Tapeworms In Cats

The most basic answer to the question “What did my cat do to get tapeworm?” is “He swallowed a flea that was infected with the tapeworm larvae.” Simple as the answer may be however, there are a number of ways that could have come about…and a number of other things that you may have to consider besides.

The entire tapeworm infestation process typically begins with the swallowing of the tapeworm eggs by the larvae. This normally occurs when the larvae come in contact with the eggs in your cat’s bedding or on the carpet.

Another common scenario for tapeworm infestation is when your cat chews or licks its skin, as usually happens when a flea bites. This causes the flea to be swallowed. The flea is then digested in your cat’s intestine releasing the egg, which then hatches and attaches to the lining of the intestines.

The common flea is termed as an intermediate tapeworm host. This means that the tapeworm egg cannot live out its entire life cycle without the flea to host it. Lice have also been identified as intermediate hosts for tapeworms, although such cases are relatively rare in the United States.

Your cat may also become infested if it eats a rat or any type of small mammal. These animals may carry fleas in its fur, which in turn may carry tapeworm eggs. The infestation then follows the same pattern as when your cat swallows a flea from its own fur.

As a pet owner, you will understandably be concerned about the implications of tapeworm infestation in your pet. You should be aware that tapeworms do not really pose a very serious health risk in your pet, although they may cause a significant weight loss if they exist in sufficient numbers. Tapeworm infestation is easy enough to notice in dogs, as they will often drag their rear along the ground as a means of relieving the intense itching in the area.

In cats however, the signs aren’t nearly as obvious. In many cases, you will not even be aware that your cat has a tapeworm infestation until he vomits out a worm. This worm can be several inches long and is pretty hard to miss! This often happens when the worm dislodges itself from the intestines and works its way into your cat’s stomach. This causes an irritation that causes your pet to vomit it out. In some cases, you may not be aware of the tapeworm infestation until a veterinarian’s inspection confirms their presence.

Among some of the symptoms you may notice in a cat that has tapeworm are irritability, poor appetite, a dull coat, and diarrhea. In severe cases, your pet may suffer from anemia or drastic weight loss.