Why do worms crawl out of a cat? - briefly
Worms may crawl out of a cat due to parasitic infestation or as a result of the cat's digestive system being unable to expel them through normal means. This can occur if the worms are present in large numbers or if they have moved into the cat's intestines from other parts of its body.
Why do worms crawl out of a cat? - in detail
Worms, specifically intestinal parasites, can occasionally be found outside a cat's body due to several reasons. The most common types of worms affecting cats are roundworms (Toxocara cati), tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis), and hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Uncinaria stenocephala).
One primary reason worms may be found outside a cat is due to the animal's grooming habits. Cats spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves, which can lead to the ingestion of eggs or larvae present on their fur. If these eggs or larvae are from intestinal parasites, they can hatch and develop into adult worms within the cat's digestive system.
Another reason is that some types of worms have life cycles that involve external hosts or environments. For example, tapeworms require an intermediate host (such as a flea) to complete their life cycle. If a cat ingests an infected flea while grooming, the tapeworm larvae can develop into adult worms in the cat's intestines.
In some cases, worms may be expelled from the cat's body as part of its normal digestive process. This can occur if the worms have reached a stage where they are ready to leave the host and continue their life cycle elsewhere. For instance, tapeworm segments containing eggs can detach from the main body of the worm and pass out of the cat in its feces.
It is also possible for worms to be present on a cat's fur or around the anus due to contamination from the environment. Cats that spend time outdoors may come into contact with soil, grass, or other surfaces contaminated with worm eggs or larvae. These can then adhere to the cat's fur and be ingested during grooming.
Regular deworming and flea control are essential practices for preventing and managing worm infestations in cats. It is recommended to consult a veterinarian for guidance on appropriate treatments and preventive measures tailored to the specific needs of each cat.