Tapeworms are flattened worms that live in the intestines of people and animals, including cats. These worms behave as parasites, feeding on part of the food eaten by the animal, which is known as host or guest.
This situation, which may seem comfortable for the parasite, is not so comfortable for our cats, since it can cause symptoms such as diarrhea or stunted growth. If you want to avoid these problems in your pet, on our site, we will talk about the symptoms of tapeworms in cats, as well as the forms of contagion and their treatment.
Tapeworm symptoms in cats
In many cases, the symptoms produced by tapeworms in cats can be mild and difficult to perceive by the owner, however in Sometimes more serious problems may appear that reveal feline tapeworm.
Said symptoms are a consequence of the presence and way of feeding of these annoying worms, we explain them below:
On the one hand, to avoid being expelled by the host's bowel movements, these parasites attach themselves to the intestinal wall with mechanisms that vary according to the species of tapeworm, but which include suckers, and sometimes, hooks. As you might imagine, this causes irritation and inflammation in the intestine, which can cause abdominal pain in the host. Check our article to know how to identify the signs of pain in cats.
Also, the simple presence of these worms in the animal's digestive system can cause diarrhea, and, if there is a very high quantity of tapeworms, intestinal obstructions.
In addition, as tapeworms "steal" part of the nutrients that the cat ingests, they can cause nutritional problemsof the same, such as vitamin deficiency and growth retardation in our kitties.
In the case of Dipylidium caninum, a relatively common tapeworm in cats, itching can be detected in the area near the anus of the animal. This is because the parasite eggs come out of the cat's anus along with parts of the worm (called proglottids) that move through the anal area.
Contagion
There are many species of tapeworms and they can affect different animals depending on the type of worm in question. In addition, the life cycle of tapeworms can also vary from one species to another, but they generally have common characteristics.
Regarding the type of worm, cats can be affected by tapeworms of the species Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniformis, Diphyllobotrium latum and can also host some species of the genus Echinoccocus, which are typical tapeworms of dogs and other canines.
How does a tapeworm come to infect a cat?
It is necessary to know the differences between the definitive host and the intermediate host: the definitive host or host is the animal that harbors the adult worms, in whose intestine they feed and reproduce through eggs.
These eggs are ingested by another animal, which is known as an intermediate host. In the tissues of the intermediate host, the eggs hatch into larvae, waiting to be ingested by the definitive host.
Therefore, the definitive host, such as the cat, becomes infected by feeding on the meat of intermediate hosts, which contains the larvae of the parasite, developing in them the adult worm and starting the cycle again.
Forms of contagion:
- Thus, in the case of the Dipylidium caninum parasite, fleas behave as an intermediate host and cats become infected by ingesting them.
- Diphyllobotrium latum, also known as "fish tapeworm" is transmitted by consuming raw fish with larvae of these parasites.
- As intermediate hosts for Taenia taeniaeformis we find rodents, and for Echinococcus various species of mammals such as pigs and sheep, for example.
Does the tapeworm in cats spread to humans?
As we have said, not only cats can be affected by tapeworms, but humans too, which makes prevention important fundamental.
Thus, for example, man can act as the definitive host of Diphyllobotrium latum, by eating parasitized raw fish, and, on rare occasions, of Dipylidium caninum, by ingesting fleas, voluntarily or involuntarily (something possible In the kids). In both cases, the adult worm develops in the affected person's intestine.
It can also be an intermediate host for certain species of Echinococcus, in this case developing cysts with the parasite's larvae in its tissues (liver, lung, for example), in a process known as hydatidiasis.
Diagnosis
In the case of tapeworm in cats, prevention plays a fundamental role, but if the measures taken have not been sufficient to prevent the disease, it is necessary to resort to an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
The diagnosis is based on an examination of the animal's feces (coprological examination), carried out by a veterinarian with the help of a microscope, to try to observe the eggs of the parasite.
In some cases, through a blood test it is possible to detect antibodies against the parasite, thus being able to diagnose the disease and the species of worm involved.
Tapeworm treatment in cats
Treatment to eliminate tapeworms in cats is based on the use of drugs that are effective against flatworms, such as praziquantel, which It is administered orally, generally in the form of tablets, under veterinary prescription.
Also, depending on the severity of the process and the associated clinical symptoms (diarrhoea, malnutrition, etc.) it may be necessary to treat the same (for example, by supplying a food supplement).
As we have seen, tapeworms in cats can present more or less serious problems in our pets, but, fortunately, there are effective means for their prevention and treatment.
Prevention
To prevent contagion, it is recommended not to feed our cats uncooked meat or fish, and in those that have access to outside, avoid as much as possible that they eat rodents or dead farm animals.
It is also essential to avoid and eliminate fleas on cats, using repellent products on the animal such as pipettes and antiparasitic collars, always under supervision of a veterinarian, and controlling the hygiene of the environment where the feline lives.
Another important factor to prevent diseases caused by tapeworms in cats is regularly deworming our pets with an effective product against intestinal worms, such as praziquantel. This should be done under the control of a veterinarian.
