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My cat has loose stools and rice-shaped worms. Does he need meds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 8 years and 4 months old | 9 lbs

My 10 year old Maine Coon mix has had three loose stools over the past two days that I’ve observed (we have two cats and it’s hard to catch them using the litter box). He doesn’t seem to feel terrible and has been playing but I can’t be sure about eating and drinking because, again, we have two cats. I plan to withhold food for about 12 hours and encourage lots of drinking but I’m concerned because about two weeks ago I discovered he had worms in his stool (rice shaped). Should we do worm meds

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Elizabeth

Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

Veterinarian

Published on November 11th, 2017

Yes, I would advise to get Phones dewormed. Rice shaped worms are usually tape worms BUT I have seen clients describe roundworms as rice shaped as well. I would advise a broad spectrum dewormer and a fecal exam. If he does have tapeworms, then that means he also has fleas. Fleas transmit the tapeworms. You veterinarian can prescribe the best flea medications and dewormer for your situation. If the diarrhea does not resolve after treatment, then there are many other things that can cause loose stool. I hoe this helps!
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 19th, 2019

    Poor guy. This looks like normal diarrhea for sure. Give the medication time to help out here. It usually take about 48-72 hrs for loose stool to improve after starting medication. This looks like it could very well be stress colitis, which can just happen in anxious pets or ater eating something they shouldn't have.
    In addition to the medications started, you can also give 1-2 tsp of canned pumpkin (not the pie filling) to help solidify the stools and help him recover quicker.

    I hope that Gunner's stools return to normal soon! Best wishes and take care.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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