My kitten has a worm. How can I identify it before the vet visit?

I’m going to guess that this is a roundworm. It can be difficult to identify adult worms but it is usually much easier to identify eggs in a stool sample. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian for a stool analysis and to get the appropriate deworming medication.

I am sorry to hear about your concern for your kitties! If this worm is long and skinny compared to the tapeworm segments then it is possible it is a roundworm. Roundworms are treated with a different dewormer than tapeworms, normally with pyrantel or fenbendazole. You can get these medications over the counter but if your kitty has not visited a vet yet, it might not be a bad idea to bring them in for an exam along with a stool sample to check for other parasites that could be present and invisible to the naked eye! You can read about roundworms and see an image at https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951385

It sounds like Boots may have intestinal parasites. There are many different kinds, but we usually lump them into 3 groups: round/hook/whip worms look like spaghetti, tapeworms look like flat noodles or small grains of rice, and coccidia or giardia are other types that are not visibly seen. You can try an OTC dewormer that treats the specific type of worm you are seeing and make sure it is repeated in a few weeks as directed on the label, but I recommend that Boots go to a vet. She is way overdue for kitten vaccines and a rabies shot (which is required in all cats and dogs by law - even if they will never ever step foot outside). There are many nasty cat viruses that can cause illness and even death. Your vet can also test a fecal sample to determine the most appropriate treatment timeline for her individual parasite(s).

It is a pity that you did not photograph the worm. It would have helped with identification of the worm. Usually kittens have roundworms, but these are not white. It is unlikely that a kitten has tape worm at this age. I would deworm the kitty with a kitten wormer for round worms. Should your kitten have another one of these small white worms (proglottids of tape worm, looks like a bit of a rice corn or sesame seed). If you do discuss worming against tape worm with your veterinarian, since she is so young.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The worms in the photo appear to be tapeworms or, less commonly, pinworms. these can cause impactions and diarrhea, especially in kittens. Unfortunately, I am unable to prescribe medication for Coco without having examined her. However, your veterinarian can quickly determine the exact type of parasites present with a fecal sample and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Because many parasites are transmitted by fleas, it is important for Coco to be on a monthly flea preventative. You should also be careful when cleaning out her litter box to make sure you wash your hands well with soap and water, as some of these parasites can infect humans. I hope all is well!

Little white grain things sounds like tapeworm segments. I suspect they may have tapeworms. Take them into the vet along with a sample of their poop for the vet to examine. If they do have tapeworms, the vet will give you medication to treat as well as flea medication. Fleas carry tapeworms, so make sure all the animals in your home are up to date with their flea medication. I hope this helps!

I would bring Miyya to a veterinarian and have them evaluate her stool sample. Kittens can have multiple different types of intestinal parasites, although only a few you will actually see in their stool (roundworms and tapeworms). Roundworms look like spaghetti while tapeworms look like pieces of rice. I recommend a stool sample to make sure we do not miss any of the intestinal parasites that she may have since not all parasites are treated the same way. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.