Intestinal Worms

Animals that come into the shelter come from a variety of backgrounds and care situations. One medical issue that they can have are intestinal worms.  These come in a variety of shapes and sizes and include common worms such as tapeworms, roundworms and hookworms.

You may see what looks like small pieces of white rice or cooked white spaghetti pieces in the fecal matter (poop) from your kitten. These are parasites (worms). If needed, your foster pet will receive de-wormer before going home with you. So, what you are seeing may be the medicine actually working, as the worms die and are leaving the kitten’s body.

However, if you continue to see worms or worm pieces for 4 days or more in a row, the first round of meds may not have worked. We will need you to return to the OPHS Vet clinic to get a new dose of de-wormer.

Can I catch intestinal worms? YES, but you need to ingest their eggs or phlegm.

KITTENS:  We always recommend washing your hands before AND after interacting with your foster kitten in any way.

ALL CATS:  As long as you practice clean hygiene practices by thoroughly washing your hands any time after you clean up your foster pet’s fecal matter (poop), you significantly reduce the risk of catching the parasite.  It is recommended that you wear disposable gloves when cleaning fecal matter.