How to Treat a Cat for Tapeworms
Tapeworm infestations become apparent in your cat when you see small white or yellowish teardrop-shaped grains around the areas your cat frequents. You may also notice a white worm segment on your cat's genital area. Other than these physical signs, your cat will only rarely exhibit symptoms of a tapeworm infestation unless the infestation is very heavy, in which case the cat may exhibit weight loss or become anemic.
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Things You'll Need
- Tapeworm medication
- Poop scooper
- Trash bags
- Disinfectant
- Flea treatment
Instructions
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Kill the tapeworms with either prescription de-wormers from your veterinarian or an over-the-counter version. The substances most effective against tapeworms will include bunamidine, mebendazole, niclosamiden and praziquantel, according to the Government of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development website. Fenbendazole has also been used with great success.
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Clean the cat's living quarters of all fecal matter. Place the fecal matter in trash bags and dispose of it.
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Disinfect the living area. Good hygiene practices will prevent the tapeworms from infecting your family.
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Treat your cat for fleas. The life cycle of the tapeworm is dependent on fleas, so even if you rid your cat of its internal parasites, in the presence of flea eggs and larvae, the tapeworms will re-establish themselves within days.
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Tips & Warnings
Protecting your pet against fleas is the best way to prevent tapeworms.
If your cat is exhibiting symptoms such as weight loss, anemia or loss of appetite, call your veterinarian before beginning treatment for tapeworms.
To prevent small children from contracting tapeworms, be sure they always wash their hands thoroughly after playing with or around cats and dogs.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cat 4 image by Dragan Saponjic from Fotolia.com
