Should You Invite a Tapeworm into Your Bed?
Having your purring friend cuddle up at your feet every night can be one of life’s simple pleasures. But what if your snuggly feline companion has an unwelcome guest along for the ride – a tapeworm?
Tapeworms are parasitic flatworms that live in the digestive tracts of cats and other animals. Kittens often pick them up from fleas or uncooked prey like rodents. Some tapeworm species can even transmit to humans.
This raises an important question for cat owners: is it safe to sleep with Fluffy if she has tapeworms? Where do you draw the line between snuggle time and parasite protection?
What are Tapeworms?
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that live in the small intestine of cats. The most common tapeworm species that infect cats are Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis (Coxwell Veterinary Services).
Tapeworms have segmented bodies that resemble tape or ribbons. They attach themselves to the intestinal wall using hook-like mouthparts and absorb nutrients through their skin.
Cats become infected with tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas or small animals. Flea larvae and rodents can carry tapeworm eggs and larvae. When a cat grooms themselves, they may swallow an infected flea. Tapeworm larvae can then hatch inside the cat’s intestine.
Tapeworm Transmission
Tapeworms are transmitted when a human or animal ingests tapeworm eggs, larvae, or fleas infected with tapeworm larvae. Tapeworm segments containing eggs are also infective. Cats typically get tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas or small animals during grooming or hunting. The most common tapeworm in cats is called Dipylidium caninum.
Humans can potentially get infected with Dipylidium caninum by accidentally ingesting an infected flea. However, the risk of infection is very low. For a person to become infected, they would have to ingest an infected flea containing tapeworm larvae. Flea larvae develop inside infected flea eggs and only become infective about a week after being expelled from the flea. The larvae must then be accidentally ingested by humans. Proper flea control greatly reduces tapeworm infection risks (CDC).
While close contact with pets increases exposure opportunities, the actual risk of humans acquiring a tapeworm infection from cats is extremely low. Simple hygiene practices like washing hands after handling pets and avoiding ingesting fleas or stool minimizes any potential transmission risks. Overall, Dipylidium caninum tapeworms in cats do not pose a real infection threat to humans (PetMD).
Dangers of Tapeworms
While most tapeworm infections in humans are relatively benign, some rare risks and dangers do exist. According to the Mayo Clinic, tapeworms can cause digestive problems including abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and upset stomach (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tapeworm/symptoms-causes/syc-20378174). The most visible sign of tapeworm infection is segments of the tapeworm passing in the stool.
More concerning potential health effects include vitamin B12 deficiency, malnutrition, and intestinal obstruction from a large mass of worms (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23950-tapeworm-infection). In very rare cases, the larvae can migrate to other parts of the body and cause cysticercosis, which can lead to symptoms like seizures, headache, and confusion depending on the location.
Overall, while tapeworms are not typically life-threatening in developed countries, they can still negatively impact health and quality of life if left untreated. Working with your vet to prevent infection and managing any cases through deworming medication is important.
Reducing Transmission Risk
There are several steps you can take to reduce the chances of a tapeworm infesting your cat or spreading to humans:
De-worming medication for cats – There are several over-the-counter and prescription medications available to treat tapeworms in cats. Drugs containing praziquantel or epsiprantel are usually effective. Be sure to consult your veterinarian to find the right dewormer and proper dosage for your cat [1].
Cleaning litter box hygiene – Scoop your cat’s litter box daily, and clean thoroughly once a week using soap and hot water to kill tapeworm eggs. Always wash your hands after handling used litter [2].
Washing hands after contact – Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water after petting or handling cats who are infected. This helps prevent accidental ingestion of tapeworm eggs [3].
Should You Let Your Cat in Bed?
If your cat has an active tapeworm infection, you’ll need to weigh the risks and benefits of letting them sleep in your bed. On one hand, it can promote bonding and provide comfort to your pet. However, there is a small chance of transmission if proper precautions aren’t taken.
