Even when they've barely made their entrance into the world, kittens can have worms. Fortunately in the majority of cases, most worms won't pose a major threat unless they're left untreated. As such, it's important to understand the various ways that cats and kittens can pick up worm infestations as well as knowing what signs to look out for and the most suitable ways of treating them.


Common worms

Roundworms and tapeworms are the most usual type of worms found in cats and kittens, though kittens are more likely to be affected with roundworm. A roundworm can grow up to four inches long while living inside a kitten's intestinal canal. Tapeworms are flat and segmented and live by attaching themselves to the kitten's intestine. Hookworm is less common but they can pose a serious threat to your kitten's health if contracted.

Causes

Kittens can easily pick up roundworms from their mother if she is already infected with them. Once the worms begin laying eggs, they're eventually passed out through the cat's feces. If the kitten comes into contact with infected feces, chances are high they'll contract worms this way. But the most usual way kittens get roundworm is through their mother's milk. Hookworm is also passed on this way. Kittens may inadvertently ingest the eggs simply though grooming themselves whereby the life-cycle of the worm begins again.

Other causes of worms are through infected fleas carrying the worm lavae. Furthermore, kittens who love exploring the great outdoors face exposure to the many parasites that thrive there such as those found on dead animals or birds as well as feces from other animals.

Symptoms and signs

Often you won't know your kitten has worms unless they begin suffering from bouts of diarrhea or start vomiting and losing weight. Alternatively they may become constipated or have a pot-bellied appearance and their overall health may deteriorate.  These symptoms are serious and can develop where a worm infestation has been left untreated, possibly causing a blockage in their intestines. Mild cases of worms can be spotted by observing their feces. Though not as common in kittens, if you spot particles in their feces resembling grains of rice, this could be tapeworm.

Treatment

Prevention is always better than cure and the best way of stopping your kitten picking up worms is by giving them regular preventative worming treatment. Kittens are should be treated for roundworm every two weeks between the ages of six and sixteen weeks. After this you should also include a treatment for tapeworm. Always follow up with regular repeat doses, at least every three months to prevent re-infestation. This is important as the kitten will keep shedding the eggs in their feces for some time and these are capable of re-infecting the kitten if ingested.

It's also important to give them the right worming remedy for the type of worm infection. However, you can purchase two in one worming treatments for roundworm and tapeworm which are readily available in supermarkets and pet shops. Don't give them worming treatments for dogs and always check that they're getting the right dosage for their age and weight.

Worming treatments come in many forms nowadays, though tablets are the most usual. Tablets are often very difficult to give to kittens, even when hidden in their food. In this case you could try a paste or alternatively the vet can give them an injection which will provide the best preventative treatment.

While you can't always prevent your kitten from picking up worms, you can make it more difficult for them to survive. By keeping their litter trays clean and their bedding free from fleas as well as spot checking for worms and providing regular preventative treatments, you should find it relatively easy to keep your kitten worm free.