Topical Feline Tapeworm Cures

Tapeworms are parasites that infect the intestinal tract of cats and other animals, weakening their immune system. Your veterinarian will perform a fecal test to identify which type of parasite is infecting your feline. If your cat frequently goes outdoors, you may need to use an ongoing preventive treatment to deal with tapeworms and other parasites. Several treatment options are available, including topical prescription medications to herbal home remedies.

  1. Topical Prescriptions

    • Topical solutions made from emodepside and praziquantel are available by prescription. Applied to the back of the neck, it controls hookworm, roundworm and tapeworm infections in felines that are over 8 weeks of age and weigh more than 2.2 lbs. It has proven to be safe and effective on felines but pregnant women should not come in direct contact with it while applying the medication to pets, as it may interfere with fetal development.

    Herbs

    • Herbal remedies take a bit longer to act but lessen the risk of weakening your cat's immune system even further. Some natural herbs that fight tapeworms in felines are wormwood, cloves, ruta graveolens, garlic and neem. Herbal remedies tend to be oral treatments that also clean your cat's digestive tract and strengthen the lining to promote elimination of tapeworms. Neem is a parasite repellent that also prevents the formation of bacterial infections within the intestines.

    Homeopathic Treatments

    • Wild animals, including cats, instinctively find herbs to cure what ails them, but domesticated animals don't have that option. Holistic pet doctors offer natural remedies along with diet and exercise plans to keep your cat healthy and parasite free. Homeopathy focuses on healing a pet as a whole as opposed to treating only the problem. Homeopathic cures for tapeworms in cats cleanse and detoxify while supporting your cats immune system. Ingredients also balance the digestive system and cleanse the blood of toxins.

    Prevention

    • Exercising some precautionary measures can help reduce the risk of tapeworms in your cat. Animals get tapeworms from fleas or by coming in contact with tapeworm-infested feces of other animals. Help prevent fleas by treating your cat, home and yard for fleas. Keep your cat's litter box clean and your cat close to home to avoid exposure to tapeworm larvae. Treat any new pets for parasites prior to bringing them home. Whether insecticidal or herbal, many treatment options for fleas are available. Talk with your veterinarian to find the right product for your cat.