What are Tapeworms?

Tapeworms are a parasite that are found in the small intestine of cats. The most common tapeworm found in cats is the Dipylidium Caninum.  They are flat and segmented, white in colour and can grow up to 20cm long.

How does a cat get tapeworms?

• The tapeworm cycle begins with the flea larvae eating fecal matter that contains tapeworm eggs.
   

• The eggs hatch inside the flea and become cysticercoids.
   

• A cat may then swallow or eat a flea that contains these cysticercoids while chewing or biting at a flea during grooming.
   

• Once the flea passes into the cat's intestine the flea is broken down and the cysticercoids develop into an adult tapeworm.
   

• The tapeworm attaches itself to the lining of the intestine and feeds off the nutrients.
   

• As the tapeworm matures the tail segments drops off. These segments are mobile. Each segment contains the eggs of the tapeworm. The egg packets are passed in the faeces of the cat into the environment.
   

• The eggs are then ingested by the flea larvae

The most common areas that tapeworm eggs are found are in the cat's bedding and in your carpet.

Cats can also acquire tapeworms by eating infected rodents or lizards.

How do I know my cat has tapeworms?

You can often see the dried sections of tapeworm around the cats anus. They resemble rice grains.

You may see the moving segments of tapeworm in the cat's faeces.

Your vet may examine a smear from your cats anus under a microscope.
 

How to treat tapeworms in my cat?

Treatment is simple and in most cases extremely effective. Tapeworm tablets can be purchased from your vet.
 

How can I prevent tapeworms in my cat

Effective flea control is important and a regular de-worming regime. Read our How to get rid of Fleas article.
 

Can I or my children get infected with tapeworms?

Humans can become infected with the tapeworm Dipylidium Caninum but it is quite rare.

Serious Tapeworm Infections in Humans

Health A-Z Tapeworms

Read the above link for more information