About the Effects of a Tapeworm on Cats

Tapeworms are long, flat, segmented worms that attach themselves to the intestines of cats by using hook-like mouth parts. The parasites can grow to be more than 2 feet long. Most often cats become infected with tapeworms after ingesting an intermediate host, typically a flea. This occurs when your cat is biting at an area where a flea has bitten the cat. It can also happen after a cat has eaten an infected rodent.

  1. Symptoms

    • There are not many symptoms exhibited by cats when infected with tapeworms. You may observe rice-looking segments in the fecal matter and the cat may drag his bottom across the floor due to anal irritation from the tapeworm. You may also notice these small white segments in the cat's sleeping area or on the cat's rear end. Cats may also bite and lick at the area frequently.

    Untreated Tapeworm

    • Cats with untreated tapeworm may eventually vomit sections of the tapeworm if the parasite becomes unattached to the intestines. Untreated tapeworm can occasionally lead to diseases or debilitate the cat, though it rarely gets to this point with most felines. Usually it becomes apparent that the cat is infected with tapeworm before these types of scenarios occur. Sometimes a cat infected with tapeworm will experience diarrhea or intestinal obstruction.

    Infection in Humans

    • Most tapeworms found in the U.S. do not cause significant disease if spread to humans. However, the types that do cause illness in humans are treated with a prescription available from vets. There are rarely cases where the most common tapeworm found in the U.S. have resulted in infection in children but this does not cause serious illness.

    Treatment of Tapeworm

    • To end the cycle you will need to treat the cat for both fleas which typically start the infection of tapeworm as well as treat the cat for tapeworm. You need to take the pet to the veterinarian for appropriate diagnosis and medication to treat the infection. The treatment may be an oral drug or an injection. Praziquantel is often prescribed to treat tapeworms.