Tapeworm in a Kitten

Tapeworm is a name for various segmented flatworms that can infest a variety of animals, including kittens. The worms live in the intestinal area of the body and can grow up to 20 inches long. They reproduce by laying eggs that are carried outside of the kitten's body through its feces.

  1. Causes

    • Most kittens get tapeworms from fleas. Fleas ingest tapeworm eggs. When a kitten eats the fleas, usually while grooming, the tapeworm egg hatches and grows. Kittens can also ingest tapeworms by eating animals that are infested, such as birds or mice, or by eating feces with tapeworm eggs.

    Symptoms

    • Tapeworms are often seen in the feces or crawling around the kitten's anus. These worms are segmented and often break off, looking like white rice. You may also find these segments on the kitten's bedding or fur. If they have been outside of the body, the segments may be yellow. Symptoms of tapeworms are not always apparent. If the kitten has fleas, it is fairly safe to assume it also has tapeworms.

    Treatment

    • You may need to wait to treat very young kittens.

      Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your kitten has tapeworms. Your vet will be able to provide medication that kills the tapeworms and determine a safe flea treatment, if necessary. Treating the kitten for any fleas is essential to preventing re-infestation. You may need to wait until the kittens are at least six weeks old before treating them, since many worm medications are not safe for younger kittens and nursing cats. Be sure to wash all bedding after treatment to get rid of any remaining tapeworms and fleas.

    Prevention

    • Flea control is the best way to prevent tapeworms. Proper flea control involves treating the house and yard as well as the kitten for fleas. Controlling rodents and preventing your kitten from catching and eating rodents will also help prevent tapeworms.

    Risks for Children

    • Although rare, children can contract tapeworms.

      You cannot get tapeworms through physical contact. The only way to get tapeworms is to ingest it, either by eating a tapeworm or tapeworm eggs. You can also develop them by eating something infected with tapeworm, such as feces or fleas. Children have a higher risk of developing tapeworms, since they are less fussy about what they will put in their mouths.