Symptoms Of Tapeworms In Cats:
The worst part of this condition is there is almost no sign. Most cats show no symptoms of getting tapeworms. If your cat has infested a large amount of tapeworm infected fleas, it will show the signs given below:
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Continuous vomiting
You may notice tapeworms in the cats feces. Sometimes, an excessive amount of parasites can cause itching. It will lead to constant lick of the anal area.
Many of you can question, how to tell if the cats show absolutely no sign? No matter if your kitty is healthy or not, it needs regular vet checkups. So, I suggest you let the vet examine the cat once or twice every six months
Use Flea Treatment Regularly
Flea treatment is the best defense against tapeworms, as fleas need to be a part of their life cycle for tapeworms to be spread. So, even if your cat ingests something besides fleas, your cat was in an area where fleas were around at the time they ingested the contaminated food or drink.
Using flea treatment will help keep fleas away from your pet which will, in turn, protect them against many other flea-related complications, including but not limited to tapeworms.
Symptoms Of Intestinal Parasites In Cats
A cat whose gastrointestinal tract has been colonized by parasites may show the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
- Malaise and lethargy
One of the clearest warning signs of the presence of intestinal parasites in your pet is noticing worms in the cat’s feces.
Don’t put off going to the vet if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms in your cat, since these symptoms may also correspond with other diseases and it’s important to properly verify the diagnosis. It’s also important for the vet to supervise the natural treatment for intestinal parasites in cats, which will be possible whenever the infestation is not severe.
Similarly, it’s important to go to the vet because some parasites can cause zoonosis, meaning that they can be transmitted to humans – although this only happens on rare occasions.
Also Check: What Is A Cat’s Normal Heart Rate
How To Administer Bayer Tapeworm Dewormer
How Do You Deworm A Cat
Prices pulled from Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Usually, your vet will test your cats stool for parasites to determine what the worms are. Then he will give medication for cat worming based on the results.
Besides a deworming product, you can use some home remedies to deal with mild worm infestations. However, you should consult your vet if you notice that the treatment is not working. In addition to this, do not try these remedies if your cat is exhibiting additional symptoms such as fever.
Kittens should be dewormed as young as four weeks old since they could already be infected with worms. They are too young for home remedies and should be taken to the vet.
Also Check: Are Umbrella Plants Toxic To Cats
Wormwood Herbal Dewormer For Cats
Wormwood is another common topic in holistic pet health for its claims of treating intestinal parasites in humans and pets for years. Though wormwood is known for its ability to treat tapeworms and roundworms, it is known for being a bit harsh on the animal taking it.
Wormwood can seriously impact a cats liver, kidneys, and even their nervous system. Wormwood toxicities have been known to cause seizures and serious neurological symptoms, making it a concerning option for daily use in treating intestinal parasites. We dont recommend using this option, but you can always discuss it with your veterinarian for more information.
How To Prevent Tapeworms
Keeping your cat free of flea infestations with flea and tick medication is the best protection against tapeworms. However, if infestation does occur, the environment must be treated along with the cat to prevent recurring infestations.
Since cats are fastidious groomers, you may not see the fleas that they are ingesting or know that they are contracting tapeworms until there is an infestation.
Ask your veterinarian which flea and tick prevention products are safe for your cat. Keeping your cat indoors and away from dead animals and garbage may also help prevent them from ingesting tapeworms.
You May Like: How Cold Can Cats Be Outside
Diagnosis Of Tapeworms In Cats
Often, tapeworms are found by the owner of the cat while cleaning out the litter box. Once a cat has been brought in to a veterinary clinic, the vet will complete a physical examination including a close look at the cats anus, as proglottids are sometimes seen near the opening. If a cat is diagnosed with fleas, it is wise to assume that Dipylidium caninum tapeworms are also present.
Various fecal examinations will be needed to confirm the type of worms that have infested the cat. Examination of the eggs alone is often not accurate, as many worm eggs resemble each other. Approximately one teaspoon of fresh fecal material may need to be collected from your cat to perform a fecal flotation test. The excrement is then mixed with a substance that is heavier than the worms. After 20 minutes, all worm eggs will float to the surface of the mixture and can then be collected for microscopic analysis and identification.
What Are The Symptoms Of Tapeworms In Cats
Since tapeworms are intestinal parasites i.e. they live in the intestine, the symptoms are not visible but rather felt.
What you can do to check tapeworms in a cat is to look out for the traces or segments of worms around the anal area.
Other symptoms of tapeworms in cats include:
You May Like: Blue Buffalo Indoor Cat Dry Food
What Types Of Worms Can A Cat Catch
Yes, there is more than one type of worm that can infest your pussy cat! Roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms are parasites that can all be present in your cat.
Most worms are spread through the ingestion of eggs from infected stools. You will say, of course, that your cat does not eat stools. But as your cat is constantly grooming itself, all it takes is for your cat to walk on infected ground to ingest these eggs a little later.
