How To Prevent Tapeworms In Cats

Preventing tapeworm infestation in cats is a particularly important concern, since the condition can spread to other animals and in fact, even to humans. And of course there is the detrimental effect that it will have on your cat’s health as well.

While a tapeworm infestation isn’t usually life-threatening, it will make your cat quite uncomfortable at the every least, and will definitely reduce the quality of his life. If only for this reason, making sure that your cat doesn’t get infected should be a primary concern.

It is important to keep in mind that tapeworm infestation is a health risk for cats that stay indoors as well as those that are allowed to roam outside. This is because tapeworm larvae and eggs can be brought into the house via your shoes, where an indoor cat can pick them up any number of ways. It is therefore important to familiarize yourself with tapeworm prevention measures in order to ensure the safety and good health of your pet.

The first step in preventing tapeworm infestation is taking your cat to your veterinarian for a complete physical. The cat’s feces should also be checked for worms, and if any are detected, the appropriate medication should be administered.

After your cat has received a clean bill of health, the next step is making sure that tapeworm infestation doesn’t occur again. One particularly effective way to do this is by limiting his contact with soil or dirt, both of which may contain tapeworm larvae or eggs.

You should also prevent your cat from eating rodents and birds from outside, the majority of which will probably be carrying intestinal parasites, again either as larvae or as eggs.

If you are bringing a new pet into the family–whether a cat or a dog–it would be best to keep your older cats away from them until they have been checked and have been deemed free from tapeworm infestation.

If necessary, purchase a commercial flea solution, and treat all susceptible areas inside your home, as well as any areas that your cat typically frequents. Make sure that the product you buy is effective for all stages of the fleas’ life, from egg to adulthood.

Groom your cats regularly so you will be able to detect flea infestation early on. Remember that fleas can cause tapeworms, so being aware of a flea infestation may help you prevent an impending tapeworm infestation.

After you have made sure that your pet is free from tapeworm infestation, a stool check twice a year will ensure that he stays in good health.

Tapeworm infestation doesn’t have to be the end of the world. However, being vigilant and preventing it will go a long way in ensuring the health of your pet.