Whipworms in dogs are a well-known issue, but are there whipworms in cats? The short answer is yes. Whipworms can infect cats and cause a disease called trichuriasis. In this article, I, Ivana Crnec, DVM, will explain how cats get whipworms and how to get rid of them.
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Can Cats Get Whipworms
Yes, cats can get whipworms. Cats are susceptible to two types of whipworms:
- Trichuris serrata (present in North America)
- Trichuris campanula (commonly found in Europe)
The name whipworms is derived from the parasites’ appearance and behavior. The small 6 mm (¼ inch) worms burrow their heads in the intestinal lining while its tail whips back and forth as food passes through the cat’s digestive tract.
Whipworms infect indoor and outdoor cats. Studies suggest that the incidence of “trichuriasis in indoor cats was 26.0% as compared to 16.7% in outdoor cats.”
How Do Cats Get Whipworms
Cats get whipworms from other cats or the environment. Whipworm problems are relatively rare, and research shows they are “more common in tropical and subtropical regions.”
“Whipworm is contracted through eating the eggs/worms through feces,” explains a Reddit user.
Infected cats shed eggs in their stool, and the eggs become infectious within two to four weeks.
A healthy cat gets whipworms when it ingests the infectious eggs. Infectious eggs can be found in contaminated water or soil, on shared cat toys, bowls, and litter boxes.
Once the cat ingests the eggs, they hatch in the small intestines and, after one week, move to the cecum and colon. In the cecum, the whipworm must “feed for about three months before it starts producing eggs,” says Jennifer Shepherd, DVM, in an article for Cats.com.
Whipworms are not visible in cat feces, and you must rely on other signs and symptoms, like diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, or general malaise. Use the Petcube Pet Camera to check on your cat when not at home.
Tip: Keep in mind that cats cannot get whipworms from dogs as the parasite is species-specific. Dogs suffer from Trichuris vulpis, which does not use cats as hosts.
What Kills Whipworms in Cats
Antiparasitics, or dewormers, kill whipworms in cats. Popular dewormers used to kill whipworms in cats include:
- Fenbendazole (Panacur®)
- Moxidectin + imidacloprid (Advantage Multi®)
- Milbemycin oxime (Interceptor®)
- Emodepside + praziquantel (Profender®)
All of these medications require repeated dosing spaced at appropriate intervals. Ask your vet for specific instructions, including which medication to use, for how long, and how often.
Veterinary bills can be skyrocketing, and having a financial backup is life-saving. In the long run, it is advisable to get pet insurance and an emergency plan.
Consider the Petcube Emergency Fund. The fund covers up to $3,000 for emergency vet bills and offers unlimited access to online vets. Click the link to get the fund with 27% off.
Conclusion
Whipworms are not as common as other types of intestinal parasites in cats, but they are definitely worth mentioning. The best way to avoid trichuriasis is to ensure your cat is up-to-date on worm preventatives.