How To Treat Tapeworms In Cats

Tapeworm infestation occurs often enough in cats that many pet owners are often concerned that their pets may be at risk. A tapeworm infestation isn’t actually life threatening, although it can cause significant weight loss if the infestation is severe enough. In any case, it is a condition that will warrant immediate treatment.

The good news is that treating a tapeworm infestation isn’t that difficult compared to other types pest of infestations. Just like any other medical condition however, preventing it from occurring in the first place is a lot better than having to find a cure.

The best way to find out if your cat does indeed have tapeworm is by observing his feces. If you detect tiny white objects that look a bit like rice grains, you are probably seeing segments of the tapeworms that have come loose. Keep in mind that these segments may or may not be moving, so don’t interpret a lack of movement as a sign that your pet is okay.

If you own more than one cat, it would probably be best to treat them for tapeworm infestation simultaneously, as in infestation in one cat probably means that they are all infected.

If your pets–and not just cats mind you–regularly go outside, you will have to treat your yard as well as the inside of the house. Adult fleas that can be carriers of the tapeworm eggs can be killed with commercially available sprays. Some of the better products to look out for will have ingredients that supposedly retard the growth of fleas. This will prevent any flea larvae present from growing to the adult stage.

While such sprays may be effective for adult fleas, they may not do anything at all to eggs or larvae. In order to prevent these pests from reinfecting your pets, wash their bedding in hot water. Furniture wherein your pet typically lies down on or brushes up against should be sprayed as well.

Cats that are already infected with tapeworm will have to be treated with a medication that attacks fleas as well as ticks. The good news is that there is an effective medication that does just that, and it comes in generic form that is a lot cheaper than the branded medication. However, you should clear the use of this medication with your veterinarian before giving it to your pet, particularly if it hasn’t been treated for tapeworm before. In addition, you should keep in mind that such medications shouldn’t be given to pregnant or lactating cats.

Another method for treating tapeworm infestation in cats is with the use of a topical ointment. This is certainly a lot easier than having to bathe a cat, and is probably your best option.