Hookworms are small intestinal parasites that can affect cats of any age, although kittens are more likely to become seriously ill from an infection. Because hookworms in cats are usually too small to spot in the litter box, symptoms or routine stool testing may be the first indication that something is wrong.
Most parasitic hookworm infections respond well to treatment. Knowing how cats become infected, what symptoms to watch for, and how to prevent reinfection can help you get your cat the right care.
In this UrgentVet guide, our experts breakdown what exactly hookworms in cats are, the causes, signs, symptoms and treatment as well as prevention and FAQs from feline pet parents.
What Are Hookworms in Cats?
Hookworms in cats are small parasites that live in the small intestine and attach themselves to the intestinal lining. They use hook-like mouthparts to feed on blood and other fluids, which is where their name comes from.
Several hookworm species can infect cats, including Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense. Because these worms feed on blood, a significant infection can lead to blood loss and anemia. Kittens are particularly vulnerable because even a small amount of blood loss can affect them more quickly.
Signs & Symptoms of Hookworms in Cats
Many cats with a mild hookworm infection show few or no outward signs. However, as the number of worms increases, blood loss and intestinal upset can become more noticeable. Common signs and symptoms of hookworms in cats include:
- Diarrhea or loose stool
- Dark, black, or tarry stool
- Blood in the stool
- Pale gums
- Weakness or low energy
- Weight loss
- Poor appetite
- Poor growth in kittens
- Dull or rough coat
- Dehydration
- Skin irritation where larvae entered the body
When it comes to hookworms in cats, symptoms can become far more serious if anemia sets in. Pale gums, pronounced weakness, rapid breathing, or collapse can mean your cat has lost a significant amount of blood and needs immediate veterinary attention.
Causes of Hookworms in Cats
Exactly what causes hookworms in cats? Cats become infected with parasitic hookworms when the hookworm larvae enter their body through the mouth or skin. Exposure can happen in several ways:
- Contaminated soil or environments: Hookworm eggs are passed in infected feces. Once larvae develop in the environment, cats may swallow them while grooming or exploring contaminated areas.
- Skin contact: Infective larvae can penetrate the skin, often through areas that come in contact with contaminated ground.
- Eating infected prey: Rodents and other small animals can carry hookworm larvae that infect cats when eaten.
- Contact with infected feces: Areas where infected cats or other animals have defecated can become a source of exposure.
- Nursing: Some feline hookworm species may be transmitted to kittens through an infected mother’s milk.
Warm, moist environments are particularly favorable for hookworm larvae. Outdoor access, hunting, overcrowded environments, and poor sanitation can all increase exposure.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Hookworm Infection in Cats
Since hookworms are difficult to see with the naked eye, diagnosis of cat hookworm infection usually starts with a stool sample. Your veterinarian will also ask about symptoms, outdoor exposure, hunting, recent parasite prevention, and any changes in appetite or weight.
A fecal flotation test looks for microscopic hookworm eggs in the stool. In some cases, antigen or PCR testing may be used to detect infections when few eggs are present or the worms have not yet started producing eggs.
If your cat appears weak or has pale gums, bloodwork may also be recommended to check for anemia and evaluate how significantly the infection has affected them.
Hookworm Treatment for Cats
Hookworm treatment for cats usually involves a deworming medication that kills adult parasites in the intestinal tract. Depending on the product, treatment may be given by mouth or as a topical medication.
Treatment for feline hookworms may include:
- Veterinary-approved deworming medication chosen for your cat’s age, weight, and overall health
- Repeat doses to kill worms that mature after the first treatment
- Follow-up fecal testing to make sure the infection has cleared
- Fluids or other supportive care if vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration is present
- Treatment for anemia when significant blood loss has occurred
Several parasite-control products are effective against feline hookworms, but not every dewormer treats every species or life stage. Your veterinarian can select the appropriate cat hookworm medicine and tell you when another dose is needed.
If you’re researching how to treat hookworms in cats, be cautious about trying at-home treatments. Avoid relying on leftover medication or products intended for another pet. The correct medication and dose depend on your cat and the parasite involved.
Recovery and Management of Cat Hookworm Infections
Most cats recover well once the hookworm infection is treated, especially when it is caught before significant anemia develops. Some improvement may be noticeable within a few days, but follow-up treatment may still be needed even if your cat seems back to normal.
During recovery:
- Give all medication exactly as directed.
- Scoop the litter box promptly.
- Clean litter boxes regularly.
- Wash your hands after handling stool or litter.
- Keep your cat away from areas where animals frequently defecate.
