How can you get infected with worms from a cat? - briefly
You can contract worms from a cat through direct contact with contaminated feces, soil, or surfaces, or by ingesting infected fleas during grooming.
How can you get infected with worms from a cat? - in detail
Cats can carry various types of intestinal worms, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms, which can potentially infect humans. Transmission typically occurs through direct or indirect contact with contaminated feces. For example, if a cat has worms, its feces may contain worm eggs or larvae. If a person accidentally ingests these microscopic particles, they can become infected. This can happen when handling a litter box without proper hygiene, such as not washing hands thoroughly afterward. Additionally, worm eggs can be present in soil or sand where an infected cat has defecated. If a person touches contaminated soil and then touches their mouth or food, they may ingest the eggs. Tapeworms can also be transmitted if a person accidentally swallows a flea that has been infected with tapeworm larvae, as fleas are common carriers. Children are particularly at risk due to their tendency to play in contaminated areas and their less frequent handwashing practices. To minimize the risk of infection, it is essential to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands after handling cats or cleaning litter boxes, keeping cats on regular deworming schedules, and promptly disposing of cat feces. Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a clean environment for the cat are also crucial preventive measures.