We know that the food analogies for parasites aren’t everyone’s favorite, but it sure does get the point across! If you’re seeing rice-like segments on your cat’s backside or in their resting spots, you may be dealing with a tapeworm infestation.
How did my cat get tapeworms?
Cats get tapeworms in one of two main ways: ingestion of fleas or ingestion of rodents. The most common tapeworm in cats, Dipylidium caninum, is contracted through ingestion of infected fleas. Cats can get Taenia or Echinococcus (less common) tapeworms by ingesting rodents.
How do I get rid of the tapeworms?
Most cases of tapeworms are effectively treated with a medication called praziquantel. There are injectable, oral and topical versions of this medication. Your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate dose for your cat.
How do I make sure my young cat doesn’t get tapeworms in the future?
Most monthly preventives aren’t specifically labeled for tapeworms; however, the most common type of tapeworm in young cats and kittens, which they get from eating fleas, is prevented if a cat is on flea prevention.
Keep your young cat indoors to prevent them from contracting tapeworms from rodents. For barn cats, consider having them regularly checked for parasites. Flea and tick prevention is recommended year-round for prevention of tapeworms.
Learn more about why parasite prevention is important for your young cat.
