Overview
Worms in kittens are easy to miss but can cause real problems if they’re not treated. They’re more common than you might think — and even kittens kept safely indoors can pick them up from their mum, other pets, or something in the environment.
The problems worms can cause include weight loss, anaemia, gut blockages, and more. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening. That’s why regularly worming your kitten is so important, especially while they are still growing. In this guide, we’ll help you spot the signs, choose safe and effective treatments, and keep your kitten protected from worms.
Risks of worms in kittens
Worms are parasites that live in your kitten’s gut. The most common types are roundworms and tapeworms, but there are less common ones, like hookworms and whipworms, which can still cause problems.
Kittens are more at risk from worms because their bodies are still growing. It’s really important for kittens to get all the right nutrients in their diet as they grow, but worms steal these right from their belly, often causing poor growth, dehydration, or even blockages in their gut. Worms can damage your kitten’s gut lining, leading to long-term digestive problems. They can also weaken your kitten’s immune system, making it harder to fight off other infections. In serious cases — especially if left untreated — worms can be life-threatening. Here are some of the health problems they can cause in young kittens:
Dehydration: ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting can cause serious fluid loss, which can be dangerous for kittens.
Malnutrition: worms take the nutrients your kitten needs to grow, leading to weight loss and poor development.
Gut blockages: a bad case of roundworms can block the intestines. In some cases, surgery may be needed. Worms can also affect the lining of the intestines, leading to digestive issues throughout later life.
Weakened immunity: worms can make it harder for kittens to fight off other illnesses — even ones which are usually mild.
Anaemia: hookworms feed on blood, which can lead to pale gums, tiredness, and low energy.
Some worms, like roundworms, can be passed from pets to people. In rare cases, they can cause serious problems — including organ damage or even blindness. Young children, the elderly, and anyone who is immunocompromised are most at risk, so regular worming is important for the whole family’s safety.
How do you know if your kitten has worms?
Worms aren’t always easy to spot. Many kittens don’t show any signs unless they have a very heavy worm-burden, which is why vets recommend regular worming as a routine part of care. But there are some symptoms to keep an eye on:
A swollen or round tummy
Diarrhoea or runny poo — sometimes with mucus or blood
Vomiting (you might even see worms in their sick)
Worms or worm segments in poo, on bedding, or around your kitten’s bottom (they can look like grains of rice)
Weight loss, even if your kitten is eating well
A dull or rough-looking coat
Coughing or wheezing (some worms can move into the lungs)
Tiredness or low energy
A sore or itchy bottom — your kitten might scoot their bottom across the floor or lick at their back end excessively
Pale gums — which can be a sign of anaemia, especially with hookworm
Some symptoms of worms can be easy to miss — or not show up at all. That’s why regular checks and worming are so important. And if you ever notice something that doesn’t seem right, it’s best to get in touch with your vet.
How are worms in kittens diagnosed?
Your vet may suspect worms based on your kitten’s history and a full clinical examination. However, they may ask for a stool sample to check under a microscope. In some cases, they might need to run extra tests to work out what type of worm is causing the problem. These can include a PCR test, which looks for tiny traces of parasite DNA in your kitten’s poo — even if no eggs or larvae are visible. Another option is an antigen panel, which checks for proteins linked to certain worm infections.
These tests can help your vet find out exactly which type of worm is causing the problem — especially if the symptoms aren’t clear, or more than one type of parasite is involved. Getting an early diagnosis means your kitten can quickly get the right treatment.
Worm treatment safety for kittens
Worms are common in kittens, but not all treatments are the same. It’s important to use a product and amount that’s right for your kitten’s age and weight. Giving the wrong dose — or using something meant for adult pets — can be harmful. Some treatments for dogs or older cats can even be toxic to kittens.
Most kittens can start worming treatment at around two to three weeks old. At this age, start giving them treatment every two weeks until they’re 12-16 weeks old, and after that you can move to once a month until they’re six months old. This might seem very frequent, but most wormers don’t kill young worm larvae — so regular doses are needed to get rid of any worms which have just reached maturity. If your kitten is still nursing, it’s also important to treat the mum at the same time, as worms can be passed on through her milk.
