 inches. Cats can get these primarily through ingestion of an intermediate host. Pieces of them can appear to be rice-like pieces in their feces and on their rear.
Lungworms as per their name live in the lungs of the cat. It is usually snails and slugs which carry these. However, cats usually get them from eating birds or rodentia who have ingested the primary hosts.
Worms are dangerous parasites that can not only infect your cat, but also you. It is important to allow your cat’s worms to be treated by their veterinarian. Of course, the best course of treatment will always be prevention.
So whether you are in Orange County or elsewhere keep your cats free of fleas, maintain a clean house and litter box, and keep them on a parasite prevention program!