Feline Tapeworms & Humans

Tapeworms are rarely life-threatening to cats, but can cause potentially fatal complications in humans. The best way to prevent tapeworm infection is to avoid consuming its larvae. However, according to the "Cat Health Guide," your risk of getting tapeworms from your cat is not as likely as other types of worms such as roundworms.

  1. Causes

    • Tapeworm larvae ingestion is the cause of intestinal tapeworms. PetMD explains that cats commonly consume tapeworm larvae from fleas, rodents, rabbits, and birds. The more your cat hunts outdoors, the more susceptible she is to tapeworm larvae exposure. According to the "Cat Health Guide," feline tapeworm transmission to humans also involves tapeworm larvae. Your cat's litter box is a high-risk area, as tapeworm larvae may be present in feline feces.

    Symptoms

    • According to the "Cat Health Guide," tapeworms can grow up to 24 inches long. If your cat has a tapeworm infection, she may scratch at her anus with her teeth out of discomfort. Tapeworms are visibly seen in a cat's feces and can sometimes stick to the underside of a cat's tail. The tapeworms resemble sesame seeds. Tapeworms can cause diarrhea and vomiting in both cats and humans.

    Possible Human Complications

    • Although feline tapeworms are treatable, they can have damaging effects when passed onto humans. Tapeworms can damage your skin tissues, eyes, lungs, liver, nervous system, and brain. The prolonged presence of tapeworms in your body can carry another host of problems. MayoClinic.com explains that the bigger tapeworms grow in your intestines, pressure is placed on body organs and blood vessels, causing blockage or even rupturing.

    Prevention

    • Treat your cat regularly for fleas. Also, clean your cat's litter box often. The "Cat Health Guide" explains that tapeworms transmitted from cats are more prevalent in children, as they are most likely to touch cat litter and feces out of curiosity. Wash your hands after handling cats, especially before eating. This will help cleanse your hands of any possible tapeworm larvae that you may accidentally consume.

    Treatment

    • Feline tapeworms are treated by oral and injected medications. These medications work by killing and removing tapeworms from your cat's intestines. PetMD explains that medications are administered on an outpatient basis. Human treatment involves oral medications that also destroy tapeworms. Surgery may be required if the tapeworms grow large enough to disrupt organ function. Keep in mind that medications do not kill tapeworm larvae.