Worms are one of the most common health problems in cats, and even indoor cats in Dubai can be at risk. Regular deworming not only protects your pet from illness but also keeps your household safe. In this guide, we explain how cats get worms, which types are most common, and how often deworming is necessary in Dubai.

Why Deworming is Essential for Cats

Worms are among the most common parasites in cats and can harm both your pet and your family. They steal nutrients, weaken the immune system, and may cause lasting health problems. Regular deworming protects your cat’s health and reduces the risk of transmission to humans, especially children or people with weaker immune systems.

How Cats in Dubai Get Worms

Even indoor cats in Dubai are not completely safe. Worm eggs can be carried inside on shoes or clothes. Outdoor cats are at higher risk because they may hunt rodents, eat raw food, or come into contact with contaminated soil. Fleas are another common source, as they can transmit tapeworms when swallowed during grooming.

Common Types of Worms in Cats

The most frequent worms in cats include:

• Roundworms: often found in kittens and transmitted via mother’s milk.
• Hookworms: live in the intestines and feed on blood, causing anemia.
• Tapeworms: spread through fleas or raw meat, sometimes visible in stool as white segments.

Further information: Types of Worms in Cats.

Symptoms of Worm Infestation

Signs vary by worm type but often include weight loss, diarrhea, vomiting, and a dull coat. Kittens may have a bloated belly. Some cats also show itching around the anus and “scooting” on the floor. Because many symptoms are subtle, routine vet check-ups are important.

Read more: Cat Worms Symptoms.

How Often Should Cats Be Dewormed?

The frequency of deworming depends heavily on your cat’s age, lifestyle, and exposure risk. Worm infestations are not always visible, and since treatments only kill existing parasites without providing long-term immunity, repetition is essential.

• Kittens: Because kittens can become infected with roundworms through their mother’s milk, the first deworming should begin at around three weeks of age. After that, treatment continues every two weeks until two weeks after weaning. This early routine is crucial, as worm infestations in kittens can quickly cause severe illness, stunted growth, or even death.
• Adult indoor cats: Even cats that never leave the apartment are not completely safe. Wurm eggs can be carried into the home on shoes, clothing, or through fleas. For these cats, veterinarians generally recommend deworming or stool testing once or twice per year.
• Outdoor cats: In Dubai, where many neighborhoods have large stray cat populations, outdoor cats are at high risk. They may hunt rodents, scavenge, or encounter infected strays, all of which significantly increase the likelihood of infection. For these cats, veterinarians advise worming at least four times a year, and in some high-risk cases even monthly.
• Special risk situations: Additional vigilance is required if the cat lives with small children, elderly people, or immunocompromised family members. In these cases, monthly deworming against roundworms is often recommended, as these worms are more easily transmitted to humans. The same applies to cats that are frequent travelers, show cats, or those regularly boarded in catteries. Pregnant and nursing queens also fall into this category and should be treated carefully under veterinary guidance.

Key takeaway: it is not realistic to keep a cat completely worm-free at all times. Instead, the goal of regular deworming is to prevent infestations from becoming severe and to reduce the spread of infectious worm eggs in the environment.

A veterinarian in Dubai can assess your cat’s lifestyle and tailor a schedule that balances protection, safety, and convenience.

Deworming Methods and Treatments

Today’s deworming methods are safe, effective, and designed to suit different cats and owners. However, it is important to understand that not all treatments are the same. Choosing the right product depends on the type of worms, your cat’s age, overall health, and risk factors.

Common forms of deworming treatments include:

• Tablets and pastes: The most widely used method. Tablets can often be hidden in food, while flavored pastes are easy to administer to kittens. They are fast-acting and effective against a broad spectrum of worms.
• Spot-on treatments: These liquids are applied directly to the skin between the shoulder blades. They are particularly convenient for cats that refuse pills and often combine worm protection with flea and mite control.
• Injections: Administered by the veterinarian, usually for targeted treatment of tapeworms.

Popular medications prescribed by veterinarians in Dubai include combinations such as:

• Products with pyrantel and praziquantel for roundworms and tapeworms.
• Spot-on formulas containing selamectin or milbemycin, which also protect against external parasites.
• Broader solutions like Profender Spot-On, which is effective against both roundworms and tapeworms in a single application.

Important considerations:

• Always weigh your cat before treatment, as the correct dosage is crucial for effectiveness and safety.
• Never use dog dewormers on cats, as these can be toxic.
• Do not rely on “home remedies” such as garlic, coconut oil, or essential oils – these are ineffective and often harmful.
• Because deworming only kills parasites present at the time of treatment, reinfection can occur immediately afterwards. This is why repetition and, in some cases, stool tests are essential.

Stool testing as an alternative: Many Dubai veterinary clinics now offer fecal tests to check for worm eggs. Over the course of three days, samples are collected and sent to a lab. This method helps avoid unnecessary medication, especially for indoor cats with a lower risk of infection.

If the test is positive, treatment can then be tailored to the specific worm type detected.

By combining the right medication with regular testing and good hygiene, cat owners in Dubai can protect their pets effectively while also reducing the risk of parasites spreading to humans.

Can Humans Catch Worms from Cats?

Yes, some worms can be passed from cats to humans, especially roundworms and certain tapeworms. Children and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk. Good hygiene and regular deworming reduce the danger.

Prevention and Hygiene Tips for Dubai Cat Owners

To keep your cat and family safe, prevention is key. Regular deworming, flea control, and vet check-ups should be part of your routine. Always wash your hands after cleaning the litter box, and dispose of waste properly.

For households in Dubai, where cats often have contact with strays, it is wise to avoid letting your cat roam freely and to feed only safe, cooked food. Using covered litter boxes, cleaning them daily, and vacuuming floors and carpets will further lower the risk of parasite spread.

Conclusion

Deworming is an essential part of cat care in Dubai. Worms can cause serious health problems for cats and sometimes even affect humans. By following a regular deworming schedule, practicing good hygiene, and working closely with your veterinarian, you protect not only your feline friend but also your family. Whether your cat is an indoor companion or an adventurous outdoor explorer, prevention is the safest way to keep them healthy and happy.