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Can I give my cats their old toys back after worm treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 12 years and 1 month old

About 6 months ago I got a kitten as a companion for my older-not-senior! cat. She had or had been exposed to worms so they were both treated. In addition, I thorough vacuumed all carpet and collected all fabric toys which I secured in a plastic bag..& forgot about. Then never got around to. My attack plan at the time was to use the vac hose & go over each individually. But what about now? What should I do with them? My babies are spoiled. They've not been missed but i want them to have em

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 2nd, 2016

Don't worry about it. You can give your babies their toys back. It is unlikely that they are still contaminated with worm eggs able to hatch. The eggs do not infect the kitty, but the larvae that hatch. Make sure you also do regular flea control as you can always bring a flea with you from outside. Don't panic ;D !

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    If the toys have been bagged for 6 months they may be safely free of parasite eggs, however if they are washable, tossing them in the wash on a warm or hot cycle will be enough to kill any remaining eggs. You can also vacuum them and check them over before returning them to your cats. If you're in doubt, it doesn't hurt to toss a toy and just purchase a clean new one.

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