Home Treatment for Tapeworms in Cats

Tapeworms are just one of the many parasites that infect cats. Luckily, the home treatment of these parasites is easy and effective, eliminating the need for costly prescription medications available only through veterinarians.

  1. Identification

    • Taenia taeniaeformis, Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus multiocularis, Diphylobothrium latum and Spirometra mansonoides are the scientific names for the tapeworms that affect cats. These parasites live in feline intestines and sap nutrients from the host animal.

    Significance

    • Regardless of which type of tapeworms your cat has, the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are the same. Diagnosis is made via physical exam and fecal examination.

    Solution

    • Treatment of tapeworms involves the administration of the drug praziquantel. This drug is available over the counter as brand name Tradewinds Tape Worm Tablets, which retail for $8 per 23 mg tablet as of January 2010.

    Dosage

    • Cats weighing 4 lbs. or less require 11.5 mg of praziquantel, or one half of a tablet. Cats that weigh 5 to 11 lbs. require a dose of 23 mg of praziquantel, or one full tablet. Cats over 11 lbs. require 34.5 mg of praziquantel or one and a half tablets to rid them of tapeworms.

    Effects

    • Rare but mild side effects occur in some cats treated with praziquantel. Excessive salivation and diarrhea may occur.

    Warning

    • If you suspect your cat suffers from infestation with multiple parasites, weighs less than 4 lbs., is geriatric or pregnant, speak to your veterinarian about treatment options.