Most vets recommend keeping infected cats out of beds and off furniture where humans spend a lot of time. Tapeworm eggs can fall off their fur and contaminate surfaces. Your vet can provide guidance on the best sleeping arrangements while your cat is being treated.
If you want to continue letting your cat sleep with you, be diligent about handwashing after petting them and changing linens frequently. Don’t let them lick your face or hands. Thoroughly vacuum and clean your mattress. Wash your hands before eating. Take these basic precautions, and the risk of transmission is very low.
There are also alternatives like providing a cozy cat bed on the floor next to you, keeping them out only at night, or limiting them to areas of the bedding they don’t directly contact. With some adjustments, you can often find a safe compromise.
Have an open discussion with your vet and think critically about risks versus benefits. In most cases, with proper treatment and precaution, sharing a bed with your cat can be done safely.
Alternatives to Sharing a Bed
If you decide not to allow your cat to sleep in your bed due to tapeworm concerns, there are some alternatives to consider so your cat can still sleep comfortably at night:
Let your cat sleep in their own bed in your bedroom. Place the bed in your cat’s favorite sleeping spot and leave it there so they develop a habit of sleeping in it. You can try hiding treats in the bed to encourage your cat to jump in. Over time, reward them less and less as they get used to sleeping there at night (Source).
Close your bedroom door at night to prevent your cat from jumping into your bed while you sleep. This keeps your sleeping areas separate. You can provide toys and a litter box for your cat in another room overnight.
Consider creating an enclosed outdoor space for your cat to sleep, like a catio or cat enclosure. This allows your cat to be outside at night without roaming and potentially contracting tapeworms. Make sure the enclosure is secure and has shelter along with food, water, toys, and a litter box.
Making a Decision
If your cat has an active tapeworm infection, you’ll need to weigh the risks and benefits of letting them sleep in your bed. Here are some factors to consider:
Assess your risk tolerance. According to veterinarians, the chances of getting worms from a cat sleeping in your bed are low, but not zero (1). If you are highly risk averse, you may want to keep your cat out of your bed until the tapeworms have been fully treated.
Talk to your vet. Discuss the specifics of your cat’s tapeworm infection and get their recommendation on whether your cat should be allowed in your bed. Make sure to follow their guidance for deworming medication and retesting.
Prioritize your cat’s health too. Sleeping with you can be comforting for your cat. And depriving them of this bonding time could negatively impact their wellbeing. Weigh their need for closeness against the low risk of transmission (2).
With vet input and careful consideration, in most cases you can find a solution that keeps both you and your kitty happy and healthy.
Managing Tapeworms
While not always preventable, regular deworming can help manage tapeworm infections in cats. According to the CAPC, cats should receive routine deworming at 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks of age and then receive broad-spectrum deworming every 1-3 months to clear any infections they may pick up. Many cat owners give a monthly oral dewormer like praziquantel as part of their regular preventative care routine.
Daily litter box cleaning is also important, since tapeworm segments and eggs shed in the feces can contaminate the environment. Use gloves when cleaning the litter box and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Promptly remove feces from the yard or anywhere else the cat defecates. This helps prevent reinfection and transmission.
Following a regular deworming schedule, keeping litter boxes clean, and practicing good hygiene after contact with cats can help manage tapeworm infections. However, it’s also important to discuss options with your veterinarian, as they can recommend the safest and most effective deworming treatments based on your cat’s needs.
Conclusion
In summary, tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite in cats that are spread through ingesting infected fleas. While tapeworms themselves are generally harmless to people, their presence indicates flea infestation which can lead to other diseases transmitted from flea bites. There are risks to co-sleeping with a cat that has tapeworms, but you can take steps to reduce transmission like keeping your cat well-groomed, vacuuming regularly, washing bedding frequently, and using flea control medication.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to allow your cat with tapeworms to sleep in bed with you depends on your specific circumstances and comfort level. It’s best to consult your veterinarian to assess your cat’s parasite risk and get advice on the safest and most effective ways to treat and prevent tapeworms and fleas. With proper prevention and management, you can usually continue safely sharing a bed with your feline companion.