Life Cycle of Feline Tapeworms

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.

  1. Identification

    • Though tapeworms are parasitic but belong to a class of worms called cestodes, unlike hookworms or roundworms, both of which are nematodes.

    Contamination

    • 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

    • Once consumed, the tapeworm eggs hatch within the host, which can be a flea, mouse or rabbit.

    Within the Cat

    • After the initial host has been consumed by the cat, digestion releases the immature tapeworm into the cat's system.

    Adult Tapeworms

    • 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

    • A tapeworm can live for approximately two years if the cat is left untreated.