Hookworms in Cats

What are hookworms?

Hookworms are a common intestinal parasitic worm found in dogs & cats. They are less common in cats than they are in dogs. 

Hookworms live in the intestine of the host it infects. Hookworms have teeth like mouth parts which they use to attach themselves to the intestinal wall & feed off the host's blood. 

This blood loss can lead to anaemia, intestinal bleeding, diarrhoea & even death. 

They are small, thin worms approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. They are most prevalent in areas of high temperature & humidity. 

How do cats become infected with hookworms? 

There are several ways cats can become infected with hookworms & it is important to understand the life cycle of hookworms, which will be explained below. 

• In Utero: Inc, worm eggs can be passed on from mother to her unborn kittens via the placenta. It hasn't been established if this is the case with feline hookworms yet. 

• Via the mother's milk: Again, in dogs it is possible for hookworm infection to be passed to her puppies via the breastmilk. When a dog becomes infected with hookworms most of them migrate to the small intestine. However, some enter other tissues of the body, becoming dormant for years. When the animal becomes pregnant, they migrate to the mammary glands & are passed through the milk. It hasn't been established if this is the case with feline hookworms yet. 

• Via the skin: Hookworm eggs are passed in the cat's stool. Depending on conditions, within 2 - 5 days these eggs hatch into larvae (immature worms), which are present in the moist environment of soil, & vegetation. When a cat comes into contact with an environment infected with hookworm larvae, it either becomes infected via ingestion of the larvae, or they enter the body by burrowing into the skin. 

• Via ingestion: Hookworm larvae can contaminate food & water which the cat consumes.

Life cycle of  hookworms: 

Adult hookworms live in the small intestine of their host. They lay hundreds of eggs which are passed out in the faeces. Within 2 - 5 days these eggs hatch into larvae (immature worms), which are present in soil/environment etc., and are ready to infect a host. The larvae can survive for quite a long time in the environment without a host to feed on. 

Ingestion: The cat swallows the comes into contact with the larvae food or water infected with hookworm larvae, these larvae move down into the small intestine. 

Penetration: The larvae comes into contact with the cat's skin & burrows into the body. They migrate into the blood & up into the lungs & trachea, where they are coughed up & swallowed. 

Some migrating larvae don't move into the small intestine, instead they encyst in the tissues. In dogs, these larvae are re-activated by pregnancy, but it is not sure if the same happens in cats. 

Once in the small intestine the larvae attach to the wall of the small intestine where they feed & mature. Once they have reached maturity they lay eggs, which are passed out in the faeces. 

What are the signs of hookworms in cats?

• When they suck blood from their host, they release an anti-coagulant (a substance which prevents the blood from clotting). This results in black or bloody stools.

• Anaemia (weakness, pale gums)

• Dull coat

• In kittens, stunted growth

How are hookworms in cats diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will be able to diagnose hookworm by examining a stool sample for hookworm eggs.

Are hookworms dangerous to cats?

Hookworms tend to be more prevalent in dogs than they are in cats, and when cats do have them, they are more likely to be in smaller numbers. Any worm infestation should be treated immediately as the worm is using the cat's own resources as a source of nutrition. As hookworms feed on the cat's blood, cats can become anaemic. Adult cats are more resistant to hookworms than kittens. 

What's the treatment for hookworms?

There are many effective medications to treat hookworms. Your veterinarian will be able to recommend an effective product.

Most worming medications come in two forms, either topical which is applied to the skin on the back of the neck, or tablet form. 

For a more in depth article on the treatment of hookworms in cats, read here...

Can I catch hookworms from my cat?

You can, although they can't develop into the adult form as they do in cats. The infective larvae are found in the soil or sandy areas such as beaches or children's sandpits are able to penetrate the skin & they migrate, causing a red, itchy skin eruption. This condition is known as 'Cutaneous Larva Migrans' (also called 'creeping eruption' or 'ground itch'). The hookworm larvae cannot complete their life cycle & die in the epidermis. 

How do I prevent hookworms in my pet?

• Regular worming.

• Regular cleaning & removal of faecal waste in your cat's litter tray.

• Preventing hunting behaviour in cats.

• If you do allow your cat to go to the toilet in your garden, ensure you clean up any faeces quickly. 

• Avoid walking barefoot in areas which have been defecated in by animals. 

Please note:

The medical articles on this site have not been written by a veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only.

Always seek immediate veterinary advice for any problems (health or behavioral) in your pets. 

While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice.