They get into the cat’s digestive system, attaching their heads to the intestinal walls, and then feed by absorbing the cat’s nutrients. This can cause some serious health problems. Cats pick up tapeworms most often from fleas and sometimes from rodents as well.
This happens when the cat ingests a flea or rodent that is carrying a tapeworm’s larvae. The good news is that there are things you can do to prevent your cat from getting tapeworms in the first place.
Even more good news is that there are also some highly effective and very inexpensive cat tapeworm treatment options available should your cat begin showing signs of being infected by these parasites.
Signs and Symptoms of Tapeworms
Tapeworms have elongated, segmented bodies. The sections that contain eggs will leave the cat’s body and be evident in their feces and sometimes around the area of the cat’s anus.
If you see little white things that resemble pieces of rice in your cat’s feces or in the cat’s usual sleeping space, this is a surefire giveaway that your cat has tapeworms.
However, it can be difficult to tell if your cat is infected before the worms reach maturity and start to shed this reproductive segment. Some other visible symptoms sometimes present in infected cats include a bloated stomach, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, vomiting, and weight loss.
In some cases, the eyesight of the cat can be harmed if a worm travels through the body into the eyes and causes damage.
Treatment and Prevention of Tapeworms
Kittens and infected cats should be kept away from other animals to prevent the infection from spreading. Litter boxes should be kept very clean and a sick cat should remain isolated and use its own separate litter box from any other cats until it has fully recovered.
There are prescription treatments, but a prescription is not necessary to purchase a dewormer. All kittens should be dewormed at six, eight and ten weeks old regardless of whether they appear to be infected or not.
Oral liquid or pill treatments are the most common, but there are topical forms as well. Also, regularly treat your cat for fleas to help avoid tapeworm prevention.
Every cat owner looks forward to years of enjoyment from a fun and friendly relationship with their pet. Keeping your cat, or cats, free of parasites is essential to providing them with a long and healthy life.
Keeping cats indoors is a great first line of defense because it tremendously decreases initial exposure to infected pests. Hygiene is also vital. Keeping your feline and its litter box clean should always be a priority.
Consult a veterinarian immediately if you have any concerns about your cat possibly having worms or any other medical problems.