Here are the 4 main families of worms that are harmful to our feline friends. What do cat worms look like?
Here Are The Main Attributes We Looked For:
Safety and efficacy: We only considered FDA or EPA-approved dewormers and preventives for this guide. We then consulted the Merck Veterinary Manual to ensure all ingredients in these products are known to be safe and effective for use in cats and kittens.
Number of parasites treated: In general, the more parasites a preventive product covers, the higher it was rated. This consideration did not apply to the tapeworm dewormer, which is only intended to treat one parasite.
Ease of use: Products were rated lower if they were more complicated to use than a similar product. For instance, products ranked lower if the pet owner must wear gloves to apply the product or if children and pets need to be kept away from the treated animal for a specified amount of time.
Recommended Reading: Purina Wild Cat Food
How To Prevent Tapeworms In Cats
As the old saying goes, An ounce of prevention is worth a pound cure. That certainly holds true when it comes to tapeworm infections. Vigilant and effective flea control for your cat is the first step in preventing infection from the flea tapeworm, Dipylidium, and cats who go outside will often hunt and consume prey, which serve as intermediate hosts for the other species of tapeworms. These cats should see their vet every three months for intestinal parasite testing and deworming whether symptoms are present or not.
Fleas In The Home: Treating The Source Of Tapeworms
Until a cats home environment is cleaned of flea eggs and larva, she can continue to be infected by ingesting fleas.
Treating the environment includes repeated vacuuming of all surfaces, washing bedding, and cleaning all upholstery. Flea eggs and larvae can survive in even the smallest nooks and crannies including hardwood floors and tile but especially carpet, furniture, and bedding. Use a washing machine and dryer to wash bedding, cat toys, clothing, and pet bedding.
You may read about apple cider vinegar for ridding the environment of fleas. The only way vinegar is effective is by drowning the fleaswhich is not realistic for your home. Instead, you can try treating the environment with natural products, such as diatomaceous earth and finely ground boric acid, which are non-toxic and effective against all flea life stages. However, severe infestations may require fumigation or stronger forms of treatment.
Read Also: Cat Gender Determination
Treatment Of Tapeworms In Cats
Treatment to rid your cat of tapeworms is readily available and very effective. Always consult your veterinarian before choosing a treatment, and seek prescription medications over pet store options.
Deworming Medication
Many medications have been manufactured for the purpose of ridding cats of tapeworms. These treatments come in the form of injections, tablets and skin drops. Certain medications may have side effects of vomiting and diarrhea. Commonly prescribed deworming medications include praziquantel.
Flea Medication
If your cat has been confirmed as carrying Dipylidium caninum tapeworms, it may be necessary to also start a regular flea medication to eliminate the possibility of reinfection. Flea medications are often administered on a once a month basis.
Does Your Cat Have Worms
There are many symptoms that your cat may display that would indicate she has worms, including vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and weight loss. If worms are left untreated for a long time, the effects can potentially be fatal particularly for kittens so you should always take veterinary advice before addressing the issue. The long-term effect of worms in cats include anaemia from a loss of blood, or a blockage in the intestines caused by too many tapeworms both of which can have devastating consequences, so regular treatment is a requirement for all felines.
Don’t Miss: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food
Coconut Oil For Deworming Cats
Coconut oil has many incredible abilities when it comes to maintaining our pets health. The ingestion of coconut oil causes our cats bodies to convert lauric acid to monolaurin, which is said to be a natural deworming agent. Though many studies claim that ingesting coconut oil alone can cure some intestinal parasites in your cat, we recommend getting your vets opinion before beginning. It could potentially be a wonderful way to prevent future parasitic infections to come.
Safe For Use In Kittens As Young As 8 Weeks Revolution Plus Topical Solution Treats Controls And Prevents More Parasites Than Any Other Topical Product Including Roundworms Hookworms Heartworms Fleas Ticks And Mites
Pros: Safe for use in kittens 8 weeks and older and weighing at least 2.8 pounds
Cons: Does not kill tapeworms, caution required in cats with a history of neurologic disorders
Our pick for best topical parasite preventive is Revolution Plus Topical Solution because it protects cats against six different parasites more than any other topical preventive. Revolution Plus beat out the other topical preventive we considered, Bravecto Plus Topical Solution, because it is safe for kittens 8 weeks and older. Bravecto cannot be used for kittens younger than 6 months old. Revolution Plus also kills ear mites, while Bravecto does not.
Revolution Plus treats and controls two intestinal worms: roundworms and hookworms. It also prevents heartworms, treats and prevents flea infestations , and treats and controls ear mites and three different tick species . It does not kill tapeworms.
Given every 30 days, this monthly spot-on treatment is simple to apply in one spot to the cat’s skin between the shoulder blades. The medication, a small amount of liquid, is absorbed through the skin and dries quickly, leaving nothing behind. Unlike some other topical products like Advantage Multi and Bravecto, you do not need to wear gloves to apply Revolution Plus and you can touch your cat after application, even if the product has not completely dried. If you get the medication on your hands, simply wash them with soap and water.
