Tapeworm Cysts in Cats

Tapeworms are parasites that live in the digestive system of a host. An infection can spread when an animal ingests tapeworm eggs, which are expelled with the feces of another infected animal. These then develop into cysts and start feeding off their host, before finding a "definitive host" and growing into an adult. All cats, outdoor and indoor, are susceptible to tapeworm infections, so it is important to make sure they are dewormed frequently.

  1. Identification

    • You can identify a tapeworm infection by looking at your cat's feces. As an adult tapeworm matures, segments that look like grains of rice will break off and be passed when the animal excretes. In the early stages of infections, cats might have trouble with their bowel movements and itching or irritation around their anus. In more serious infections, the animal may show signs of weight loss and organ failure. Other symptoms include diarrhea and vomiting.

    Significance

    • Although an adult tapeworm infection rarely causes major health issues, cysts can cause serious problems. While the adults feed off digested food in the gut, cysts can settle anywhere in the body. If they do so in one of the major organs, they can prevent that organ from working properly or cause an allergic reaction. Tapeworm cysts can also grow to a large size before maturing, taking up necessary space in your pet's body.

    Causes

    • Cats can becoming infected with tapeworm cysts in three ways. The first is by eating food that has been contaminated by tapeworm eggs from the feces of other infected animals. Therefore, if one pet has worms, it is important to treat the infection as soon as possible and keep the animals separate. Cats can also contract a tapeworm infection by eating infected fleas when grooming or by eating infected rodents.

    Prevention/Solution

    • If you think your cat has a tapeworm infection, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible. Cysts can be very dangerous to a cat's health, but are treatable with medication. Good levels of cleanliness are important for preventing future tapeworm infections. This includes ensuring that the cat's litter tray is clean, excluding raw meat from its diet and treating any signs of flea infestation. If one pet becomes infected, it is also important to minimize its contact with the other animals in the house.

    Warning

    • Just as your cat can contract a tapeworm infection, so can you. While most types of tapeworm can live in a human host undetected, a serious infection can cause health problems. Feeding off our digested food, tapeworms take away vital nutrients from our bodies, especially vitamin B12. The hydatid tapeworm can also release cysts into the body, causing potentially fatal health complications. Good sanitation around your pets is the best prevention, as it minimizes the chances of an owner's ingesting any eggs.