Tapeworms can potentially kill a cat. They are transmitted to a cat by flea bites, although raw meat can carry them, too. Tapeworms can be easily prevented with routine de-worming medication, but feral cats, rescued cats and small kittens can often become infected. You can often see small, rice-like worms in the cat's stool or in the fur around the tail.
Things You'll Need
- Cat food or pill treats
Instructions
Take your cat to the vet. There are many different species of tapeworms that can infect cats and some species are killed easier by specific medications. Bring a recent stool sample from the cat with you. The vet will still need to physically examine the cat.
Weigh the cat. Many medications like Drontal have dosage sizes based on the cat's weight. Too little medicine won't kill all of the tapeworms, but too much can get the cat very sick with vomiting, excessive drooling and diarrhea.
Get medication. Depending on how bad the cat is, the vet may want to give an injection first, before prescribing pills. The usual drug given for many tapeworm species is Drontal (praziquantel). This can kill the adult tapeworms as well as the larvae, but it can't kill eggs. This is a prescription only medication.
Feed the cat and give medication afterward. According to the "Cat Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook," medications like Drontal work best when there is food in the cat's stomach. It helps the liver better absorb the medication. Sneak the pill in a pill treat (round commercial treat with a hollow center), open the cat's mouth and pop it in.
Prevent further tapeworm infestations with flea prevention and making sure that your cat can't get into the garbage to eat spoiled meat.