cats.. worms
Answers:
GO TO THE VET!
What are tapeworms?
Tapeworms are a highly specialised intestinal parasite known as Cestodes. Tapeworms need two hosts, the intermediate host which passes the cysticercoid around %26 the final host (your pet), where it develops into an adult tapeworm %26 lays it's eggs. Dipylidium canium is the most common tapeworm in cats followed by Taenia taeniaeformis. Tapeworms are hermaphroditic, which means they contain both ovaries %26 testes %26 are capable of reproducing on their own. They have a head (scolex), a neck %26 a segmented body (the segments are known as proglottids). They are whitish/cream in colour with a ribbon like appearance, and can grow to 15 - 60 cms in length. There are several types of tapeworm your cat can become infected by, the two most common are;
Dipylidium canium:
Taenia taeniaeformis
Life Cycle of the Tapeworm %26 how cats become infected:
Dipylidium canium: The most common tapeworm found in cats. The cat flea is the intermediate host of dipylidium canum. Eggs are passed in the faeces %26 eaten by flea larvae. Once inside the flea larvae, the egg hatches %26 becomes (cysticercoid). The flea larvae develops into an adult flea, which goes about it's business of parasitising your pet %26 sucking blood. Your cat (or dog) then ingests the flea during grooming. Once inside the stomach the flea is broken down %26 the tapeworm is released. It hooks onto the small intestinal wall %26 develops into an adult tapeworm. Once it reaches maturity (in around 2 - 3 weeks) egg filled segments break off %26 leave the body via the anus. These segments have the appearance of rice grains. These segments are motile (capable of movement). Once these segments have dried out they have the appearance of sesame seeds. They are then eaten by flea larvae %26 so the cycle begins once again.
Taenia taeniaeformis: Probably the second most common tapeworm in cats. Cats become infected with taenia taeniaeformis via eating rodents containing the larval tapeworm.
What are the signs of tapeworms in cats?
The presence of rice like segments (proglottids) around your cat's anus %26 in the environment is a sign your pet has tapeworm.
Your veterinarian may perform a microscopic study of the pet's faeces to check for the presence of tapeworm segments %26 or eggs.
Are tapeworms dangerous to cats?
Generally no, tapeworms aren't harmful to cats. As tapeworms take nutrients from the cat a heavy infestation can cause your cat to become nutritionally deprived %26 lose weight %26 the fur to have a rough appearance.
What's the treatment?
Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a effective deworming medication which will kill the tapeworm(s). Once they have died, they will be digested along with the cat's food.
Can I catch tapeworms from my cat?
Yes %26 no. You cannot catch tapeworm directly from your cat, but if your cat has fleas, it is possible to catch tapeworm by accidentally swallowing a flea carrying the tapeworm cysticercoid.
How do I prevent tapeworm in my pet?
Stringent flea control is a must. Preventing your cat hunting rodents is also advised. Children are much more likely to become infected than adults.
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There are various products on the market for treating tapeworms. Whether given by mouth or by injection, the products usually contain the active ingredient praziquantel and are available through your veterinarian. I find the injection to be more effective. Sometimes, if the infestation seems severe, I repeat the treatment in 2 to 3 weeks, although the manufacturers of the drug claim one treatment is sufficient. I have seen no side effects from the drug, although in the shot form, it stings at the injection site.
Go to your vet and get droncit. Only vets sell it. One treatment and the worms will be gone. Good luck
Oh and wash your hands after handling your cat's feces.you too can get tapeworms. =)
Also, upon reading a another response, most common tapeworms are caused by fleas. If you are going to treat your cat for fleas, only use flea treatments sold by your vet. Cats can have serious reactions to over the counter flea medication. It may be more expensive through your vet, but well worth it as compared to the cost of treating pyrethrin toxicity.
It is best to take the cat to a vet and have them put on medication. But my vet told me that tape worms are cuased by fleas.Once the animal had been de-fleaed the tape worms should go away.
You need to take a stool sample to your veterinarian. Describe the type of worm you've seen. They will get you a correct medication which is dosed based upon the weight of your cat. Test + medication isn't very expensive
Get a dewormer from your vet. don't buy one over the counter, they DO NOT take care of tapeworms. Then get your cat on a flea preventative. Cats get tapeworms from fleas!!
I think you can use D-worm which can be found at grocery stores if they have them. The vet is too expensive and I've learned that it is better to do the research to find alternative cheaper methods. I think D-worm is like $20 vs a $75 shot
The only way to get rid of your pets tapeworms is through a prescription through your veterinarian. If your pet has a current exam most vets wont require an exam to prescribe the medication. Over the counter medication is not scientifically advanced enough to kill tapeworms. Once the worms are gone flea control will prevent them from coming back.
First, tapeworms don't always show up in stool samples, BUT, it is a good idea to being in a fresh sample for your vet to have it check for microscopic eggs of other intestinal worms or flukes.
The vet can give an injection or give oral medication to rid the cat of tapeworms. Remember, tapes are spread by fleas (and by the cat eating rodents who are infected) and a flea preventative is a healthy choice. Also, if the home is infested, buy a spray (my fav. is Ectokyl, which also has a insect growth regulator - IGR) and treat the home.
get frontline from the vet. Ask the vet if there is anything else specific to getting rid of tapeworms. ICK.
Prazyquantal was what my vet gave my female for her tapeworm.
NEVER use OTC worming medications. They are often inaffective and cause discomfort to your cat. Take the cat to the vet. The shot for my female only cost $20.
Get medication from your vet. It's the safest way to deal with it.
Keep the litter box scooped out and when you no longer notice any worms in the stool, it is safe to assume the problem is solved. It takes a couple of days. Then it's time to either replace the litter box or clean very well to avoid getting them again
call the vet and tell him your cat has worms and he will prescribe a liquid that will rid your cat of the worms pretty cheap too
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