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Roundworms
Roundworms are the most common of the parasitic worms found inside a cat or dog. Almost all cats become infected with them at some time in their lives, usually as kittens. Roundworms may be contracted in different ways, making them easy to spread and hard to control.
Your cat may take in infective roundworm eggs from the area where it lives, or by eating mice or other small animals ("hosts") carrying young worms (larvae). Infection in kittens may occur through the mother's milk.
Adult roundworms live in the affected cat's intestines. Most cats will not have signs of infection; however, cats with major roundworm infections commonly show weight loss, dull hair, and a potbellied appearance. The cat may cough if the roundworms move into the lungs.
You may notice adult roundworms in your cat's faeces or vomit. They will appear white or light brown in color and may be several inches long.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are long, flat worms that attach themselves to your cat’s intestines. A tapeworm body consists of multiple parts, or segments, each with its own reproductive organs. Tapeworm infections are usually diagnosed by finding segments—which appear as small white worms that may look like grains of rice or seeds—on the rear end of your cat, in your cat’s feces, or where your cat lives and sleeps.
Cats rarely show any signs associated with tapeworm infection. Occasionally, however, infection with uncommon tapeworms results in disease.
Try to keep your cat from coming in contact with intermediate hosts that contain tapeworm larvae. Because fleas are an intermediate host for the most common kind of tapeworm, flea control is an essential prevention measure.
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