Cat owners are often surprised when their pets develop an infestation of internal parasites like tapeworms. Even the most pampered pet can be easily exposed and develop these parasites. Tapeworms are the most common internal parasites for household pets because their eggs are carried by fleas and are ingested into the cat's body if it swallows a flea.
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About Tapeworms
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Tapeworms live in an animal's small and large intestines. For example, these parasites can feed off a cat's digested food and can prevent the flow of essential nutrition.Tapeworms that grow for 2 to 3 weeks can be quite long. Once the parasite reaches full maturity, egg-filled segments are shed and leave the body with the cat's solid waste. Fleas then eat the eggs and pass them on if they are ingested by the cat or another animal.
Tapeworm Symptoms
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If a cat has tapeworms, the owner will often notice their eggs, which look grains of rice, and will be stuck to the fur of the cat's bottom. Minor tapeworm infestations cause few health problems, but a major infestation can result in weight loss and problems with the cat's coat.
Natural Tapeworm Treatment
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Vets and pet supply companies carry a variety of medical and chemical wormers, but there are some natural and home preparations that can help your pet get rid of the parasites as well. Food grade diatomaceous earth, a natural, nontoxic product available through natural gardening sources and farm supply stores, kills tapeworms by causing them to dehydrate. One teaspoon of diatomaceous earth mixed with the cat's food for two weeks will usually clear any degree of tapeworm infestation. The earth is also effective on fleas, ticks, and other insects and can be applied to sleeping areas and rubbed into a cat's fur to prevent the fleas that carry tapeworm eggs.
Another natural wormer that most people have in their homes is garlic. Although garlic doesn't kill the worms, it makes the digestive tract inhospitable for them and allows the pet's natural defenses to get rid of parasites. To use garlic as a wormer, add 1/2 clove of garlic to your cat's food at each meal. Be careful not to use too much, however, as excessive amounts can lead to anemia.
After you have gotten rid of tapeworms, the most important home treatments are keeping your pet healthy and flea-free. Tapeworms flourish best in an animal whose immune system is weak and damaged. Animals with fleas are the most likely to develop tapeworm infestations. Vigilant flea prevention, with a natural product or a vet-supplied product, will help to keep your cat healthy and tapeworm-free.
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