It’s best to avoid home remedies or unlicensed products — they’re unlikely to work and could even be harmful to your kitten.
Read more: Do kittens get fleas?
Types of worm treatments for kittens
Prescription wormers from your vet are usually more effective than shop-bought ones. Some also help protect against other parasites like fleas and heartworm. Kitten worm treatments come in different forms:
Tablets: often flavoured to make them easier to give
Spot-ons: liquid applied to the back of the neck, great for cats that won’t take pills
Liquids and pastes: sometimes a good choice for young kittens
Your vet can help you choose the right option for your kitten.
How to give your kitten worm treatment
Giving a worming tablet to a kitten isn’t always easy — but there are other options. Spot-on treatments can be a good alternative if your kitten won’t take pills.
Whatever method you use, getting the dose right is very important. Be sure to weigh your kitten first and check the packaging of your treatment — there should be instructions on how much a kitten should be given based on their weight. If you’re unsure, your vet can help.
Step-by-step kitten worm treatment guide
1. Get set up
Pick a quiet spot with as few distractions as possible. Lay everything out in advance so it’s within easy reach. And if you’re using a tablet or paste, it helps to have someone else hold your kitten while you give the dose. You might even find it helpful to wrap your kitten in a towel — like a “kitty burrito” — to keep them calm and still.
2. Give them the treatment
Tablets, pastes, or liquids: gently hold your kitten’s head and tilt it back a little. You can use a pill popper or syringe if needed. Follow up with a treat and a bit of praise. Don’t crush or split tablets unless your vet has said it’s safe.
Spot-ons: part the fur between the shoulder blades and apply the liquid directly to the skin. Make sure it’s not just sitting on the fur. Hold your kitten still for a moment to help it absorb.
3. Clean up and keep an eye on them
Wash your hands after giving any treatment. It’s a good idea to keep your kitten away from other pets for a little while, so they don’t lick or groom the treated area. Keep an eye out for vomiting, diarrhoea, or anything unusual — and if you’re worried, get in touch with your vet.
You won’t always see worms in your kitten’s poo after treatment — especially if there weren’t many to begin with. But if your kitten is sick, has diarrhoea, or just doesn’t seem quite right, it’s best to contact your vet. In rare cases, kittens with a very bad case of worms might need extra care, like fluids or even a blood transfusion.
4. Make a note
Most wormers need to be repeated, especially for young kittens. Remember — they need treatment every two weeks until they’re 12-16 weeks old, and then once a month until they’re six months old. Mark it on your calendar.
Other handy tips:
Try hiding tablets in a soft treat or a little food — but be aware this doesn’t work for every kitten
Don’t assume your kitten swallowed a tablet just because it’s gone — check their mouth and watch to be sure
If your kitten brings the dose back up, don’t give another one straight away — check with your vet first
Clean any surfaces that come into contact with worming products, and avoid touching the spot-on area until it’s dry
Preventing kitten worms
Prevention is always better than cure. Besides regular worming, there are a few other simple ways you can protect your kitten from worms:
Keep the litter tray clean and dispose of waste promptly — disinfect trays regularly with a pet-safe cleaner
Wash your kitten’s bedding and toys often, especially after a worm infection
Try to keep your kitten away from rodents, raw meat, and other prey — these are all common sources of worms
Fleas carry worms too, so keep up with your kitten’s flea treatment as well
Try to discourage hunting or eating prey as they grow
If your kitten goes outdoors, clear up any faeces quickly and keep up good hygiene at home to reduce the risk of contamination
By keeping your kitten safe from, you’re also helping to keep other pets and people safe.
Ask your vet for help
If you’re finding it hard to get on top of a worm problem, your vet can offer tailored advice. For long-term peace of mind, Pet Health Club includes regular flea and worm treatment, unlimited consults, and ongoing support to help keep your pet healthy. Use our Find a Vet tool to locate your nearest Pet Health Club practice.
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Published on 14/05/2025 • Reviewed on 14/05/2025