Fosters and worms

I didn't know where to post this. I've had foster kittens since July. They had tested negative for worms 3 different times but I just found a worm. It was disgusting. In any case, I've gotten the meds to dewormed them. I've been letting them run free while I'm home but not while I sleep and they've been mingling with my cats. I will get my cats tested tomorrow; however my question is can I still let them mingle for a while each day or shall I keep them completely separated. Initially they were separated for over a month. I just recently started letting them mingle about. I would feel bad having to keep them separate. I have closed access off to my cats litter boxes. Can I still leave them hang out? This is my very first experience with worms. Gross.

Do you know what type of worm it was?  There are several (I know GROSS!).  But it may be that they were tested at a point in the worm's lifecycle where they didn't show up.  That happened with one of my fosters.

Try to get a stool sample to the vet (and take the worm too, if you haven't already trashed it).  The vet can help you ID it and decide on the needed treatment.  He can also tell you what to do about the possibility of your cats catching them.  I'd keep them separated until he gives the all-clear.

It was a round worm. Doc already gave treatment. I didn't ask about the comingling while I was there. I just hate to not let them out for a little while each day. Sigh

Oh, good, glad you were able to get them treated.

From what I understand, they are transmitted through feces, so if the two sets of cats did not share a litter box, your cats may not have caught them.  Ask the vet to be sure.

I asked my vet for my cats this morning. They confirmed what you said;however, my concern was that the kitties snuck into my cats boxes a few times but I always leaned it up right away. My boys have there yearly exam in November so a poop sample will be going with them :-)

I gave the kittens their meds this morning. I was expecting to come home to dead or dying worms after work but nothing. Ugh.

I know.  I'm not sure there's anything grosser than worms.  I'd clean up stacks of poop first!  You're being wise to check your kitties.  Better to check and have no worms than the opposite.

Do you know when or if I will see these roundworms expelled, if at all? Until the one worm I saw yesterday that was thrown up there was no sign of worms. All kitties had good poop, ate well, gained weight, no lethargy, no potbelly, etc. could it be possible that there was only one worm? Wishful thinking, I know, but since I know nothing about roundworms I'm hoping its possible and maybe even likely.

Between my cats, fosters, and my ferals I'm going a little crazy. This is two nights in a row TT I'm eating Oreos and drinking wine :-)

From what I understand, the adult worms usually live out their lives in the cat's gut. The eggs (or larvae, I'm not sure which) are expelled in the feces. Now that the cat has been wormed, I am guessing the adults will die. Whether they are then pooped out, I do not know. But if they are, you'll probably see them. Now I need to go take a shower - I feel all itchy!