It’s not always easy to know when your cat has tapeworms. Tapeworms are a type of worm that can infect cats, and they can be tricky to diagnose.
In this article, we’ll discuss the symptoms of tapeworm infection in cats, and we’ll explore whether or not it’s necessary to quarantine cats who have them.
We’ll also talk about how you can prevent your healthy cat from getting tapeworms in the first place.
What are Tapeworms
Tapeworms are long, thin worms that live in the intestines of cats. They attach themselves to the lining of the intestine with a hook shaped mouth or suckers, and they feed on the food that your cat eats. Tapeworms can range in size from a few millimeters to several feet long.
Cats usually become infected with tapeworms when they eat an infected flea. The tapeworm eggs hatch in the intestine, and the larvae travel to the muscles, where they mature into adults. Once they mature, they begin to produce eggs, which are passed in your cat’s feces.
Symptoms of Tapeworm Infection
The most common symptom of tapeworm infection is seeing small, white worms in your cat’s feces. These are the segments of the tapeworm that break off and are passed in the stool.
You may also see these segments around your cat’s anus or on his fur. If your cat is licking his anus frequently, he may have an itchy butt due to the tapeworms.
Other symptoms of tapeworm infection include weight loss, poor coat condition, and vomiting. In severe cases, cats can develop a blockage in their intestines if the tapeworms grow too large.
Diagnosing Tapeworms in Cats
If you suspect that your cat has tapeworms, the best thing to do is take him to the vet for a diagnosis. Your vet will perform a physical examination and may also recommend doing a fecal test to look for the presence of tapeworm eggs.
Veterinarians use a variety of methods to diagnose tapeworms in cats. The most common is a fecal examination, which looks for the presence of tapeworm eggs. Veterinarians may also recommend doing a microscopic examination or a diagnostic PCR test to determine the type of tapeworm.
A fecal examination is the best way to diagnose tapeworms in cats. This test looks for the presence of tapeworm eggs in the feces. A cat with tapeworms will typically have eggs present in his stool. The eggs are usually white and look like grains of rice.
To do a fecal examination, your vet will collect a sample of your cat’s stool and examine it under a microscope. If tapeworm eggs are present, they will be visible under the microscope. Your vet may also recommend doing a diagnostic PCR test to confirm the diagnosis.
How do Cats Act When They Have Tapeworms?
Cats with tapeworms or a tapeworm egg typically act normal and do not show any signs of illness. However, some cats may develop an itchy butt due to the presence of the worms.
Cats with tapeworms may also lose weight, have a poor coat condition, or vomit. In severe cases, cats can develop a blockage in their intestines if the tapeworms grow too large.
A good sign that your cat has tapeworms, is if they start to ‘scoot’. This act of scooting is a way for your cat to itch his rear end. He will essentially drag his butt along your carpet to relieve the eternal itch that comes from having tapeworms.
Treating Tapeworms in Cats
If your cat is diagnosed with tapeworms, your vet will prescribe a dewormer to kill the worms. The most common type of dewormer for tapeworms is Praziquantel.
After your cat takes the dewormer, the tapeworms will begin to die. You may see segments of the worms in your cat’s feces for a few days after treatment.
It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions when giving your cat the dewormer. Some deworming medications need to be given on an empty stomach, while others can be given with food.
Preventing Tapeworms in Cats
The best way to prevent tapeworms is to keep your cat away from fleas. If your cat goes outside, he may pick up fleas from other animals. Be sure to regularly check your cat for fleas and treat him with a Flea Control Product if necessary.
You should also practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of tapeworms. If you think your cat has tapeworms, be sure to clean his litter box regularly and wash your hands after handling him.
How Did My Indoor Cat Get Worms?
The most common way for an indoor cat to get tapeworms is by eating a flea that is infected with the tapeworm larvae.
Cats can pick up fleas from other animals, or even from humans. If you have fleas in your home, it’s possible for your cat to get them from you!
It’s also possible for a cat to get tapeworms by eating an infected animal, such as a mouse or rabbit.
Now That My Cat Has Worms, How Do I Clean My House?
Cleaning your house if your cat has worms may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not that difficult.
The first thing you need to do is clean out your cats’ litter tray. Be sure to dispose of the used litter in a sealed bag so that other animals can’t get to it.
Next, you’ll need to vacuum your entire house to remove any tapeworm eggs that may be present. Be sure to pay special attention to areas where your cat likes to spend time, such as his bed or favorite chair.
