My cat has worms - How to clean your house

Easy steps to clean a house with worms

Click on each step for more info.

• Step 1: Give Dewormer

  Before tackling your home, ensure your cat receives the correct worm treatment. And by this we don’t just mean, a cat dewormer that kills all common intestinal worms, like Itch Worming tablets, you also need to make sure it’s a worming treatment made just for cats. Dog worming treatment includes active ingredients that aren’t safe for cats and kittens.

  Types of worming treatments are:

  • Spot-on worm treatments
  • Oral dewormer liquids
  • Worming tablets
  • Prescription medications

  Once treatment has begun, you may notice worms being passed in your cat's faeces. This is a normal part of the process as the worming medication works to get rid of worms from the digestive system.

  Here’s how to give cats tablets, even when they are difficult and unwilling!

• Step 2: Clean and disinfect the litter tray

  The litter tray is one of the most important areas to address when dealing with worms in cats.

  Start by wearing disposable gloves. Empty all litter into a sealed bag and dispose of it immediately. Wash the tray thoroughly with hot water and pet-safe disinfectant.

  Pay particular attention to corners and crevices where contamination may remain. After cleaning, allow the tray to dry completely before adding fresh litter.

  During the first few weeks after treatment, scoop waste at least once or twice daily. Prompt removal reduces the chance of eggs spreading around the home.

• Step 3: Wash all bedding

  Your cat's bedding can harbour microscopic worm eggs. Gather all washable items, including:

  • Cat beds

  • Blankets

  • Cushions

  • Throws

  • Soft toys

  Wash everything above 60ºC to kill worm eggs. If bedding is heavily soiled or difficult to clean properly, replacing it may be the best option.

  Doing your laundry regularly is an important part of any effort to clean up after worms and reduce the risk of reinfection.

• Step 4: Vacuum thoroughly and frequently

  Vacuuming is one of the most effective ways to remove worm eggs from your home.

  Focus on:

  • Carpets

  • Rugs

  • Upholstered furniture

  • Skirting boards

  • Cat sleeping areas

  • Hard-to-reach corners

  Vacuum daily during the initial treatment period if possible.

  Once finished, empty the vacuum container or replace the bag immediately. Dispose of contents in an outdoor bin to prevent contaminants remaining indoors.

  While vacuuming alone may not completely clear worms in the house, it plays a significant role in reducing environmental contamination.

• Step 5: Mop your floors

  Hard flooring should also be cleaned regularly. Use hot water and a suitable pet-safe floor cleaner to mop:

  • Kitchen floors

  • Hallways

  • Utility rooms

  • Bathrooms

  • Areas around litter trays

  Pay special attention to locations where your cat spends significant time. Frequent cleaning removes dirt, faecal particles and potential worm eggs that may have been tracked through the home. 

  Worm eggs can live on surfaces too, to remove them you need strong active chemicals and a vet-approved worming treatment for your pet. Here’s the most effective treatment to remove worm eggs on surfaces and get the best results of being parasite free!

• Step 6: Think about fleas

  If your cat has tapeworms, flea control is especially important.

  Cats often become infected with tapeworms after swallowing infected fleas during grooming. This means that successful parasite control often requires both regular worming treatment and flea treatment, to kill 100% of fleas and worms in your home and prevent them from coming back. Fast-acting and vet approved Itch Flea and Worming treatment conveniently come with free delivery, exactly when you need it, so you never forget.

• Step 7: Clean food and water bowls

  Food and water dishes should be washed daily while your cat is undergoing worm treatment.

  Use hot soapy water or place dishwasher-safe bowls in the dishwasher.

  Although food bowls are not typically the main source of contamination, maintaining good hygiene helps support overall health and minimises potential exposure to parasite eggs.

• Step 8: Good hygiene

  Some intestinal parasites can pose a risk to humans, particularly young children, elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems.

  To stay safe:

  • Wash hands after handling litter trays

  • Wear gloves when cleaning contaminated areas

  • Avoid touching your face during cleaning

  • Supervise children around pets and litter trays

  • Clean surfaces regularly

• Step 9: Repeat worming treatment

  After giving your cat their first dewormer treatment, continue observing your cat for signs of improvement.

  Look for:

  • Improved appetite

  • Better coat condition

  • Normal stools

  • Increased energy levels

  • Weight gain if previously underweight

  If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your vet. 

  Most infestations require repeat doses of worming tablets because certain worm life cycles involve stages that may not be fully affected by a single dose. An ongoing dewormer routine, like Itch Wormer tablets for cats on subscription, can ensure to clear your home of worms and protect your household going forward.