- Prevent hunting when possible.
- Complete any recommended follow-up fecal testing.
Reinfection can happen if your cat is exposed again, so environmental cleanup and ongoing parasite prevention are important parts of how to get rid of hookworms in cats for the long term.
Prevention of Hookworms in Cats
A few routine habits can significantly lower the chance of infection or reinfection. The following habits to help potentially prevent hookworms in cats, include:
- Use year-round parasite prevention. Ask your veterinarian for a product that protects against hookworms and is appropriate for your cat.
- Clean litter boxes daily. Prompt stool removal limits contamination and reduces exposure for other pets and people.
- Keep cats indoors when possible. This helps reduce contact with contaminated soil and infected prey.
- Discourage hunting. Rodents can carry hookworm larvae.
- Test new cats and kittens. Newly adopted pets should receive appropriate parasite screening and preventive care.
- Schedule regular fecal testing. Cats can have hookworms without obvious symptoms, so testing can catch an infection early.
Regular intestinal parasite testing is highly recommended, with kittens typically needing testing more frequently than adults. Testing frequency for adult cats should reflect their health and lifestyle.
Need Veterinary Assistance? Find an UrgentVet Near You!
Hookworms are treatable, but they can cause serious blood loss when an infection becomes severe. If your cat has diarrhea, weight loss, pale gums, or another possible sign of parasites, UrgentVet can provide a same-day evaluation, testing, and appropriate treatment.
Feeling concerned and need immediate veterinary attention? Find your nearest UrgentVet location to walk in or check in online.
FAQs about Hookworms in Cats & Kittens
What Do Hookworms Look Like in Cats?
Hookworms in cats look like small, thin, whitish worms, generally much smaller than roundworms. Adult feline hookworms are often around half an inch or less in length, depending on the species, and are rarely noticed in stool. A fecal test is much more reliable than trying to identify them by sight.
How Common Are Hookworms in Cats?
Hookworms occur in cats throughout the United States, but risk varies by location, lifestyle, and exposure. Cats that spend time outdoors, hunt, or live in warm, moist environments may have greater exposure. Kittens are also more vulnerable to illness from infection.
How Are Hookworms Transmitted in Cats?
Hookworms are transmitted to cats from contact with hookworm larvae from contaminated soil or feces, swallow them while grooming, eat infected prey, or become infected when larvae penetrate the skin. Depending on the hookworm species, kittens may also be exposed while nursing.
What Kills Hookworms in Cats & How Long Does It Take?
Veterinary-approved deworming medications kill hookworms in a cat’s intestinal tract. How long it takes is depends on how many doses of medication are needed. More than one dose may be needed because treatment may not eliminate every immature stage at once. Your veterinarian will provide a schedule and may recommend repeat stool testing afterward.
How Big Are Hookworms in Cats?
Hookworms in cats are tiny compared with roundworms and tapeworms. Depending on the species, adult hookworms are generally measured in millimeters and can be difficult to see without close inspection. Finding no visible worms in the litter box does not rule out an infection.
Is a Cat Hookworm Infection an Emergency?
Most cases of cat hookworm infection can be treated through a regular or same-day veterinary visit. A hookworm infection in cats becomes more urgent when blood loss causes significant anemia. Go to an emergency veterinary hospital if your cat has very pale or white gums, severe weakness, rapid or difficult breathing, collapse, or black tarry stool along with signs of serious illness.
Can Kittens Get Hookworm and Is It Dangerous?
Yes, kittens get hookworms and the infection can be dangerous. When a kitten develops hookworms, blood loss can affect their small bodies more severely than it does healthy adult cats. Poor growth, weakness, pale gums, diarrhea, or reduced appetite in a kitten should be evaluated promptly.
Can Indoor Cats Still Get Hookworms?
Yes, indoor cats can still get hookworms. Although indoor cats do have a lower exposure risk, they are not completely protected. Rodents can carry larvae into the home, and contaminated material can also be tracked indoors. Regular parasite prevention and fecal testing are still worthwhile for indoor cats.
Can Cats Transfer Hookworms to Humans?
Some animal hookworms can affect people, but this transfer to humans typically happens through contact with contaminated soil or sand rather than directly from petting a cat. Larvae can penetrate exposed skin and cause an itchy condition known as cutaneous larva migrans.
Prompt litter cleanup, handwashing, wearing shoes outdoors, and keeping children away from areas contaminated with animal feces can reduce the risk of a cats transferring hookworms to humans.
Photographer: Y.P.photo / Shutterstock
