Panacur for Tapeworms in Cats

A tapeworm is a segmented flat worm that can grow up to 20 inches long. The head of tapeworm will attach itself to a cat's small intestine, where it absorbs nutrients through its skin since it doesn't have an actual digestive system. The only way to effectively destroy a tapeworm is with medication. One such medication is Panacur, which you can also use to treat other gastrointestinal parasites in cats.

  1. Types

    • Cats can get tapeworms by eating a "host" that carries the worm, such as fleas or mice. Tapeworms consist of multiple segments, with each segment having its own reproductive organs. As new segments form near the head of the tapeworm, older segments drop off from the end. These segments typically are filled with eggs. Several species of tapeworm can infect cats, the most common being Dipylidium caninum. When flea larvae ingest tapeworm eggs, the eggs enter into a dormant form inside the flea. Once a cat eats the flea, an adult tapeworm develops. Cats can also become infected with the Taenia taenaeformis tapeworm, which is transmitted solely from the ingestion of rodents such as rats and mice.

    Identification

    • It's not uncommon for tapeworm infections to go unnoticed in cats, since there are not always obvious symptoms. Typically you'll discover a tapeworm when its segments break off and pass through the cat's digestive system. These segments resemble pieces of rice, and appear around the anus and near the cat's bedding. A cat infected with tapeworm may also vomit and rub its rear across the floor when segments around the anus are active.

    Solution

    • Panacur (Fenbendazol) is effective against the Taenia taenaeformis tapeworm, as well as hookworms, whipworms, roundworms and parasites known as strongyles. The typical dosage for cats is 25 mg/lb. for three days. Vomiting is a possible side effect of the medication.

    Prevention

    • The most effective prevention for tapeworms in cats is flea and rodent control, since these intermediate hosts are necessary for tapeworm transmission. Talk to your veterinarian about flea control products that are available. If your cat goes outdoors, consider keeping him inside where his natural instinct to hunt rodents will be curbed.

    Considerations

    • Keeping your cat inside will also keep her safer in general since the lifespan of an outdoor cat is much shorter than an indoor one due to potential dangers outside. Outdoor cat enclosures that allow felines to safely roam in a limited grassy area are another option; you can purchase them already assembled or build one as a DIY project.