Cats are liable to be infested with both round and flat worms, and instances have been recorded in which very severe epizootics have prevailed amongst cats, as the result of such infestation.

No matter whether worms are few or many, they are always detrimental to their host, and if their presence is suspected, the sooner they are cleared out the better. Kittens are very subject to worm infestation, and there is a species of round worm, known as Ascaris mystax, which infects these and adult cats. In the former they occasionally cause convulsions, diarrhoea and sickness. Before breeding from a queen, see that she is cleared out of worms, or at any rate, receives a dose or two of worm medicine.

Treatment

A remedy suitable for round worms may be of little service for the tape-worms, whilst the converse holds good. As a general remedy there is nothing superior to the freshly grated areca-nut. The best way is to give it in the form of a pill mixed up in butter. From 3 to 12 grains will be minimum and maximum doses; but it is necessary to withhold food for 12 hours, giving a small dose of castor oil afterwards.