Read Also: How To Draw A Realistic Cat Step By Step
Indoor Cats Need Parasite Prevention Too
Outdoor cats are most at risk of picking up intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms, as well as heartworms, fleas, and ticks. However, even indoor cats need parasite prevention. Fleas can be brought into the house by other pets or even on your clothing, and cats that live inside can still be exposed to other parasites.
“For cats that are indoors, there’s much less of a risk that they might contract one of the intestinal parasites, although my indoor-only cat somehow found a squirrel in our attic and did kill it, so I guess there is always that risk,” Jeffer said. “, the main risk is heartworms. Even one heartworm can potentially be fatal to a cat. Even if a couple of mosquitoes get into the house that happen to be carriers for heartworm disease, there’s a chance that an indoor-only cat can get heartworms and can actually die from it.”
Home Remedies For Tapeworms In Cats
Like humans, most cats have microscopic organisms which live in their intestines and stomachs which help in clearing out the bad things in the body. Occasionally, cats pick up bacteria from wondering around the street and in your place that manifests into tapeworms. Tapeworms typically eat what your cat eats that leads your cat to become sick and cause them to lose weight. Your pet cat may also have fleas case, the most likely culprit to lead your cat to get tapeworms.
Treating your cat with tapeworms is a dual process. First, your cat should be treated for fleas as they likely the primary cause of the tapeworms. An easy way to do this at home without spending much money or visiting your veterinarian, is using tea tree oil. Dab a very small amount along the spine of your cat. It helps in killing fleas and their eggs as well.
Herbs such as Neem, Cloves and Wormwood are known to help rid cats and other animals of tapeworms because of their bactericidal and cleansing properties.
The best way to treat a cat for tapeworms is through veterinary intervention. Tape worms steal the nutrition from your cat that they need, and can result in even more sickness if not treated properly. There are many medications that are very effective in ridding cats of tapeworms.
Also Check: Are Arrowhead Plants Toxic To Cats
How Can I Tell If My Cat Has Tapeworms
Vomiting up pieces of worm that is still alive is a good indicator, of course. Other signs your cat might be suffering from a tapeworm infestation include unexplained weight loss, though the most common sign your cat is infested with tapeworms are the proglottids. You’re likely to see those rice-sized, egg-filled tapeworm segments in either your cat’s feces or crawling near her anus. You might witness your cat “scooting” across the floor if the segment is irritating her skin, but this behavior is much more common in dogs.
What Exactly Is Tapeworm
Imagine a long flat worm with multiple segments, similar to cars of a train or a string of pearls. This is your typical tapeworm. They don’t have mouths. Instead, they absorb nutrients through their skin.
Once tapeworms get inside of a cat, they do not want to leave. On their head end, tapeworms have little fish-hook-like devices that lodge into the wall of the small intestine. If left untreated, these parasites can live for years inside your cat.
So, how long are these little buggers anyway? While they initially enter cats and dogs as larvae, once they hatch and mature into adults they can typically reach up to 12 to 18 inches long. But they can be as short as 4 inches to as long as nearly 30 inches or more.
Considering that a typical adult cat can have a small intestine of up to 60 inches long, this just goes to show how big of a problem tapeworms can become. So, initiating treatment at the first sign of these parasites is key.
Recommended Reading: Why Is My Cat’s Paw Swollen
Visit Your Vet Annually
If your cat goes to regular checkups, you will be able to keep up on their flea medication easier and they will be thoroughly checked over. So, if your cat does contract a tapeworm infestation, your vet can catch it before it becomes a problem for your cat.
In summation, if your cat contracts a tapeworm infection, it is imperative that you get rid of the infection immediately. However, you do not have to worry about the long term wellbeing of your cat. Once the infection is gone, your cat will be perfectly fine.
Dog And Cat Tapeworms
The Common or Dog Tapeworm
Our first tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum,affects dogs and cats. It often causes no symptoms, though can lead to increased appetite, irritation of the anus and stomach upsets. Be on the lookout for your pet biting or licking their rear end, or scooting on the floor. The final egg-filled gravid segments can sometimes be seen in your pets poop looking like rice grains.
There are two important bits of information to remember regarding this tapeworm: first, Dipylidiums intermediate hosts are ectoparasites like fleas and lice, which consume the eggs when your pets grooms themselves and accidentally eat a flea or louse infected by a Dipylidium larva, the lifecycle is complete. This makes flea control crucial in controlling the tapeworm. Secondly, these tapeworms can very very infrequently infect people, particularly children. This is one reason why we recommend not letting pets lick your face, and making sure children do not get too close to pet faeces.
The Taenia family
The nasty ones Echinococcus
Don’t Miss: Is Blue Buffalo Good Cat Food