Cats & Tapeworms

Tapeworms are parasites which commonly infect cats, causing discomfort and illness. Hunting behavior and bedding contaminated with fleas contribute to tapeworm infections. Treatment is effective, with few side effects.

  1. Infection

    • Cats become infected with tapeworms after swallowing fleas which have ingested tapeworm eggs. Tapeworms attach themselves to the cat's intestines, where they grow up to 23 inches in length.

    Segments

    • Tapeworm segments, filled with eggs, break off and are passed in the cat's feces.

    Symptoms

    • Intestinal tapeworms can rob the cat of nutrients and cause weight loss. Anal itching and difficult bowel movements can be signs of tapeworms.

    Diagnosis

    • According to VetInfo.com, tapeworms look similar to pieces of rice in a cat's stool. A veterinarian can diagnose tapeworm from a stool sample.

    Treatment

    • Deworming tablets, which can be crushed and mixed into food, or injections can kill tapeworms. Vomiting and diarrhea are possible side effects of the medication; however, these are rare. Treating the house and yard for fleas is an important precaution to prevent reinfection.