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My cat has sesame seed worms and vomited. Can I get infected?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 9 years and 10 months old

I have 2 indoor cats: 10 years old and 5 years old. For a month they have had worms that look like sesame seeds when they are dead and white, tiny, and slimy as they move across a solid surface. Yesterday one vomited about a quarter cup and it was mostly worms. I've read a little and the prognosis doesn't sound good long term. 1) What do you advise? 2) Can these infect me? I've noticed some anal tickling and am wondering if I might also be infected. 3) Can they sleep on my bed? Thank you!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 3rd, 2016

Your kitties probably have fleas and when they groom themselves they ingest the fleas which transfer tapeworm. The white sesame or rice like worms are tapeworm proglottids and can be killed by a wormer containing praziquantel. When they vomit worms they have a severe infestation and it is necessary to worm your kitties preferably under supervision of your veterinarian as the death of so many worms all at once can cause side effects which make your kitties ill. Your kitties' worms cannot infect you. Yes they can sleep on your bed, however it is very important for the health of your cats that you take a fecal sample to your veterinarian for a fecal exam and that you tell your vet that one of your cats actually vomited worms so he can give you the proper wormer for them.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    I forgot to tell you that you will need to do flea control as well: 1) Get some flea medication such as a Flea spray or a spot on from a pet shop or your veterinarian and apply monthly 2) get flea powder, put some in your vacuum cleaner bag and vacuum your house and furniture and also non-carpeted areas frequently to remove flea larvae which live off house dust., Dispose of the bag in the trash outside. Hot-wash all the pet's bedding, If you do this diligently for a few months you will get rid of the fleas.

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