Tapeworms in Cats: Symptoms, Prevention & Treatment
Tapeworms can be a very unpleasant experience for your cat, but luckily, it’s easy to treat this condition successfully and get your feline friend back to full health. Read on to find out what tapeworms are, how cats get tapeworms, and what you can do to prevent or manage a tapeworm infection.
What are tapeworms in cats?
Tapeworms are parasites that can infect both cats and dogs. There are various different types of tapeworms, but cats are most commonly affected by Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus and Taenia tapeworms.
How do cats get tapeworms?
Cats get tapeworms from ingesting infected fleas.
The body of a tapeworm is made up of flat segments called proglottids, with each proglottid containing up to 20 tapeworm eggs. Flea larvae (immature fleas) break open these proglottids and consume the eggs, which then hatch inside the flea larvae’s body.
The newly hatched tapeworms will remain inside the flea larvae as they mature into adult fleas. If a cat consumes an infected flea, the tapeworms will be released into their small intestine as the flea is digested. The tapeworms will then use their hooked mouthparts to attach to the intestinal wall, where they can grow 4-28 inches in length.
As a tapeworm grows, proglottids break off its body and pass through the intestinal tract in the cat’s feces. The proglottid dries and breaks open, releasing fertilized eggs into the environment. When the eggs are consumed by flea larvae, the cycle begins again.
Cats cannot become infected by consuming tapeworm eggs; they must ingest an infected flea that contains the eggs. They typically ingest infected fleas when grooming or reacting to a flea bite, but cats can also ingest infected fleas when hunting other animals that host them, such as birds or rodents. For those reasons, cat tapeworm is more common in areas that are heavily infested with fleas, and in cats that hunt.
Humans, particularly children, can become infected by some types of tapeworm, but this is very rare and is usually associated with unsanitary living conditions.
Symptoms of tapeworms in cats
Tapeworm symptoms in cats may include:
- Vomiting (sometimes with visible tapeworms)
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
You may also be able to see tapeworm proglottids in your cat’s feces or the area around their anus. The small segments are pale in color and measure about a quarter of an inch long. They may look like cucumber seeds, sesame seeds or grains of rice, and you may be able to see them moving. Tapeworms can cause irritation around the anus, so you may see your cat licking this area excessively or dragging their bottom across the floor.
As a cat tapeworm infection progresses, it can cause discomfort, nutrient deficiencies, weight loss and digestive problems for your cat. In serious (but rare) cases, cat tapeworm can also contribute to a condition called Haw’s syndrome, which causes the third eyelids to prolapse. For these reasons, prevention and early detection of cat tapeworms is essential.
Treating tapeworms in cats
If you suspect your cat has tapeworms, take them to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will usually perform a fecal examination, followed by a test to determine the type of tapeworm. However, because tapeworms in cats are hard to detect, a negative result doesn’t necessarily mean your cat is tapeworm-free. If your vet detects any evidence of fleas (live fleas, dirt, bites), it’s likely they will still recommend a cat tapeworm medication, just to be on the safe side.
A cat deworming medicine, also known as an anthelmintic, can be given topically, by tablet, or by injection. Treatment can often be completed in one dose, but giving your cat a second dose around two weeks later can catch any tapeworms left behind.
The most common cat tapeworm medication is called praziquantel, which successfully kills all species of tapeworm. Depending on the type of tapeworm your cat has, though, your vet may recommend other anthelmintics, such as fenbendazole or epsiprantel.
For best results, always use a cat tapeworm medicine that has been prescribed or recommended by your vet.
Aftercare for cat tapeworm treatment
Tapeworm medicines for cats are generally very safe and effective, but some cats do experience mild side effects. If your cat is experiencing gastrointestinal issues, keep them well-hydrated and feed small, frequent meals of wet food, or bland foods like boiled chicken.
Schedule a follow-up visit with your vet after you’ve completed your cat’s tapeworm treatment. They will be able to make sure the tapeworm treatment has been successful and that your cat is not experiencing any lingering ill effects from their infection. The timeframe will depend on a number of factors, so ask your vet how soon they recommend you should come back.
Preventing tapeworms in cats
To prevent tapeworm infection, or reinfection after tapeworm treatment, it’s important to give your cat a regular deworming treatment. If your cat hunts frequently, or you live in an environment where fleas are more common, you may need to do this more often. If in doubt, ask your vet to recommend a deworming schedule for your cat.
Because cats get tapeworm via infected fleas, a flea prevention strategy is also key for keeping cat tapeworms at bay. Use a monthly flea and tick preventative, such as EFFIPRO™ Topical Spray, and be sure to use an appropriate flea preventative for all other pets in the home, too.
Keeping your cat safe from tapeworms is easier than you think
While cat tapeworms are unpleasant, they can be managed and prevented with a vigilant eye, proactive flea preventatives, and regular deworming. And with a wide range of affordable cat deworming medicines like Milpro® to fit all budgets, making prevention a priority doesn’t have to be an expensive job! If you’re concerned about tapeworms and your cat, ask your vet for advice today.