How Often Should You Deworm Your Cat?
Quick Answer
Indoor cats should be dewormed at least every 6 months. Outdoor cats or cats that hunt need deworming every 3 months. Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks from age 3 weeks until 8 weeks, then monthly until 6 months.
Cats are expert hiders — they mask illness so well that by the time you notice worm symptoms, the problem is already serious. And indoor cats aren't safe either: worm eggs can hitch a ride on your shoes, on other pets, or on the occasional fly your cat catches.
Detailed Breakdown
The deworming schedule for cats depends on age, indoor/outdoor lifestyle, and exposure risks.
By Age
Kittens (3 weeks to 6 months) Kittens can get worms through their mother's milk. Start deworming at 3 weeks old, repeat every 2 weeks until 8 weeks, then monthly until 6 months old.
Adult cats — indoor only (6 months+) Deworm every 6 months (twice a year). Even indoor cats can be exposed through insects, raw food, or contaminated shoes.
Adult cats — outdoor or hunting (6 months+) Deworm every 3 months (4 times a year). Hunting and eating prey dramatically increases worm exposure.
By Risk Level
More frequent deworming may be needed for:
- Cats that hunt birds or rodents — every 1-3 months
- Multi-cat households — every 3 months (worms spread through shared litter boxes)
- Cats with flea problems — every 3 months (fleas carry tapeworm)
- Cats living with young children or immunocompromised people — every 3 months
Common Worm Types in Cats
| Worm Type | How Cats Get It | Symptoms | |-----------|----------------|----------| | Roundworms | Mother's milk, contaminated soil | Pot belly, vomiting | | Tapeworms | Swallowing fleas, eating prey | Rice-like segments in fur | | Hookworms | Skin contact, contaminated environment | Weight loss, diarrhea | | Lungworms | Eating slugs, snails, or prey | Coughing, wheezing |
Signs Your Cat May Have Worms
- Weight loss despite eating normally
- Vomiting (sometimes with visible worms)
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Visible segments around the tail or in bedding
- Scooting across the floor
- Dull, rough coat
- Swollen belly (especially in kittens)
Pro Tips
- Spot-on treatments work well for cats that refuse tablets — ask your vet about liquid options
- Treat all cats in the household at the same time, even if only one shows symptoms
- Indoor cats still need deworming — don't skip it just because they don't go outside
- Track the dates — quarterly or biannual schedules are easy to forget without a reminder