Injections for Tapeworms in Cats

Feline tapeworms are a type of parasite known as cestodes. Tapeworms attack your cat's digestive system by hooking onto the wall of her small intestine and taking in valuable nutrients. According to the website VetInfo, veterinarians have several different methods to eliminate tapeworms from your cat's digestive tract.

  1. Parasitic Infection

    • Your cat can get tapeworms in several ways. Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs from an infected host onto your cat. When the flea bites your cat, the egg is transferred into his system. If your cat catches a rodent or bird infected with tapeworms, he can become infected even if he does not consume the animal. Tapeworms can also be transferred through feces. If your cat comes into contact with feces from an infected animal, he can become infected as well.

    Diagnosis

    • Tapeworms are about the size of a grain of rice and white in color. They can sometimes be spotted around your cat's anus and in her feces. You may also find segments in your cat's fur or bedding, which can look like pieces of lint at first glance. Your cat may begin losing weight and eating more once infected with tapeworms as an attempt to compensate for the nutrients lost to the parasites.

    Treatment

    • Tapeworms are killed with injections and de-worming tablets administered by your vet. The injection given is called Drontal or Droncit. Your veterinarian will give your cat one injection at the initial visit and one four weeks later. There is also a tablet that your veterinarian can give your cat at the time of the visit, with a follow-up dose, which you can administer at home four weeks later.

    Safety

    • Keep your cat's litter box cleaned out daily if he is infected to prevent him from coming back into contact with segments he has already expelled. Do not allow any other pets to come into contact with your cat's feces; all animals can become easily infected.

    Warning

    • If you suspect that your cat has tapeworms, you should take her to the vet immediately. Humans can become infected with tapeworms as well, so you should not allow your cat near areas where food is prepared while she is infected.