Tapeworm in Cats: Steps to Eradicate It

Tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite in cats, and although they rarely cause severe illness, they can lead to discomfort and other health issues. Tapeworms are long, flat worms that live in your cat’s intestines and are typically contracted through the ingestion of fleas or rodents. Fortunately, tapeworm infections are treatable, and with the right care, you can help your cat get rid of them. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify tapeworms, what causes them, and the treatment options available.

What Are Tapeworms in Cats?

Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that live in the small intestine of cats. The most common tapeworm species found in cats is Dipylidium caninum, although others, such as Taenia and Echinococcus, can also affect cats. Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms that can grow several inches long. These segments are filled with eggs and can detach from the worm’s body, sometimes exiting the cat’s anus.

The most noticeable symptom of a tapeworm infestation is the presence of tiny, rice-like segments around your cat’s anus or in their feces. These segments may also be found in your cat’s bedding or around the area where they sleep.

How Do Cats Get Tapeworms?

Tapeworm infections in cats are most commonly caused by ingesting fleas or rodents infected with tapeworm larvae. Here’s how the process works:

1. Flea Infestation

Fleas are the primary vector for tapeworms. If your cat swallows an infected flea while grooming, the tapeworm larvae within the flea’s body will hatch and mature into adult tapeworms inside your cat’s intestines.

2. Eating Infected Rodents

Cats that hunt and eat rodents can also contract tapeworms. When your cat eats an infected rodent, the tapeworm larvae inside the rodent’s body can enter your cat’s intestines and begin to grow.

What are the Common Symptoms of Tapeworm Infection in Cats?

• Visible Segments

The most obvious sign of tapeworms is seeing small, rice-like segments around your cat’s anus, in their feces, or on their bedding. These segments may move or dry up and resemble grains of rice.

• Scooting

Cats may drag their hindquarters along the floor in an attempt to relieve irritation caused by the tapeworm segments around their anus.

• Digestive problems

Tapeworms are parasitic in your cat's small intestine and may cause indigestion, constipation or alternating diarrhoea and constipation. In severe cases, tapeworms may block the intestines, leading to serious complications such as intestinal obstruction, intussusception or intestinal torsion. 

• Nutritional malabsorption

Tapeworms can suck nutrients from the cat's intestines, leading to weight loss, wasting, anemia and malnutrition. Cats may experience loss of appetite or hyperphagia. 

• Anal Discomfort 

The tapeworm's segments may attach themselves around the cat's anus, irritating it and causing itching, pain or inflammation. The cat may lick its anus frequently or rub its bottom on the floor. 

Related: Cat Anus Gland Abscess Rupture Home Treatment

• Neurological symptoms

Tapeworms may secrete toxins as they grow and develop, causing neurological symptoms in cats such as convulsions, spasms or paralysis of the limbs. 

• Other symptoms

Cats may experience vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration and generalised symptoms. 

If you suspect that your cat is infected with tapeworms, it is recommended that you take it to the veterinarian promptly for examination and treatment. The veterinarian may confirm tapeworm infection through faecal examination or examination around the anus and give appropriate deworming medication. Meanwhile, in order to prevent tapeworm infection, it is recommended to regularly deworm the cat both internally and externally, and maintain environmental hygiene to avoid the cat from feeding on intermediate hosts (e.g. fleas, mice, etc.) that may carry tapeworms. 

How to Treat Tapeworms in Cats?

If you suspect that your cat has tapeworms, it’s essential to take them to the veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Your vet will confirm the presence of tapeworms, usually through a fecal exam or by visually inspecting your cat’s anus for the presence of segments.

There are several treatment options available for getting rid of tapeworms in cats:

1. Deworming Medication  

The most common and effective treatment for tapeworms in cats is a medication called praziquantel. This is an antiparasitic drug that is typically given orally or by injection. Praziquantel works by dissolving the tapeworms in your cat's intestines. The drug is generally very effective and acts quickly, often eliminating the worms within a single dose.

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.

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2. Over-the-Counter Tapeworm Treatments

In some cases, you can purchase over-the-counter treatments that contain praziquantel or other ingredients like pyrantel pamoate. However, it's always recommended to consult with a vet before using any over-the-counter treatments to ensure safety and efficacy for your cat.

