What are tapeworms?
Tapeworms are long, segmented flatworms that live as intestinal parasites in animals and humans [1]. There are different species of tapeworm that infect different hosts. Tapeworms have a complex lifecycle that requires an intermediate host to complete their development.
The tapeworm’s body is made up of many segments called proglottids. Each proglottid contains male and female reproductive organs and serves as an egg production factory. As new proglottids are produced, older ones containing eggs are shed from the end of the tapeworm’s body.
The most common tapeworm species that infect cats are Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis, and Echinococcus multilocularis. Cats become infected by ingesting infected fleas or small mammals like mice or voles. The tapeworm larvae then develop inside the cat’s intestine into adult worms.
How do cats get tapeworms?
Cats most commonly get tapeworms by eating infected fleas or rodents. Tapeworm larvae live inside fleas and rodents as intermediate hosts. When a cat ingests an infected flea while grooming or eats a rodent carrying tapeworm larvae, the larvae are then released inside the cat’s intestine.
Once inside the cat’s body, the larvae embed themselves into the intestinal wall and develop into immature tapeworms. These immature tapeworms eventually mature into adult tapeworms that can grow up to 20 inches long. The adult tapeworms then produce egg packets known as proglottids that contain tapeworm eggs.
These proglottids will pass out of the cat’s body via feces. When the infected feces are ingested by flea larvae or rodents, the tapeworm lifecycle continues. So fleas and rodents serve as intermediate hosts, allowing the tapeworms to develop into the infective stage that cats ingest.
Cats may also become infected by eating an infected rodent. Wild rodents like mice and rats can carry tapeworm larvae in their tissue. When cats hunt and eat infected rodents, they can directly ingest the larvae which then develop into adult tapeworms inside the cat’s intestines.
Overall, the primary methods cats get tapeworms is by accidentally eating infected fleas while grooming themselves or by eating wild rodents that contain tapeworm larvae. Once ingested, the larvae embed into the cat’s intestinal walls and mature into adult tapeworms that reside in the small intestine and produce eggs.
Tapeworm symptoms in cats
Tapeworm infections can cause several noticeable symptoms in cats. Some of the most common tapeworm symptoms include:
- Scooting rear on floor – Tapeworms can cause irritation and itchiness around a cat’s rear end. This discomfort leads cats to scoot their bottom along the floor in an attempt to relieve the itch.
- Visible rice-like proglottids around anus – Tapeworm segments containing eggs frequently break off and pass out of a cat’s body through the feces. These rice-sized proglottids can sometimes be seen stuck to the fur near the anus or in freshly passed stool.
- Diarrhea – The irritation from a tapeworm infection can cause inflammation in the intestines leading to diarrhea. Cats may have loose, watery stools if infected.
- Vomiting – Some cats may vomit occasionally if they have a heavy tapeworm infestation. The parasites can interfere with digestion and cause nausea.
- Weight loss – Tapeworms rob a cat of nutrients, which can lead to decreased appetite and gradual weight loss. This is more common in heavy infestations.
If an owner notices any of these symptoms, especially the presence of rice-like proglottids, it is important to have the cat examined by a veterinarian. A fecal test can diagnose a tapeworm infection.
Do tapeworms crawl out of cats?
Tapeworms do not actually crawl out of cats entirely on their own. What may appear to be tapeworms crawling are actually segments that have broken off of the adult tapeworm living inside the cat’s small intestine. Tapeworms have segmented bodies, and as the adult tapeworm grows inside the intestines, the end segments will break off and pass out through the cat’s feces.
These passed tapeworm segments may seem to crawl or wiggle around the cat’s anus or in its feces. According to the CDC, “Although cats and dogs are rarely ill as a result of a Dipylidium tapeworm infection, the proglottids can sometimes be seen crawling near the anus or on the feces of infected pets.”1 The segments may continue to crawl around for a short time after being passed.
So in summary, while it may appear that entire tapeworms are exiting cats, it is actually just the detached end segments of the larger tapeworm breaking off and passing out through the feces. The segments may still move slightly after being passed, making it seem like tapeworms are crawling out. But the entire tapeworm itself does not exit the cat’s body fully intact.
Dangers of Tapeworms
While tapeworms often do not cause significant harm in cats, heavy infestations can lead to some health issues including:
- Nutritional Deficiencies – Tapeworms feed on partially digested food from the intestines of the cat. A heavy tapeworm burden can rob the cat of vital nutrients and lead to vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and weight loss.
- Intestinal Blockages – Large amounts of adult tapeworms can clump together and cause obstructions or blockages in the intestinal tract. This can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation, or even intestinal rupture in severe cases.
