Discovering the Ways Cats Contract Tapeworms

Tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite in cats, and while they may not cause immediate harm, they can lead to discomfort and health issues if left untreated. Understanding how cats get tapeworms, the signs of infection, and preventive measures can help you protect your feline companion.

What Are Tapeworms?

Tapeworms are long, flat parasites that attach themselves to the walls of a cat’s intestines. These parasites feed on nutrients from the cat’s food, and their segmented bodies can grow several inches long. The most common types of tapeworms in cats are:

• Dipylidium caninum: Transmitted through fleas.
• Taenia species: Acquired by eating infected prey.

What are the Symptoms of Tapeworm Infection in Cats?

• Symptoms around the anus

Milky white worm segments may appear around the anus; these are tapeworm segmentation.
Tapeworm segments may cause anal itching, causing your cat to lick the anus and hind leg area frequently.

• Digestive Symptoms

Dyspepsia, loss of appetite or hyperphagia.
Vomiting, diarrhea, or alternating diarrhea and constipation.
In severe cases, weight loss, malnutrition, and loss of coat luster may occur.

• Other symptoms 

Tapeworms may form clumps in the intestines, leading to intestinal obstruction, entrapment, torsion and even intestinal rupture.
The toxins released by tapeworms may cause neurological symptoms in cats, such as convulsions, spasms or paralysis of the limbs.

• Symptoms in the feces 

White, wriggling worms may appear in the feces; these are pregnant segmented pieces of the tapeworm.
Sometimes broad spaghetti-like segmented pieces can be seen in your cat's feces, which is characteristic of tapeworms.
It should be noted that cats infected with tapeworms may not have obvious symptoms at the beginning, but as the tapeworms grow and multiply in the body, the symptoms will gradually appear. Therefore, it is very important to regularly deworm your cat.

Why Do Cats Get Tapeworms?

There are several main reasons why cats get infected with tapeworms 

• Flea transmission

Fleas are the main vector of tapeworm. After sucking the blood of cats infected with tapeworm, fleas will ingest tapeworm eggs, which develop into larvae in the fleas. Cats become infected with tapeworms when they accidentally ingest fleas carrying tapeworm larvae during hair licking.

• Ingestion of an infected intermediate host

Tapeworms need intermediate hosts, such as snakes and frogs, to develop. If cats prey on tapeworm-infected snakes and frogs, tapeworm larvae will develop into adult worms in the cat's small intestine.

• Ingestion of raw meat or undercooked food

If a cat eats raw beef, fish, mice or small birds, these foods may carry tapeworm cysts, which develop into tapeworms in the cat's body.

Related:Can Cats Have Raw Chicken: The Pros, Cons, and Safety Tips

• Tapeworm eggs in the environment

Tapeworm eggs may exist in the environment, such as flower pots, corners of sofas, the bottom of cabinets, the bottom of beds, courier boxes and so on. After coming into contact with these contaminated environments, cats may accidentally ingest tapeworm eggs and become infected.

• Infection during lactation

Nursing kittens may be infected with tapeworm eggs through milk acquisition.

• Indirect infection

For example, contact with food or containers contaminated with tapeworm eggs may lead to infection.

Also Read: Tapeworm Medicine for Cats: Effective Treatment and Prevention

How to Treat Tapeworm Infection in Cats?

①Medication

• Selection of appropriate deworming medication

Veterinarians may recommend the use of deworming medications that contain ingredients such as praziquantel and propylthiobenzimidazole. These drugs can effectively kill tapeworms and their larvae and reduce the risk of re-infection. 

Fipronil Spot On

Fipronil is a new dewormer that belongs to the phenylpyrazole family, indicated for the elimination of fleas on cats and dogs and dog lice.

View Product

• Follow your veterinarian's instructions

The dosage and frequency of use of the medication need to be determined according to the cat's weight and specific conditions. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's instructions strictly. 

• Multiple treatments may be required

Due to the long life cycle of tapeworms, multiple applications of medication may be required to completely eliminate tapeworms. 

②Environmental cleaning

• Clean the litter box and living environment

Use high-temperature steam or disinfectant to clean and disinfect litter boxes, toys, sleeping pads and other items to kill residual parasite eggs and larvae. 

• Reduce intermediate hosts such as fleas

Fleas are a common intermediate host for tapeworms, so flea control is needed at the same time to prevent re-infection. 

③Dietary management

• Probiotic supplementation

Probiotics can help maintain the micro-ecological balance in the cat's intestinal tract and enhance the intestinal barrier function, thus resisting the attack of parasites. During the period of tapeworm infection in cats, probiotics can be supplemented to improve intestinal health.

• Control the amount of food

Avoid overfeeding to prevent your cat from becoming obese, as obesity will increase the risk of your cat being infected with parasites, as well as affecting its overall health.

• Increase dietary fiber

Adding an appropriate amount of dietary fiber to cat food can help cats digest, promote intestinal peristalsis and reduce tapeworm parasitism in the intestines.

• Avoid feeding food that may be contaminated

Such as fish and shrimp from tapeworm-endemic areas, these foods may carry tapeworm eggs, which can lead to re-infection in cats.

• Provide clean water

Ensure that your cat has clean drinking water at all times, which is essential for maintaining its health and preventing parasitic infections.

④Continuous monitoring

Even after treatment, your cat's health needs to be continuously monitored. Take your cat for regular re-examinations to ensure that the parasites have been completely removed.

Observe the cat's feces and physical condition, and seek immediate medical attention if abnormal symptoms are found.

How to Prevent Tapeworm Infection in Cats?

• Regular deworming

Regular internal and external deworming for cats is a key measure to prevent tapeworm infection. It is generally recommended to carry out internal deworming every 3 months, or once a month if the cat has the habit of consuming raw meat.

• Diet control

Avoid feeding raw meat or undercooked food as these may carry tapeworm eggs or larvae. At the same time, maintain a balanced diet to strengthen the cat's immunity.

• Environmental cleanliness

Keep the cat's living environment clean and regularly disinfect litter boxes, toys, sleeping mats and other items to reduce the living environment for tapeworm eggs and larvae.

• Avoid contact with intermediate hosts

Fleas are a common intermediate host for tapeworms, so it is important to use flea preventive for cats on a regular basis to minimize the chances of contact between cats and fleas. In addition, avoid cat predation on wildlife that may carry tapeworms, such as mice.

• Pay attention to personal hygiene

Although tapeworms infected by cats are less likely to be transmitted to humans, it is still necessary to pay attention to personal hygiene, such as washing hands before meals and avoiding contact with cat feces.

• Choosing the right deworming medicine

When choosing deworming drugs, it is recommended to choose drugs that can kill both internal and external parasites, and to use them properly according to the instructions or veterinarian's advice.

Through the above preventive measures, the risk of cats being infected with tapeworms can be effectively reduced and the health of cats safeguarded.

When to See a Vet

Contact your veterinarian if:

• You notice tapeworm segments in your cat’s feces or around their anus.
• Your cat shows symptoms like weight loss, vomiting, or excessive hunger.

Timely treatment can prevent complications and ensure your cat stays healthy.

FAQs

Conclusion

Tapeworms in cats are a common but manageable problem. By understanding how cats get tapeworms and taking preventive measures like flea control and proper hygiene, you can protect your furry friend from these pesky parasites. Always consult your veterinarian for the best treatment and prevention plan tailored to your cat’s needs.