Tapeworm Medicines for Cats

How Did My Cat Get Tapeworms?

• Your cat will usually get tapeworms when he innocently ingests fleas that are infected with tapeworm larvae during the process of grooming. Occasionally, your pet may get tapeworms of the Taenia variety, which are acquired when he eats raw meat or feces infected with tapeworm eggs or larvae, or if he preys on wild animals. Your cat may exhibit few signs of a tapeworm infestation. However, there are signs that can indicate that he has a parasitic infection. Often, your pet will have an itchy anus due to the presence of tapeworm segments known as proglottids, which are attached to the fur under the tail. You might note him rubbing his bottom against the floor or carpeting. You may also see tapeworm segments in his feces--each segment is capable of producing eggs, even when detached from the adult tapeworm.

Medicine for Tapeworms

• There are a variety of medications called dewormers that can effectively prevent or treat a tapeworm infection. Often, these medications will also kill other intestinal parasites as well and are administered as part of a comprehensive deworming plan. Some medicines your veterinarian may consider include epsiprantel or praziquantel, which treat both flea and Taeniid tapeworms. Your vet might also give your cat a combination of emodepside and praziquantel or pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel, which gives added protection against roundworms and heartworms in addition to tapeworms.

What Medicine is Appropriate?

• The tapeworm medication that your vet administers will depend on your cat's age and sometimes his weight. A comprehensive dewormer that consists of pyrantel pamoate and praziquantel, which may go by the trade name Drontal, can be given to kittens as young as 4 weeks of age or 1.5 pounds in weight. Praziquantel can be given to cats as young as 6 weeks of age, and may go by the trade names Droncit Feline Cestocide or Tradewinds Tapeworm Tabs. Epsiprantel, which may go by the trade name of Cestex, can be given to cats as young as 7 weeks. A combination dewormer consisting of emodepside and praziquantel, which may go by the name of Profender, can be given to cats 8 weeks of age or 2.2 lbs.

When Should My Cat Get Treatment?

• If you purchase a new kitten from a reputable cat breeder, you will likely be provided with written health records that indicate if your pet has been dewormed. Similarly, if you acquire a cat from a shelter, you will be told if the cat has been dewormed. But if you're unsure what veterinary treatments your new kitten or cat has received, it's best to take him to a veterinarian for a check-up and preventive deworming. Similarly, if you notice signs or symptoms of a tapeworm infection, your cat should receive tapeworm medicine.

Tapeworm Prevention

• Tapeworms rarely cause serious complications in cats. However, a cat with a high rate of infection--one who has many tapeworms residing in his intestinal tract--may suffer from malnutrition and intestinal inflammation. The best way to prevent tapeworms in cats is to ensure a flea-free environment in your home, make sure that no fleas are present on your pet and avoid letting your cat eat raw food, animal feces or small wild animals.

Will Tapeworms Infect Humans?

• Tapeworm infections in humans are rare but possible through fecal-oral transmission. If you come into direct contact with your cat's fecal matter, immediately wash your hands. Discourage young children from handling cat feces or playing in the litter box or in other areas where your cat defecates. If your child picks up fecal matter, make sure that she washes her hands well with soap and water.