Tapeworm Medication

Tapeworms are parasites that often pass on to cats through fleas, according to the website The Cat Health Guide. These worms feed off of the nutrients that the cat provides for them. Dipylidum canium are the most common variety of tapeworms in cats, but there are different species of worms that cats can become hosts for, according to the website.

  1. Symptoms

    • Symptoms in infected cats include weakness and mild diarrhea. Tapeworms do not cause severe disease in cats, according to The Cat Health Guide. Cats who are acting lethargic may be infected.

    Medication

    • Since there are difference species of tapeworms that may infect a cat, there are different medications as well. A veterinarian can prescribe anti-worm medication, also known as anti-helmintics, which is the best way of dealing with tapeworms, according to The Cat Health Guide. Two of the most common drugs used to treat tapeworms in cats are Praziquantel and Pyrantel, according to the website.

    Homeopathic Solutions

    • If a cat is allergic to medication, or if the owner prefers a homeopathic solution to tapeworms, there is another option for treatment. The remedy known as "Parasite Dr." expels internal parasites from cats and dogs, according to The Cat Health Guide. This method helps to heal pets from tapeworms without feeding them medication from a veterinarian.

    Treatment

    • There are a few of ways to get pets to take the medication, depending on the cat and the type of medication being given. The method by which the drug is administered will also depend on the severity of the infection, according to The Cat Health Guide. When giving the medication, it can be effective to hide it in a treat, according to the website Pet Meds. The website also suggests giving the medication by way of a pill syringe if the pet it finicky, or by crushing it up and putting it in its food, although you should check with a veterinarian first for this method. Controlling fleas is also an important part of treating cats quickly and effectively, according to The Cat Health Guide.

    Prevention

    • To help prevent a cat from getting tapeworms, it is important to control flea infestations, both in the cat and in its environment, and prevent them from "eating rodents or small prey," according to The Cat Health Guide. The three main ways that a cat contracts tapeworms is through fleas, rodents and eating feces, according to Pet Meds.