TL;DR: Seeing roundworms in your cat's vomit is a medium-priority issue requiring veterinary attention within 24 to 48 hours, though immediate emergency care is necessary if they exhibit extreme lethargy or severe dehydration.
What are roundworms and why is my cat vomiting them?
Roundworms, scientifically known as Toxocara cati, are one of the most common intestinal parasites found in felines. They are typically white or tan in color and look remarkably like pieces of spaghetti or coiled string. When a cat vomits roundworms, it usually signifies a significant parasite load within the digestive tract, where the worms have moved from the small intestine into the stomach.
Is it a medical emergency if my cat vomits up roundworms?
- Schedule a veterinary appointment within 24 to 48 hours, as this is typically a medium-priority concern.
- Seek emergency care immediately if your cat exhibits extreme lethargy or bloody diarrhea.
- Visit an emergency clinic if your cat is unable to keep down water, which may indicate a secondary blockage or severe dehydration.
How does taking a photo of the parasite help with my cat's triage?
- Take a clear, well-lit photo of both the vomit and the worms before cleaning up the area.
- Show this visual evidence to your veterinarian to allow for an instant, accurate identification of the parasite species.
- Accurate identification ensures your cat receives the specific deworming medication needed for their particular case rather than a less effective broad-spectrum treatment.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Vomiting is a common sign of roundworm infection in cats, typically occurring minutes to a few hours after eating. Diagnosis is achieved through microscopic identification of larvae (approximately 500 µm) or adult worms in the vomitus or stomach contents. A Baermann apparatus can be used to separate the worms from ingesta to aid observation. While parasites are rarely seen in feces due to digestion, therapeutic options with demonstrated efficacy, though not always approved, include fenbendazole (20-50 mg/kg/day, PO, for 3 days) and levamisole (5 mg/kg, SC, once).
Chapter: Parasitology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 414)