Feline tapeworms are long and flat intestinal parasites. They have hook-like mouths which they use to attach to the small intestine’s wall. As they mature, they can reach a few inches long. This species can also affect dogs.
Transmission
Your cat can become infested with feline tapeworms in one of two ways. In some cases, the cat gets worms because he ate an infected rodent. The most common way the worms are transmitted is ingestion of an infected flea. This is why tapeworms are a common problem in areas with a heavy population of fleas.
Symptoms
Feline tapeworms cause few symptoms in their hosts. Sometimes, segments of the worm break off and are pass out of the body in feces. You can spot the segments crawling on the surface of your cat’s feces. Tapeworms sometimes migrate from the intestines to the stomach. This will likely cause your cat to have episodes of vomiting.
Treatment
The main method of treatment for feline tapeworms is deworming medication. Most cats take this medication in tablet form. However, the veterinarian can also give your cat the medication via injection.
Prevention
These worms need fleas in order to complete their life cycle. This is why they are a common occurrence in areas with lots of fleas. The best way to prevent an infestation of feline tapeworms is to control the flea population. There are a variety of medications you can give your cat to help combat fleas.