Tapeworm Infestation in Felines

Tapeworms are flat and have a head, neck and numerous segments that break off. These segments contain eggs that find new hosts or latch onto the current host, if they are still alive when ingested. Although tapeworms live in the feline's digestive tract, they do not have digestive systems themselves, according to veterinarian Holly Nash. Instead, they absorb nutrients through their skin from the host feline.

  1. Types

    • There are numerous classifications of tapeworms. The five common tapeworm infestations in felines are Dipylidium caninum, the Taenia species, Echinococcus granulosus and E. multiocularis, Diphyllobothrium latum and Spirometra mansonoides, said Nash. All five of these tapeworms can infect humans; however, humans rarely contract the Spirometra mansonoides classification of tapeworm.

    Infestation

    • Kittens can contract tapeworms from their mother.

      Felines get infested with tapeworms by eating a flea or small animal, such as a rodent, that itself has ingested the tapeworm during its larval stage. The fleas or rodents typically will ingest the expelled tapeworm eggs from another infected animal's fecal matter. Kittens are susceptible to contracting tapeworms from their mothers at birth if the mother is infected.

    Symptoms

    • The most recognizable symptom of a tapeworm infestation is the presence of the egg segments in the cat's fecal matter or around their rectal area. These segments look like grains of rice or cucumber seeds, Nash said. Other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss and fatigue, and, in more severe cases, an extended stomach.

    Treatment

    • There are numerous medications for treating tapeworm infestations. Two commonly prescribed medications are praziquantel and epsiprantel. Praziquantel may be used in kittens 6 weeks or older, and epsiprantel is approved for kittens 7 weeks or older. Both medications work by paralyzing the tapeworm, forcing its expulsion from the intestinal tract. Diarrhea and vomiting are possible side effects of both medications, and praziquantel may also cause unsteadiness and sedation.

    Warnings

    • A tapeworm infestation in a feline should be taken seriously and treated immediately. VetInfo4Cats.com warns that severe infections left untreated might lead to a total obstruction of the feline's intestinal tract, which, may be fatal. In addition, tapeworm larvae are capable of moving through the feline's body toward their eyes, causing permanent eye damage.