I
adopted a stray cat about 2 weeks and have been to
the vet with him. Today they did a fecal exam and
called me to say he had round worm eggs in his
stool. The cat is about 6 months old and we don't
know how long he was outside. He is trained with the
litter box and is generally a very well mannered
cat. My question is this - can my daughter and I
catch round worm? (Judie Wightman, Michigan)
Roundworms
can be transmitted to people.The same larvae
infecting your pet can migrate into a person and
cause either a skin infection or in some cases an
internal infection to the liver. This disease is
called visceral larval migrans. This is why
it is recommended that all kittens and puppies are
dewormed. While the three-inch adult roundworms are
usually a minor problem for adult cats and dogs, a
serious infection of roundworms can be life
threatening to a kitten because of blood and protein
loss, or dehydration.
As you seem to be aware, it is
essential that your kitten is treated as soon as
possible; and in addition that you ask your
pharmacist for a suitable medication as a
precaution. Human deworming drugs are extremely easy
to take with no side effects.
Disclaimer: This service is meant to provide advice
only and is not meant to replace an appointment with a registered
veterinarian. Users should always seek a second opinion. Unfortunately we
are only able to answer several questions per week so not everyone gets a
published answer. And, unfortunately we can't answer by email.
Ask Your Own Question!
Please read through our existing Q & A's before asking
a question (we do not answer similar questions). If your pet seems very
unwell you must take him to a vet. We never answer questions by
email.Ask
Your Question (you need to be Registered
and Logged
In).
Good
Litter Box Manners
Cats are extraordinarily fastidious creatures. Outdoors they tend to
urinate and defecate in relatively open and previously unused areas. More...
I
adopted a stray cat about 2 weeks and have been to
the vet with him. Today they did a fecal exam and
called me to say he had round worm eggs in his
stool. The cat is about 6 months old and we don't
know how long he was outside. He is trained with the
litter box and is generally a very well mannered
cat. My question is this - can my daughter and I
catch round worm? (Judie Wightman, Michigan)
Roundworms
can be transmitted to people.The same larvae
infecting your pet can migrate into a person and
cause either a skin infection or in some cases an
internal infection to the liver. This disease is
called visceral larval migrans. This is why
it is recommended that all kittens and puppies are
dewormed. While the three-inch adult roundworms are
usually a minor problem for adult cats and dogs, a
serious infection of roundworms can be life
threatening to a kitten because of blood and protein
loss, or dehydration. 