Tapeworms are specific to their host species and are not contagious to humans. However, they can be spread to other household pets if an infected cat contaminates the environment with stool containing tapeworm eggs. For this reason, deworming of all pets and cleaning of litter boxes is recommended.
While tapeworms pose minimal risk to feline health in light infections, pets with signs of illness or evidence of heavy parasite burdens should be evaluated and treated by a veterinarian to prevent complications. Maintaining proper prevention and control measures can help protect cats from acquiring tapeworms in the first place.
Diagnosing tapeworms
There are a few ways vets can diagnose a tapeworm infection in cats:
Physical exam and medical history – The vet will first do a physical exam of the cat and ask about any symptoms the owner has noticed. Seeing tapeworm segments around the anus or in the feces is a clear sign of infection.
Fecal test to identify eggs – A fecal sample can be analyzed under a microscope to look for tapeworm eggs. This is one of the most common diagnostic methods.
Tape test of proglottids around anus – The vet may use clear tape to gently lift any tapeworm segments from around the cat’s anus. This allows the segments to be examined under a microscope to identify the type of tapeworm.
Bloodwork may also be recommended to check for signs of anemia from blood loss due to tapeworms. Imaging like X-rays can check for changes in the intestines.
Once diagnosed, vets will prescribe a deworming medication specific to treating tapeworms in cats. It’s important to complete the full course of medication as prescribed. Reinfection is common so follow up exams may be needed.
Treating Tapeworm Infections
The most effective treatment for tapeworm infections in cats is prescription dewormers and antiparasitics. Drugs like praziquantel, epsiprantel, and fenbendazole are highly effective at killing tapeworms. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, praziquantel is considered the deworming medication of choice for tapeworms in cats.1
It’s important to treat flea infestations at the same time as treating tapeworms. Tapeworms use fleas as intermediate hosts, so reducing fleas will help break the tapeworm life cycle. Using monthly flea control products can prevent reinfection after deworming.2
Veterinarians may recommend follow-up fecal tests after deworming to check if treatment was effective. Fecal tests look for tapeworm eggs and proglottids shed in the feces. If follow-up tests are negative, the tapeworm infection has likely been eliminated.3
Preventing tapeworms
There are several ways to help prevent your cat from getting tapeworms:
Flea control is very important, as fleas are a common intermediate host for tapeworms. Using monthly flea prevention medication prescribed by your vet can help break the tapeworm life cycle. Keeping your home and yard free of fleas is also recommended.
Preventing your cat from hunting and eating rodents can help, as rodents can carry tapeworm larvae. Keep cats indoors, use deterrents to keep rodents away from your home, and make trash cans inaccessible to prevent hunting opportunities.
Regular deworming as recommended by your vet is also crucial. Kittens should be dewormed every 2 weeks until 12 weeks old, then monthly until 6 months old. Adult cats should be dewormed 1-4 times per year, depending on risk factors. This helps clear any tapeworms before they can mature in the intestines.[1] [2]
Keeping your cat indoors and away from dead animals, rodents, and garbage may also help prevent exposure to sources of tapeworm eggs and larvae.
Home Remedies
Some pet owners try natural or home remedies to treat tapeworms in cats. While natural methods may seem appealing, it’s important to use caution and consult your vet first. Home remedies have not been thoroughly studied for safety and effectiveness.
Some commonly suggested home remedies include:
- Pumpkin seeds: Pumpkin seeds contain compounds called cucurbitacins that may paralyze worms so they detach from the intestinal lining.[1] However, there is limited evidence on proper dosing and safety for cats.
- Garlic: While garlic may have anti-parasitic effects, it can be toxic to cats in large amounts. Only use under veterinary guidance.[1]
- Diatomaceous earth: This fine powder may damage the outer coating of worms, but can also be a lung irritant. Only use food-grade powder in moderation after discussing with your vet.
Before trying home remedies, consult your vet on proper dosing and safety precautions. While some options show promise, they may not be as effective as proven deworming medications.
When to see a vet
It’s important to have your cat examined for tapeworms if signs of an infection are present. Symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort often prompt a visit to the veterinarian. Your vet can check your cat’s stool to diagnose a tapeworm infection through microscopic examination or antigen testing. Prescription dewormers are also only available through veterinary offices.
Even if your cat is asymptomatic, annual veterinary visits are recommended. Outdoor cats who hunt rodents are at a higher risk of exposure and should also have more frequent vet visits for tapeworm testing and deworming, such as every 3 months. Your vet can advise on the right deworming frequency for your cat based on lifestyle factors.
Overall, it’s best to have your vet examine any cat that is showing clinical signs of an illness. Prescription medications, lab testing, and a full clinical workup can be done at the veterinarian’s office to properly diagnose and treat a tapeworm infection.