Finally, you’ll need to wash all of your cat’s bedding and toys in hot water. This will kill any remaining tapeworm eggs.
Once you’ve completed these steps, your house will be free of tapeworms!
How Long Does Tapeworm Medicine Take to Work?
The tapeworm medicine will usually start working within a few hours. However, it may take a few days for all of the tapeworms to die.
You may see tapeworm segments in your cat’s feces for a few days after treatment. This is normal and does not mean that the medicine is not working.
It’s important to follow your vet’s instructions when giving your cat tapeworm medicine as not all cats function the same. Some tapeworm medicines need to be given once a day, some twice or three times. Tapeworm medicine can come in an emulsion or pill form. You will also need treatment for fleas. No sense in treating the symptom, but not the disease!
Side Effects of Tapeworm Medication
The most common side effect of tapeworm medication in infected cats is vomiting. This is usually only temporary and will go away within a few days.
Other deworming medication side effects include loss of appetite, diarrhea, and increased salivation. These side effects are also usually temporary and will go away within a few days. They are also uncommon, and not to always be expected.
If your cat experiences any side effects that seem severe or last longer than a few days, be sure to contact your vet.
Should I Isolate My Cat With Tapeworms From Other Cats or Dogs?
While tapeworms are not usually fatal, they can make your cat very sick. If your cat has tapeworms, it’s important to keep him away from other cats until he has been treated.
This is because tapeworms are transmittable and can easily be spread to other cats or dogs via fleas. If you have more than one cat, be sure to keep them in separate rooms until your tapeworm-positive cat has been treated and has fewer symptoms.
Once your infected cat has been treated, you’ll need to clean your house to remove any tapeworm eggs that may be present. Be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully to prevent the spread of tapeworm infections to your other cats.
Can My Cat’s Tapeworms Transfer To Me?
So, are cat tapeworms contagious?
If you’re like most people, the mere mention of tapeworms is enough to make your skin crawl. And if you’ve ever seen one of these parasites in person (or, more likely, in pictures), it’s not hard to see why.
But as disgusting as they may be, the vast majority of tapeworms and tapeworm eggs are not contagious to people and do not cause any significant problems to cats. They are generally symptoms of a larger problem, such as a flea infestation or hunting small mammals that are able to transmit other, more significant, parasites.
So while it’s certainly possible for a human to contract a tapeworm from their cat, it’s actually quite rare. And in most cases, the tapeworm will not cause any serious health problems.
If you’re still worried about getting tapeworms from your cat, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the risk:
- Keep your cat up-to-date on all their vaccinations, including those for rabies and feline leukemia.
- Use a Flea collar or other form of flea prevention.
- If your cat hunts small mammals, check them regularly for parasites and have them treated by a veterinarian if necessary.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your cat or their feces.
By taking these precautions, you can help keep both you and your cat healthy and tapeworm-free.
Similar Illnesses
There are few other worm infections and intestinal parasites that have similar symptoms to tapeworms, so it’s important to be aware of them. One is feline Ascariasis, which is caused by roundworms.
These are internal parasites that your cat can get from the environment, or from eating an infected animal. The most common symptom of this illness is vomiting, so if your cat is throwing up and you see little white worms, it’s likely they have Ascariasis.
Another illness with similar symptoms is Giardiasis, which is caused by a protozoan parasite. This one is usually contracted from contaminated food or water, and can cause diarrhea and vomiting in your cat. If your cat has Giardiasis, you may also see white, stringy worms in their stool.
We, as pet parents, want our cat’s system to be worm free. While these other illnesses may have similar symptoms to tapeworms, they are not as common and can usually be treated with medication. However, if you are unsure of what is causing your cat’s illness, it’s always best to get veterinary advice.
Conclusion
Tapeworms are common intestinal worms that can infect cats and dogs. If you think your pet may have tapeworms, it’s important to get them treated right away. Treatment is usually simple and effective, but it’s important to take steps to prevent the spread of tapeworms to other pets in your home.
Quarantine any infected animals until they have been treated and cleared by a veterinarian. Also, be sure to clean all surfaces thoroughly with hot water and detergent to kill any eggs or larvae that may be present. If you have more questions about how to treat tapeworms, roundworms or other pesky parasites, be sure to talk to your veterinarian. Thanks for reading!
*image by ShotStudio/depositphotos