Tapeworms reside in the intestines of cats and dogs and feature a hook-like mouth that allows them to attach to the intestinal wall of the animal in order to feed.
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Identification
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Though tapeworms are parasitic but belong to a class of worms called cestodes, unlike hookworms or roundworms, both of which are nematodes.
Contamination
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Contamination of a food source with tapeworm eggs must occur in order for the life cycle of the tapeworm to begin. Once in the food source, the eggs must be consumed by a host for the first stage of development.
Hatching of the Eggs
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Once consumed, the tapeworm eggs hatch within the host, which can be a flea, mouse or rabbit.
Within the Cat
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After the initial host has been consumed by the cat, digestion releases the immature tapeworm into the cat's system.
Adult Tapeworms
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Once released, the tapeworm travels to the small intestine, where it attaches itself to a wall. Adult tapeworms can grow up to 20 inches in length. During this stage of life, they produce new eggs, which are shed in feces.
Lifespan
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A tapeworm can live for approximately two years if the cat is left untreated.
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