Print

Treatment

If your cat tests positive for this parasite, there are several medications that can be administered.

For the intestinal form:

• Pyrantel Pamoate
• Febantel
• Praziquantel
• Ivermectin
• Mibemycin Oxime

For the larval form:

• Corticosteriods
• Long-term albendazole

Living and Management

A follow-up visit is recommended two weeks after the initial treatment, in order to analyze the feces for worms, and then again after a month to check for the intestinal form of the disease. This is a zoonotic disease, transmissible to humans and other animals, with children being at the highest risk of acquiring the infection and of suffering the worst effects. Accidental ingestion of roundworm eggs can cause serious disease in humans. Ingestion may occur as a result of playing in sand that has been used by raccoons or other infected animals, from contact with soil that is infected with the eggs, or from contact with infected feces (during the course of cleaning it up or changing the litter box). It is essential to be especially cautious until you have been assured that your cat has entirely recovered from the infection and is no longer shedding the eggs through its feces. Disposable gloves should be worn while changing the litter box and when handling your cat's waste materials. In addition, hygiene regarding the hands and nails will need to be a priority if you live in an area that is occupied by raccoons.

The location where your cat contracted the roundworm should be well observed and monitored, and neighbors should be notified of the risk to their own pets.

Prevention

The most important preventative step is to keep pets away from areas with raccoons and to prevent pets from ingesting animal tissue. Other steps that can be taken to protect your family and pet from this parasite are to keep sand boxes covered, check your property for raccoon droppings and deceased animals, and make sure that your cat or kitten has been dewormed.