3. Flea Control

Since fleas are the most common way for cats to get tapeworms, it is crucial to control and eliminate any flea infestations. Your vet may recommend a flea control program, including topical treatments, oral medications, or flea collars. Treating the home and environment to kill fleas and their eggs is also necessary to prevent reinfestation.

4. Treating Other Health Issues

If your cat has a heavy tapeworm infestation or is showing other signs of ill health, additional treatments such as probiotics or supportive care might be needed to help them recover fully.

How to Prevent Tapeworm Infection in Cats?

I. Dietary management

• Avoid raw meat diet

Raw meat may carry tapeworm larvae or eggs, so do not feed your cat raw meat, offal, etc. For example, raw beef and raw chicken should not be a source of food for cats.

• Provide quality cat food

Choose cat food with balanced nutrition and reliable quality. High-quality cat food is processed to meet the nutritional needs of cats and is relatively safe, which can reduce the risk of tapeworm infection.

II. Flea control

• Regular deworming

Use pet-specific flea prevention products containing ingredients such as imidacloprid and fipronil, such as flea collars, drops or oral medication. For example, use a suitable flea drop for cats once a month, with the dose determined according to the cat's weight.

• Environmental Cleaning

Clean your cat's living environment frequently and regularly wash the litter, cat mats and other supplies. Use a hoover to clean the nooks and crannies of your home, as flea eggs may be hidden in these places.

You can use a pet-specific flea spray to spray the environment, but be careful to choose a product that is safe for cats and avoid cats coming into contact with undried spray.

III. Environmental Hygiene

• Litter box management

Keep the cat litter tray clean and clean the litter at least once a day. Replace the cat litter regularly and clean and disinfect the litter tray. You can use a pet-specific disinfectant, dilute it according to the instructions and disinfect it.

• Home disinfection

Regularly disinfect areas where cats frequently move, such as floors and sofas. Use pet-safe disinfectants to reduce the chance of tapeworm eggs surviving in the environment.

IV. Regular checkups and deworming

• Regular physical examination

It is recommended to take your cat to the veterinarian for a comprehensive health check-up every six months or a year, including faecal examination, in order to detect any tapeworm infection or other health problems in time.

• Preventive Deworming

Even if your cat does not show symptoms of tapeworm infection, preventive internal deworming should be carried out regularly as recommended by your vet. For example, internal deworming should be carried out every 3 - 6 months, with the specific deworming frequency determined according to the cat's lifestyle (e.g. whether it goes out frequently, whether it comes into contact with other animals, etc.).

When to See a Veterinarian

If you notice any of the symptoms of tapeworms in your cat, it’s important to see a veterinarian. While tapeworm infestations are typically treatable, it’s essential to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, a tapeworm infestation can lead to malnutrition, irritation, and discomfort for your cat.

FAQs

How to clean house after cat has tapeworms?

Can I pet my cat if it has tapeworms?

It is not recommended to pet a cat if it has tapeworms.

The eggs or segments of tapeworms may attach to the cat's fur. When petting the cat, these eggs or segmented pieces may get on the hands. If you do not wash your hands in time, and then touch the food or mouth, you may ingest the tapeworm eggs into your body, which may lead to tapeworm infection in humans.

Tapeworms in cats are often associated with fleas, which are intermediate hosts for tapeworms. Cats with tapeworms may also have flea parasites. When petting the cat, the fleas may jump onto the person, and the tapeworm eggs carried by the fleas may be transmitted to the person through this. A cat infected with tapeworms may be unwell and petting it may cause it to feel uneasy or in pain, especially if the tapeworms are causing intestinal discomfort or other health problems in the cat.
If the cat has tapeworms, the cat should be dewormed first, and the living environment of the cat should be kept hygienic, and the cat should be petted normally after the tapeworm problem is solved.

Conclusion

Tapeworms in cats are a relatively common problem, but can be easily treated with the right medications. Flea control, rodent control and proper deworming can help keep your cat free from parasites. If you suspect your cat is infected with tapeworm parasites, contact your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and effective treatment to ensure your cat's health and comfort.