What is this?

[houtx002]

I took in a feral kitten 2-4mos in Dec and immediately washed with flea shampoo. She was filthy and infested, I could see the dead fleas as I washed and rinsed.
I decided again 1.11 to wash again with the shampoo despite no signs of fleas, and was happy to not see any fleas. Afterword while the kitten was with me preening I was petting and helping dry off I found two of these (see attached) and am unsure what it is. Anyone know? It 'moving' like an inchworm, squishing then stretching, and have a video if anyone wants to see. Thanks!

image.jpg

• houtx002
• Jan 12, 2014

 

[sivyaleah]

It's some variety of worm, which lives in their intestines. I"m not sure which one it is.  Being feral, I'd be surprised if it didn't have this problem but any cat can get them, they are passed in feces and by eating rodents for instance.  Is she having any issues with elimination, vomiting or does her belly look really round?  

Have you had a chance to have her vetted yet?   She will need medication which is prescribed by a vet to rid her of them.  Most are easily taken care of once the medication has a chance to work.  

 

[GemsGem]

I don't know but my first thought was is it a leech ??? :dk:

 

[sivyaleah]

As far as I remember, leeches are brown, and look more like a fat earthworm.  

 

[oneandahalfcats]

It must have been a bit creepy to discover this! 

It does look like it could be an intestinal worm of some kind - perhaps a round worm but then I don't think they move the way you described? If you can post the video, I think this would be really helpful.

As sivyaleah mentions, if your cat hasn't seen a vet it would definitely be a good idea to get her in for a check up and get some de-worming medication to take home. Some dewormers only cover certain worms, so you will want to ask for broad spectrum de-wormer such as Drontal that includes tapeworms.

 

[houtx002]

sivyaleah, kitten was box trained easily and continues to eliminate normally. she was skin-and-bones when i found her, and now that she is regularly fed she just looks healthy, doesn't vomit, and no unusually round belly. vet is soon, she will get all the screenings, vaccines, and spayed. it was an oddity to find and wanted an opinion. thanks!

 

[houtx002]

oneandahalfcats, since i can't post vid in the forum, here's a link:


[VIDEO][/VIDEO]

 

[houtx002]

i tried posting the vid from 'offsite' since i can't post vids directly in comments like pics, and the vid is in 'mediation' before it posts....

 

[oneandahalfcats]

oneandahalfcats, since i can't post vid in the forum, here's a link:

Thanks HouTx002 .. Hmm, it definitely looks like it could be roundworm as the head of it looks like the typical spear-head of roundworms? Tapeworms are much shorter and look like pieces of rice. This would be a good video to send to your vet before you go in!

 

[houtx002]

sounds like the ver'll certainly be needed, as expected. i will certainly share with the vet too. i was worried it was some kind of intestinal worm, and thankful hearing it can be treated. thanks!

 

[GemsGem]

Yeah I agree it looks more like some kind of roundworm or hook worm on the video

 

[houtx002]

thanks all. apologies for the typos, hadn't put my glasses on lol.

 

[jcat]

i tried posting the vid from 'offsite' since i can't post vids directly in comments like pics, and the vid is in 'mediation' before it posts....

I've embedded it for you. For Vimeo, all you have to do is click the video icon View media item 197314 and paste the url between the video tags.

 

[houtx002]

thanks jcat!

 

[houtx002]

my research into worm meds provided results that some are topical. i guess the flea shampoo i chose repelled some intestinal worms too. my hope is the kitten is excreting more as she eliminates. still going to the vet tho.

 

[houtx002]

vet concurred: intestinal worm. prescribed broad spectrum revolution brand monthly topical for treatment and prevention.

also got her spayed and wow what a great experience. found a mobile vet that acutely monitors anesthesia enough for only a two hour procedure. vet is also a pain specialist so she also said cat was administered a pain reliever that should last about three days.

anyone in houston lookup dr. donaruma she operates the houston mobile vet clinic and is awesome.

thanks ya'll!

 

[allmomskitties]

It's a tape worm.  Very common in cats who have had fleas.  And very easy to treat.  Not even necessary to take kitty to the vet.  I use Tapeworm Tabs by TradeWinds or ProLabs.  Both contain the same active ingredient, praziquantel.  These pills are safe and easy to administer.  I have been using them for many years.  They are available at most pet stores, feed stores, and online.  Use as directed and never give any dog medication to your cat.

Tape worm pills.jpg

• allmomskitties
• Feb 3, 2014

 

[laralove]

Good to read the vet visit went so well, HouTx002! I agree that it looks like it was a roundworm. So glad you didn't catch it!

 

[oneandahalfcats]

How wonderful to hear that the spay went so well, and performed by a mobile vet no less. That is very cool.

Glad to hear that the parasite situation is getting sorted too.  Good stuff!

 

[houtx002]

The 1yr of meds prescribed cover all worms including prevention of heartworms if the test wasn't a false negative.

Post-op superkitty this morning woke me pouncing, playing, and jumping.

image.jpg

• houtx002
• Feb 4, 2014

It was amazing to see her back to normal without pain so soon!