Tapeworms Tapeworms, which belong to the Cestode family are the most common intestinal parasite affecting cats. Although there are several varieties, dipylidium caninum is the one seen most often in cats. Fleas are the main host of dipylidium caninum, hence, chances are that if your cat has fleas, it also has tapeworms. Flea larvae eat tapeworm eggs found in the environment, which mature along with the flea larvae itself. Since cats are very clean animals and constantly groom themselves, the end up swallowing many of the fleas that inhabit their body, beginning the tapeworm infestation. Attaching themselves to the wall of the small intestine with their hook-like mouthparts, the tapeworm aborbs nutrients through its body surface. The body of the tapeworm is made up a number of segments called proglottids, which grow from the head. An adult tapeworm will continue to grow segments as long as it survives, sometimes reaching two feet in length with hundreds of segments. The life history of the tapeworm consists of three stages: the egg, larva and adult. As each of the tapeworm's segments possess both male and female reproductive organs, as each segment matures, eggs are produced (up to 200 each segment). Since the tapeworm grows from the head down, segments mature from the tail end upward. The mature segments break away from the tapeworm, and are passed in the cat's stool. Eventually these segments dry out and break open, releasing egg packets into the environment. Diagnosis Signs of tapeworm infestation include diarrhea with mucus and occasionally blood. Reduced energy, weight loss and neglectful appearance are also signs of tapeworm. Since after breaking away and passed in the cat's stool the segments are capable of moving independently, it is likely you will find segments stuck to your cat's anal area, in the litter box, crawling around in the cat's stool, or in the environment. Fresh tapeworm segments are opaque or pinkish white and flat in appearance. When these segments dry out, they become off-white in colour, translucent and look like grains of rice. Occasionally, tapeworms release themselves from the intestinal wall and move into the stomach. This causes stomach irritation, causing the cat to vomit, in which case, a worm several inches long will be seen. Since segments are not always present with tapeworm infection, positive diagnosis should be made by your veterinarian, who will examine a stool sample under a microscope. Treatment Tapeworm infestation, left untreated, can cause digestion and/or elimination problems in your cat. It is also possible for the tapeworm's hook-like mouthparts to damage the intestinal wall. A large number of long worms may block the intestinal tract, causing serious problems, especially in kittens. Since most anti-tapeworm drugs available in pet stores tend to be ineffective, it is best to see your veterinarian, who will prescribe medication which may be administered at home. In severe cases, it may be necessary for your cat to remain with the veterinarian, who will deworm the cat. Although there are some over-the-counter drugs which are effective in ridding your cat of tapeworm, they can be VERY dangerous, causing excessive vomiting, severe diarrhea, and sometimes convulsions. DO NOT USE THEM! Since tapeworm segments crawl about in the cat's environment, it is very important that you not only treat the cat, but the cat's environment as well. Wash the cat's litter box and any small mats, pillows, etc. that the cat has access to. Anything that cannot be washed, should be thoroughly vacuumed. Remember to throw away the vacuum bag. NOTE: Although flea tapeworms are the most common type of tapeworm infesting cats, it is possible for cats to become infested with other types should they eat infested mice or rabbits. References: The Cornell
Book of Cats
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