If you have ever wondered how do cats get tapeworms, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for some common symptoms, treatment, and prevention information. If your cat has symptoms, a veterinarian can perform a fecal flotation test to determine whether the cat has tapeworms. Keep in mind, however, that this test can give false negative results, so be sure to talk to your vet before taking your pet for a fecal flotation test.
Symptoms
If you suspect that your cat is infected with tapeworms, the first thing you should look for are segments of the worm, which are about the size of rice grains. These segments may be visible in the cat’s litter box or under its tail. The segments will break off and migrate through the cat’s digestive tract. They can also appear on your cat’s fur. These parasites are parasitic, and they feed on nutrients in the small intestine. If you find segments of the worms in your cat’s stool, it’s likely that your cat has tapeworms.
Although most of the symptoms are negligible in the early stages, it is important to treat your cat for this condition. Symptoms of cat tapeworms include diarrhoea, weight loss, swollen/distended tummy, increased appetite, and dragging its bottom on the ground. Ultimately, it can be a sign of tapeworms or roundworms.
Treatment
If you notice your cat dragging its anus across the floor or the carpet, you may have a cat with tapeworms. These parasitic worms are usually called proglottids. If they’re present in large numbers, tapeworms can cause debilitation in both cats and dogs. If you’ve found any of these signs at home, consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian can perform a fecal flotation test to determine if your cat has tapeworms, but this test is often false.
You can treat your cat with medications designed for the elimination of parasites. Depending on the type of tapeworm you have, your veterinarian may prescribe a course of treatment containing praziquantel or epsiprantel. Fenbendazole is another medication prescribed for taenia tapeworm. Flea treatment may also be necessary. You may also want to change your cat’s litter box frequently.
Prevention
The best way to prevent cats from getting tapeworms is to treat your home for fleas. Fleas can live in your home for up to two years before becoming an adult flea. During this time, your cat can acquire tapeworms by eating fleas. You should wash your bedding, litter box, and cat toys daily. Fleas are also known to harbor tapeworms and are best controlled by a veterinarian.
Tapeworms in cats can be prevented by treating your cat’s fleas and preventing your cat from ingesting prey animals. Veterinary treatment is effective at eliminating tapeworms. But you cannot completely prevent your cat from getting tapeworms – you can’t always treat them yourself. You can only get veterinary treatment if you notice any signs of tapeworms. Your veterinarian can perform tests for tapeworms and recommend effective treatments.
