Is Tapeworm In Cats Contagious: Symptoms, Treatment & Home Remedies

January 20, 2011 | Cat Health | Leave a Comment |

Tapeworm in Cats

What is a Tapeworm?

  • These are flat segmented worms found in the intestines of cats
  • They are white in color and have the ability to grow up to 20 cm
  • They attach to the lining of the intestines and feed off the nutrients that a cat gets from its diet.
  • A cat can get tapeworms from ingesting tapeworm eggs.
  • They can also get tapeworms from eating infected fleas that carry tapeworm eggs.
  • Once a tapeworm matures, their segments fall off.
  • The segments are mobile and each carries eggs.
  • These segments are passed onto the feces and back to the environment.

Is Tapeworm in Cats Contagious?

Yes, there are certain species of tapeworm that can affect both humans and cats. Children are often the one who are most affected because of ingesting an infected flea or from eating dried tapeworm segments. The condition can also be passed from one cat to another.

Tapeworm in Cats Symptoms

  • Presence of tapeworm segments in the environment or around the cat’s anus
  • Weight loss
  • Increase appetite
  • Vitamin Deficiency

A fecalysis can help to determine for sure if a cat has tapeworms or not.

How to Treat Tapeworms in Cats?

Deworming medication is used to treat tapeworm in cats. There may also be certain home remedies that can help deal with the infestation. They include:

  • Get rid of the vectors – remove the possible vectors that may can carry the infection
  • Garlic Powder added to the pet’s food
  • Wormwood
  • Fennel
  • Ground White Pumpkin Seeds
  • Grape Tincture seeds

If none of the home remedies work, pet owners can also use some of the more conventional treatments available through the vet.

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