What Are Tapeworms in Cats? And How Do Vets Treat Them?
Tapeworms are long, white and flat segmented worms that can live in the small intestines of cats, dogs and some other mammals. They contain both male and female reproductive organs and use their hook-like mouthparts to anchor to the inside of the intestinal wall. There are three types of tapeworms that can infect felines: Dipylidium caninum Taenia species Echinococcus species All three typically use other animals, called an intermediate host, to enter a cat’s body. Taenia and Echinococcus tapeworms can infect wild rodents and rabbits, in addition to house pets. When cats eat these infected prey animals, the parasite infects the cat. The most common tapeworm found in pet cats is Dipylidium caninum, also known as the “flea tapeworm.”,Jump to section What Are Tapeworms? Dipylidium Tapeworm Life Cycle Tapeworm Symptoms in Cats Diagnosing Tapeworms in Cats How To Treat Tapeworms in Cats How To Prevent Tapeworms in Cats FAQs About Tapeworms in Cats
