Tapeworms in Cats

Tapeworms are a common type of worms that infect dogs and cats. There are several types of tapeworms that can affect cats, out of which the most common types are Dipylidium caninum and Echinococcus granulosus. These worms complete their life cycle in two hosts, the first host being the fleas, which is called the intermediate host, while the second or the final host can be your cat. Another important intermediate host of tapeworms is lice.

The entire body of a tapeworm is segmented, and each segment possess its own digestive and reproductive system. When a particular segment grows old, it is replaced by a new segment. The older segment then comes out from the body of the final host, or the infected animal through the rectum or anus along with stool. Such older segments contain egg sacs, from where the eggs are released, which are then consumed by flea larvae. Within the body of the fleas, the eggs reach an intermediate stage of their life cycle, known as cysticercoid. When a healthy cat eats such fleas, cysticercoids enter its body, and remain attached to the intestinal wall, and mature to become adult tapeworms.

Tapeworm Infestation in Cats
If not present is a very large number, tapeworms usually do not cause any cat health problem. The most common symptom of this problem in cats, is the presence of rice like segments in the stool, or rear end of the animal. These rice like grains are actually the segments of the tapeworms, that contain the egg sacs. Presence of worms near the anus often compels the cats to lick this area or drag it while moving. Other symptoms include, poor coat condition, difficult urination, fever, depression, irritability, abdominal discomfort and vomiting. Rarely, tapeworm infestation can cause loss of appetite, anemia and weight loss.

Tapeworms are known to be contagious. However, humans usually do not contract this parasitic worm from cats. Children can however, get these parasites from cats, especially if proper hygiene is not maintained. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain hygiene, if young children are in the family.

Treating Tapeworm Infestation
Tapeworm infestation can be easily identified or diagnosed, as these can be easily seen as small grains of rice in the stool of the animal, or near its rear end. Its treatment usually involve the administration of deworming medications. The most commonly used tapeworm medications are, praziquantel and epsiprantel. Sometimes, other medications like, mebendazole, bunamidine and niclosamide are also employed to provide relief to the affected cat. However, medications cannot prevent the tapeworm infestation in the future, for which it is very important to take some preventive measures along with treatment.

Controlling fleas is the most effective way to protect your cat from tapeworm infestation. Though a number of flea control products are available in the market, what is important is to choose the right one. You can talk to a veterinarian to know about the best flea control products. Along with flea control, you should also keep your cat away from worm infected cats and other animals, as well as from their feces and vomit. Occasionally, cat can also get tapeworms by eating infected rodents. So make sure that they do not eat infected rodents. Also check the stool of the animal from time to time, and immediately inform your veterinarian on observing any rice like segments in it, so as to ensure prompt treatment for this problem.