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Cats are carnivores by nature, and so they’ll chase after and hunt any animal they’ll after they’re outdoors. This consists of even the smallest, very unlikely of prey, similar to earthworms! Cats are opportunistic hunters who’ll eat any small creature if it’s a viable supply of vitamin, and in case your cat comes throughout an earthworm, they could eat it.
Though cats can eat earthworms, it’s clever to cease them from doing it as a lot as you possibly can. Earthworms can carry parasites that trigger illness in cats, so stopping them from ingesting earthworms is one of the best plan of action.
Are Earthworms Unhealthy For Cats?
Earthworms aren’t poisonous to cats, however they’re not one of the best issues for them to eat, both. Earthworms solely present your cat with just a little protein, and there are nasty parasites that may be transferred from the worm to your cat. Capillaria is a parasite your cat can decide up from earthworms, and so they may cause issues in lots of organs of the physique.
Capillaria
Infections of Capillaria worms, usually Capillaria plica, in cats trigger Capillariasis. This species of parasitic worm has a posh life cycle that begins with eggs being deposited into the soil by way of the urine of contaminated cats. These then hatch into larvae which can be ingested by earthworms. As soon as ingested, the larvae will mature within the earthworm till they’re in a position to infect a brand new host.
An infection
As soon as a cat eats an earthworm contaminated with a Capillaria worm, the worms will mature and transfer to the bladder. Eggs are shed into the urine, which then begins the life cycle once more. There are a number of indicators Capillaria worms may cause, however many cats don’t present any seen indicators in any respect.
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- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Having to urinate extra usually or steadily (pollakiuria)
- Straining to urinate (stranguria)
- Blood within the urine (hematuria)
Cats can have related indicators for various urinary issues, like bladder stones or crystals. It’s essential to take your cat to the vet if they appear unwell.
What Occurs If My Cat Eats an Earthworm?
In case your cat eats an earthworm, the chances are high that they’ll be high quality! As a result of earthworms aren’t poisonous, they’ll possible not trigger an issue. Nevertheless, there’s an opportunity that any earthworms they eat may carry Capillaria or different infectious parasites, similar to roundworm eggs.
Earthworms transfer by means of soil the place roundworm eggs might be discovered, however they don’t unfold them instantly. If you happen to discover your cat consuming an earthworm or discover any indicators of sick well being, it is best to search the recommendation of your vet. Your vet can let you know whether or not your cat must see them and might advise you of any indicators to look out for.
Why Do Cats Eat Earthworms?
Cats are hunters that chase and eat prey. Outside cats could also be on the prowl and think about an earthworm a fast and juicy snack, however they don’t present a lot in the best way of vitamins. Normally, home cats will eat earthworms just because they’re playing with them, quite as a result of they’re hungry. Though pet cats don’t usually want to hunt for meals, the searching intuition remains to be there.
How Can I Cease My Cat Consuming Earthworms?
The one dependable option to forestall your cat from consuming earthworms is to stop them from going outside. Earthworms solely normally come up from underground after it rains, because the topsoil is less complicated to maneuver by means of when moist. Nevertheless, you can’t assure there received’t be any on dry floor, so there’s at all times the possibility your intelligent cat may discover one! However actually, there’s no actual must cease them. Normally, your cat can have no sick results of consuming earthworms, and most routine worming therapies will eradicate any parasites.
A catio can help keep your cat safe from consuming earthworms, getting sick or attacked by predators, and searching different animals. Catios can provide your cat the liberty to benefit from the contemporary air whereas retaining them enclosed and guarded.
Remaining Ideas
Cats are pure hunters that play with and eat many creatures. Earthworms are a comparatively novel expertise for a lot of cats, significantly in the event that they don’t get outdoors a lot! They’re wriggly and straightforward to catch, so your cat may resolve to pattern one to see what it’s like.
Earthworms aren’t poisonous to cats and can almost definitely trigger them no hurt. Nevertheless, they’ll carry Capillaria worms and different parasite eggs as a result of their motion by means of the soil. Supplied that your cat is updated with their preventative well being therapies, there’s possible no trigger for alarm, but when unsure, at all times converse to your vet.
Featured Picture Credit score: Bukhta Yurii, Shutterstock
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