Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that can cause serious health problems in cats. In fact, they are one of the most common parasites to infect cats and dogs.
Tapeworms are typically spread from one cat to another through fleas. The eggs of tapeworms generally become trapped in the fur of an infected cat and can be passed on to other cats when a flea bites them. Once inside a cat, the worm grows into adulthood, produces more eggs and lives in the intestines for about two years before dying off naturally.
Cats can get tapeworms from eating fleas, but they can also get tapeworms from eating mice and rats, who have tapeworms in their guts.
If your cat is scratching itself excessively or has diarrhea for more than a few days, consult your veterinarian immediately to determine if your pet may have tapeworms.
What Happens if You Dont Treat Tapeworms in Cats?
If you fail to treat tapeworms in your cat, they can cause potentially fatal problems.
Tapeworms are parasites that can infect a cat’s intestines and stomach. They are transmitted to cats by fleas, which carry the eggs of the parasite.
If left untreated, tapeworms can grow to be as long as 20 feet. When tapeworms are present in the intestines, they suck nutrients from the food your cat eats, which leads to malnourishment. If this happens over a period of time, it can lead to intestinal paralysis and other serious health problems.
If you don’t treat tapeworms in cats, they can cause a variety of symptoms. The most common is weight loss. The cat might also have diarrhea and vomiting, as well as anemia. The worm can also migrate to the eyes, which can lead to blindness and painful corneal ulcers.
Tapeworms are parasites that can infect many different animals, including humans. They are long flat worms that live in the intestine of their host and feed off nutrients from their host’s body. Some tapeworms can grow up to 10 feet long.
How Do Cats Get Tapeworms?
Cats can get tapeworms from eating infected fleas, or by consuming other animals that have tapeworms. Cats may also be exposed to tapeworm eggs if they eat infected rodents or birds. Once ingested, the eggs hatch and develop into adult tapeworms which attach to the lining of the intestine. These worms can grow up to several feet in length and live for several months in a cat’s body.
Can Humans Get Tapeworms From Cats?
Yes, humans can get tapeworms from cats.
Humans can become infected with these tapeworms when they accidentally ingest eggs in cat feces. There is no danger of an adult tapeworm moving into your body, but if you’re very young or have a compromised immune system, it’s possible that eggs could develop into adult worms in your intestines.
If this happens, you’ll start to see symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. You might also notice some blood in your stool—but only if you look closely enough.
Symptoms of Tapeworm Infestation in Cats:
Tapeworms in cats are a common problem, and it is important to know the symptoms of tapeworm infestation in cats.
Symptoms of tapeworm infestation in cats include:
- -Dry, flaky skin
- -Scratching at the anus
- -Diarrhea
- -Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- -Vomiting
- -Weight loss
- -Anemia (a lack of red blood cells)
List of Product to Use for Tapeworm and Fleas Control
The following products can be use to treat the infestation of tapeworm and fleas in cats
Elanco Tapeworm Dewormer (praziquantel tablets) for Cats and Kittens 6 Weeks and Older, 3-count
Price : $14.98
Features :
- 3-count bottle of tapeworm dewormer for cats
- Easy effective way to remove common tapeworms in cats
- Tablets may be crumbled and mixed with food or taken by mouth
- Tapeworm Dewormer for Cats will remove the common tapeworms, Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis, from cats and kittens
- For use in cats over 6 weeks of age
HomeoPet Feline WRM Clear, Natural Tapeworm, Whipworm, Roundworm, and Hookworm Medicine for Cats, 15 Milliliters
Price : $14.99
Features :
- WORM MEDICINE FOR CATS & KITTENS: Our WRM Clear natural pet medicine can help your cat or kitten naturally remove roundworm, tapeworm, whipworm, and hookworm. This broad-spectrum treatment is a safe ally in the fight against worm infestations.
- SAFE INGREDIENTS: This worm medicine for cats is made from natural ingredients. It is a safe and gentle worm treatment for cats that can work with and aid your pet’s immune system in the removal of intestinal worms.
- EASY TO USE: Dose our liquid treatment directly into your cat’s mouth, in water, or at meal/snack time 3 times a day for 14 days as treatment and 3 times a day for 7 days to help discourage reinfestation.
- APPROVED FOR YOUR PETS: WRM Clear worm medicine for cats is safe enough to use with adult cats, young cats, kittens, and senior cats. This cat worm medicine has no known side effects and delivers gentle and natural support for your cat’s health.
- SIMPLE, SAFE & PURE: Daniel H. Farrington and his veterinarian brother, Thomas Farrington, created HomeoPet to bring high-quality, safe, natural, and affordable treatments and supplements to pets and pet parents worldwide.
FRONTLINE Plus for Cats and Kittens (1.5 pounds and over) Flea and Tick Treatment, 3 Doses
Price : $38.99
Features :
- Waterproof flea and tick treatment for cats and kittens: Frontline Plus for Cats provides waterproof, fast-acting, long-lasting flea and tick treatment and control for your cat. This product is approved for use on cats and kittens 1.5 lbs and over.
- Break the flea life cycle with frontline: Frontline flea and tick treatment for cats kills adult fleas plus flea eggs and larvae to stop existing infestations and prevent establishment of new infestations.
- Kills fleas and ticks: Frontline flea and tick treatment for cats kills fleas, flea eggs, lice, and ticks. This flea and tick treatment kills ticks, including those that may transmit Lyme disease.
- Trusted flea and tick protection for cats: Frontline Plus for Cats has been trusted by veterinarians for nearly 20 years. Made with 2 tough killing ingredients, fipronil and (S)-methoprene – one to kill adult fleas and ticks and the second to kill flea eggs and larvae – this fast-acting, long-lasting protection provides flea and tick control for cats and kittens 8 weeks and older.
- Lasting flea and tick protection: Frontline’s long-lasting formula is stored in the oil glands of the cat’s skin to give non-stop flea and tick protection for a full 30 days. Frontline flea and tick treatment for cats works non-stop for a full 30 days. A 3-dose supply lasts for 3 months.
Vet’s Best Flea and Tick Home Spray | Flea Treatment for Dogs and Home | Plant-Based Formula | 32 Ounces
Price : $17.97
Features :
- GENTLE PROTECTION: Vet’s Best Flea & Tick Home Spray uses certified natural ingredients to kill fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on contact.
- PROVEN EFFECTIVE: Whether facing an active infestation or are applying for routine prevention, our spray is scientifically proven effective against pests but gentle enough to use around the whole family.
- CERTIFIED NATURAL OILS: Each steam-distilled essential oil is selected for its potent pest-fighting properties and is 100% Certified Natural.
- TOTAL HOME DEFENSE: Applies easily on surfaces, indoors and out, including dog bedding, crates, furniture, blankets, upholstery, carpets, outdoor surfaces, and more. Also gentle enough to be applied directly on dogs and puppies 12 weeks or older.
- MADE IN THE USA: Our products are proudly manufactured in the USA with quality domestic and internationally sourced ingredients.
In conclusion
Cats can get tapeworms through fleas, but they can also get them from eating raw meat. Cats that have outdoor access are at an increased risk of contracting this parasite.