Most people are unaware that tapeworms in cats are a common occurrence. If you have a cat, it's therefore essential to be aware of the risk of tapeworm infection. Tapeworms are parasites that can live in the intestines of cats and can cause a range of symptoms from mild to severe. In this blog post, we will discuss the signs and symptoms of tapeworms in cats and how to prevent them.
What are tapeworms in cats?
Tapeworms are parasitic flatworms (cestodes) that infest the intestines of cats. The most common tapeworms that infect cats are Dipylidium caninum and Taenia species tapeworms. Tapeworms in cats often don't cause any symptoms, but they can still lead to perianal irritation and itching due to migration around the anus. In some cases, tapeworms can also cause more severe problems such as intestinal obstruction, chronic enteritis (inflammation of the intestine), vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
How do cats get tapeworm infections?
Cats typically become infected with tapeworms after eating infected fleas, small rodents, or even rabbits. The tapeworm larvae develop in fleas or rodents and are then ingested by cats when they groom themselves or hunt and eat these animals. Once the tapeworm larvae are ingested, they attach themselves to the cat’s intestine and develop into adults.
Cats must consume the entrails (i.e. the intestines) of the intermediate host such as a mouse or rabbit to become infected with Taenia tapeworms. Therefore, cats need to ingest the entire host to become infected with this type of tapeworm. Cats that may hunt these prey but do not consume them, are not at an increased risk of developing a Taenia tapeworm infection.
In the case of tapeworms in cats from fleas (the Dipylidium caninum tapeworm), cats are required to ingest the whole flea to become infected. This occurs when a cat licks or bites at a flea while grooming or excessively licking because of the irritation caused by flea bites.
What are the symptoms of tapeworms in cats?
Tapeworms in cats often don't cause any symptoms. However, in some cases, you may notice your cat licking or biting at its anus more than usual. Scooting may also be noticed in some cats with tapeworms. This is because the tapeworm will break into segments and crawl out of the anus which can cause perianal irritation and itching.
You may notice small white, rice, or sesame-like dried segments attached to your cat's fur beneath its tail or on its feces. If noticed, this would be very suggestive of a tapeworm infection.
If your cat has a more severe tapeworm infection, you may notice it vomiting, losing weight, or having diarrhea. In very rare cases, tapeworms can also cause intestinal obstruction. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat, it's important to take them to your vet for treatment.
What is the treatment for tapeworms in cats?
If your cat has tapeworms, your vet will prescribe a dewormer medication to kill the tapeworms. Praziquantel is the most prescribed medication to treat tapeworms in cats. Common trade names include Drontal® and Milbemax®.
In most cases, a single dose of oral medication is all that's needed to get rid of tapeworms in cats. However, in some cases, multiple doses may be required, especially if the source of tapeworms has not been addressed (e.g. proper flea control).
How to prevent tapeworm infection in cats?
The best way to prevent tapeworm infection in cats is to control fleas and limit your cat's access to small rodents. If you have a cat that goes outdoors, it's also important to check for tapeworms regularly (at least once a year) and your veterinarian should recommend a monthly deworming schedule for your cat.
It is also important to make sure that your cat is on a flea-prevention medication. There are many options available, so talk to your veterinarian about which one is right for your cat.
The best prevention for tapeworms in cats is flea control and preventing access to small rodents and rabbits
Can you get tapeworms from your cat?
Tapeworms cannot be directly transmitted from cats to people, but people can become infected if their cats are infested with fleas and those fleas carry tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum).
Tapeworm infections occur most commonly in infants and children, who become infected by ingesting infected fleas. Although people usually don't experience any symptoms, diarrhea can occasionally occur.
How can you identify tapeworms in your cat?
Tapeworms are long-segmented worms that live in your cat's intestine. These segments will break away and migrate out of your cat's anus, and you may see them on your cat's fur or in its feces. The segments look like small, white, rice-like pieces and are often referred to as "rice worms."
If you think your cat has tapeworms, it's important to take them to your vet for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Tapeworms in cats are common and often do not cause any clinical signs. You notice however that your cat is licking or biting at its anus more than usual, and has small white, rice, or sesame-like dried segments attached to your cat's fur beneath its tail or on its feces, scooting, vomiting, and/or having diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms in your cat tapeworms may be the culprit. If your cat has tapeworms, your veterinarian will prescribe a dewormer medication to kill the tapeworms. In most cases, a single dose of oral medication is all that's needed. Prevention of tapeworm infection includes limiting access to small rodents and flea control.
If you have any questions or are concerned that your cat may have tapeworms, please contact your veterinarian.