Tapeworms in Cats: Symptoms

Tapeworms usually occur when cats ingest fleas. When they eat fleas, the tapeworm eggs present in fleas grow as tapeworms inside cats.

Tapeworms in Cats

Symptoms
Symptoms are that, sometimes small segments called proglottids can be seen near the anus or on the surface of a cat's fresh bowel movement. Proglottids also contain tapeworm eggs. These eggs are released into the environment when the proglottids dry out. The proglottids are hard and yellowish in color and measures about two millimeters. These can sometimes be seen stuck to the hair around the cat's anus. Other symptoms include fever, frequent licking of the genital area, continuous coughing, pneumonia and frequent or difficult urination. Hence, cat's health should not be ignored. The cat's behavior varies from its normal routine at such times. The presence of tapeworms also changes cats' food habits. They either eat more or in large proportions.

Types
Cats are usually infected by three types of tapeworm species:

• Dipylidium caninum
• Taenia
• Echinococcus

The manner in which these species of tapeworms infect the cat is different. If a cat eats a prey which is already infected with the Taenia species, then it may get the same. Dipylidium caninum infects cats when they ingest fleas which have larva of tapeworms present in them. Echinococcus infects the cat if it eats raw or rotten meat. Tapeworm in cats are divided into segments and the eggs are located in the sections towards the unattached end which is shredded. These are then released into the environment when the host defecates. Tapeworm needs at least two hosts to survive, wherein the intermediary carries the larvae. The development of larvae occurs in the primary host tissue.

Cure
Tapeworms in cats do not pose a serious threat. With these few preventive steps, you can keep tapeworms at bay.

Step 1
It is important to take your pet to the veterinarian if you notice symptoms of tapeworm infestation. The tapeworms are found as segments in the stool and the hair around the cat's anal region. These tapeworm segments often resembles long grains of rice or segments of pasta noodles, and they are easily visible to the naked eye.

Step 2
Though the veterinarian can often identify the segments on sight, he or she may want to do a fecal examination to confirm infestation, particularly if this is your cat's first infestation.

Step 3
Give the medication that your veterinarian prescribes. You may see dead worms in the cat's stool but there is no need to be alarmed since it is quite normal.

Step 4
To prevent further infestation on your cat, start some flea control. Try as far as possible to stop your cat from hunting and eating small animals, which are also the causes of infestations.

Medication
If your cat is suffering from repeated infestations, try to obtain a prescription from the veterinarian for the medications. The medication may include praziquantel which you may get over the counter with the prescription of the doctor. You can also get the medications online. So, there is no need to visit the veterinary again.

There is a possibility that the feline parasites can infect humans too. It is usually the children who brings infection home from the playground which may be infected with feces. Also, accidental infection may occur while consuming fruits and vegetables that may be contaminated with feces of a cat. So, it is always important to clean all fruits and vegetables before consuming. Try to check cat feces regularly and get your cat de-wormed regularly.

Though tapeworms in cats is not a serious problem, it may cause weight loss and loss of appetite in the cat. Try to follow few simple guidelines mentioned above. These can help you go a long way to keep yourself and your feline companion happy and healthy.