Tapeworms are flat, white worms consisting of a head followed by a chain of individual segments. Each segment is filled with tens of thousands of tapeworm eggs. The most common tapeworm measures between 20 and 80 centimeters in length. The tapeworm lives in the cat’s small intestine, where it attaches to the intestinal wall using small hooks. When the egg-filled segments are mature, they detach and move toward the cat’s anus. At that point, the eggs may be visible in the stool or stick to the cat’s fur. They can also be found in places where the cat often lies.
The most common tapeworm in cats is Dipylidium caninum. Infection occurs through flea larvae and lice. Fleas and lice ingest the tapeworm eggs and are then ingested by the cat during grooming. This is how the cat becomes infected.
The Dipylidium tapeworm is not dangerous, but it does cause significant discomfort in cats and can also be transmitted to humans.
There are also tapeworms that are transmitted through the consumption of (parts of) other animals or feces. This type is called Taenia taeniaeformis. It is spread to cats through small infected rodents, such as rats and mice. This type of tapeworm infection can therefore occur in any cat that hunts.
Cats with tapeworms often experience itching around the anus. A typical sign of infection is “scooting,” where the cat drags its rear end along the floor while sitting. In severe tapeworm infections, the cat may suffer from abdominal pain or diarrhea and may show increased hunger or weight loss. It is also common for cats to vomit due to worms. We recommend a fecal test if you suspect a tapeworm infection.
If the fecal test shows that your cat is infected with tapeworms, we will provide you with a personalized treatment plan. This way, your cat’s health comes first and unnecessary deworming is avoided. Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions; we are happy to help.
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