Worms are more common than many owners think, because indoor and outdoor cats can pick them up from fleas, contaminated food, or even soil brought inside the house. Many cat parents wonder: “Can I treat my cat’s worms at home?” The truth is, home remedies for worms in cats can help, but they’re not a cure-all.
Safe options like pumpkin seeds or probiotics may support digestion, ease discomfort, and even reduce worm load. But they can’t replace vet-prescribed dewormers, especially in severe cases. They’re a safety net — but only a vet-prescribed dewormer clears the infection.
To keep your cat safe, always Detect → Deworm → Defend, and check with your veterinarian before trying natural supports.
Understanding Worms in Cats
Not all worms in cats are the same — and knowing the difference is vital for proper treatment:
- Roundworms – spaghetti-like, often bloating kittens’ bellies.
- Tapeworms – leave rice-like segments near the anus or bedding, usually spread by fleas. (If you’ve seen “grains of rice” by your cat’s tail, that’s a sign.)
- Hookworms – tiny, blood-feeding parasites that can cause dangerous anemia in kittens.
- Whipworms – less common, but they affect the large intestine.
To complicate things, Giardia and Coccidia mimic worm symptoms but aren’t worms at all — they’re protozoa that need different medications. Many infections stay invisible without testing, which is why a vet diagnosis is the first step.
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Why a Vet Diagnosis Matters
When it comes to worms in cats, guessing isn’t enough. Many owners only act when they see worms, but parasites like hookworms stay hidden and can still cause serious harm. Most people only notice when their cat looks bloated — but by then, the damage may be advanced.
As Dr. Jackie Brown, DVM, explains: “When a cat is bloated or anemic from a worm infestation, relying on guesswork isn’t safe. A fecal test is key to pinpointing the right treatment.”
A vet’s fecal exam or advanced PCR testing identifies the exact parasite — crucial because OTC dewormers often target only roundworms, leaving tapeworms, protozoa, or mixed infections untreated. Without testing, you may treat for one parasite while another continues to thrive.
The safest approach? Let your vet diagnose and prescribe, then use safe natural supports like pumpkin seeds or probiotics to aid recovery. A simple fecal test often saves more time, money, and stress than treating blindly.
How to Get Rid of Worms in Cats Naturally: 6 Safe Home Supports
Natural remedies can play a small but useful role in your cat’s recovery. They’re not cures—only veterinary dewormers reliably remove worms—but they can help with digestion, immunity, and overall comfort while treatment does the real work. Below are safe, vet-recognized options, followed by a note on what to avoid.
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Pumpkin Seeds
Raw, unsalted pumpkin seeds contain cucurbitacin, a compound studied for its ability to paralyze intestinal worms in traditional medicine. While feline research is limited, many holistic vets suggest grinding seeds into a fine powder and mixing about ½ teaspoon into wet food once daily.
Pumpkin seed powder isn’t a cure, but some vets use it as a gentle support to increase fiber and may help reduce worm burden in mild cases. (Limited evidence; consult your vet.)
Carrots
Finely grated carrots add roughage that can help sweep intestinal debris and support stool quality. Their crunch also provides enrichment, though not all cats will nibble them willingly. Use a small pinch mixed into meals—too much may trigger diarrhea. Carrots don’t kill parasites, but they gently support gut motility, making the digestive environment less welcoming for worms.
Coconut
Coconut oil offers lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties and may help balance gut bacteria during or after deworming. A pea-sized dab mixed into food can encourage appetite and provide an energy boost for recovering cats. However, excess can cause greasy stools or weight gain, so moderation is key. Coconut is not an antiparasitic but a comforting aid for digestive balance.
Apple Cider Vinegar
A few drops of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) added to food or water may slightly alter gut pH, making it less inviting for worms. While ACV won’t kill parasites, some owners find it improves coat shine and digestion. Start tiny—just 2–3 drops per meal—to avoid stomach upset. Used properly, it’s more of a supportive tonic than a treatment.
Turmeric
Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, turmeric may soothe irritated intestines after worm damage. A small pinch mixed with food, ideally blended with a safe oil like coconut for absorption, can aid healing. Overuse risks liver stress, so keep doses minimal and short-term. Turmeric doesn’t expel worms but supports recovery by calming the gut.
Chamomile Tea
Lightly brewed chamomile (cooled and diluted) can ease digestive discomfort, gas, or mild cramping. A teaspoon added to food or water provides gentle relief, though not all cats accept the taste. Chamomile works by soothing the gut lining rather than targeting worms. Choose pure, caffeine-free chamomile only.
Unsafe “Natural” Remedies to Avoid
Some “natural” cures circulating online are outright dangerous for cats:
- Garlic and onions – toxic to red blood cells, risk of anemia.
- Essential oils – harmful to the liver and nervous system.
- Diatomaceous earth (DE) can cause lung and gut irritation if inhaled or ingested.
These should never be used for feline worm treatment. If you notice severe symptoms, stop home remedies and visit your vet immediately. Now here’s how to clean your home to prevent reinfection.
Cleaning Your Home if Your Cat Has Worms
When your cat has worms, cleaning your home is just as important as treating your pet. Worm eggs can survive in litter and bedding for weeks. In soil, some last for years — making reinfection common.
Wash your cat’s bedding and blankets weekly in hot water (≥ 60°C / 140°F). Scoop and disinfect litter boxes daily with gloves, sealing waste before disposal. Vacuum carpets, sofas, and even the cat tree (yes, that too); add monthly steam-cleaning for deeper control.
Some parasites can also infect people, especially children, so cleaning protects the whole household. And don’t forget flea prevention, since fleas spread tapeworms. Consistency, not a single deep clean, is what keeps your cat and family safe.
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What to Expect After Deworming a Cat: Timeline & Side Effects
Final Thoughts
Worms may feel alarming, but the good news is they’re common, treatable, and preventable. Think of care as a balance: vet dewormers cure the infection, while natural supports help your cat bounce back by strengthening gut health, immunity, and comfort.
With steady home hygiene—washing bedding, cleaning litter, controlling fleas—you can break the reinfestation cycle for good.
Many owners notice faster recovery when medicine is paired with gentle aids like pumpkin, probiotics, and stress reduction. Only dewormers cure, but natural care builds resilience. Most cats bounce back quickly—yours can too.
Founder of Cats Question, a veterinarian (DVM), and lifelong cat enthusiast with hands-on experience in feline care. Passionate about helping cat owners through expert-backed, compassionate advice inspired by years of living and learning alongside cats.
