Content
- Tapeworm Symptoms in Cats
- Cats with tapeworm - contagion
- Can tapeworm in cats infect humans?
- Diagnosis of tapeworm in cats
- How to Treat Tapeworm in Cats
- How to prevent tapeworm in cats
tapeworms are flat worms that live in the intestines of people and animals, including cats. These worms behave like parasites, eating part of the food consumed by the animal, then known as a guest.
This situation, which may seem comfortable for the parasite, is not so pleasant for our cats and can cause diarrhea or growth retardation. If you want to prevent these problems from reaching your pet, in Animal Expert, let's talk about the symptoms of tapeworms in cats, as well as forms of infection and treatment.
Tapeworm Symptoms in Cats
In many cases, the symptoms caused by tapeworms in cats can be mild and hard to detect. However, sometimes, more serious problems may appear that reveal feline taeniasis.
such symptoms they are a consequence of the presence and way of feeding these irritating worms. We will explain 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 tapeworm species, and include suction cups and sometimes hooks.As we can imagine, this causes irritation and inflammation in the gut tissue, which can cause abdominal pain in the host. Check out our article to learn how to identify pain signs in cats.
In addition, the simple presence of these worms in the animal's digestive system can produce diarrhea and also intestinal obstructions if there are too many worms.
We also observed how tapeworms "steal" part of the nutrients that the cat ingests, causing nutrition problems of them, such as lack of vitamins and growth delay of our kitten.
In the case of Dipylidium caninum, a relatively common tapeworm in cats, can be detected by itching in the area near the anus of the animal. This is because the parasite's eggs come out of the cat's anus along with parts of the worm (called proglottids) that move through the anal region, causing discomfort.
Cats with tapeworm - contagion
They exist countless species of tapeworms and, depending on the type in question, they can affect different animals. In addition, the life cycle of tapeworms can vary from one species to another, but they generally share some common characteristics.
Regarding the type of worm, cats can be infected by tapeworms of the species Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniformis, Diphyllobotrium latum and it can also host some species of Echinoccocus, which are typical dog tapeworms, and other canines.
How can a tapeworm infect a cat?
It is necessary to know the differences between the definitive and intermediate host: the definitive host is the animal that hosts the adult worms that feed and reproduce in its intestines through eggs.
these eggs are ingested by another animal, known as an intermediate host. In the tissues of the intermediate host, eggs are transformed into larvae that wait to be ingested by the definitive host.
Therefore, the definitive host, such as the cat, is infected by the ingestion of the intermediate host meat, containing the parasite larvae, and thus develop the adult worm and initiate the cycle.
Ways of contagion:
- Thus, in the case of the parasite Dipylidium caninum, fleas behave as intermediate hosts and infect cats that ingest them.
- THE Diphyllobotrium latum, also known as the "fish tapeworm" is transmitted by eating raw fish containing the larvae of these parasites.
- As intermediate hosts of taenia taeniaeformis, are rodents. already the Echinococcuss are hosted by various species of mammals, such as pigs and sheep, for example.
Can tapeworm in cats infect humans?
As already stated, not only cats can be affected by worms, but also humans, which makes prevention fundamental.
Thus, for example, man can act as the definitive host of Diphyllobotrium latum, when eating the parasitized raw fish. On rare occasions, you may get the Dipylidium caninum, when ingesting fleas, voluntarily or involuntarily (something possible in children). In both cases, the adult worm develops in the intestine of the affected person.
It can also be an intermediate host for certain species of Echinococcus develop, in this case, cysts with parasite larvae in their tissues (liver, lung, for example), in a process known as hydatid disease.
Diagnosis of tapeworm in cats
In cases of solitary cats, prevention plays a key role. However, if the measures taken are not sufficient to prevent contagion, it is necessary to resort to an accurate diagnosis and adequate treatment.
The diagnosis is based on the stool exam of the animal (coprological examination), carried out by a veterinarian with the help of a microscope, to try to observe the parasite's eggs.
In some cases, through a blood test, we can detect antibodies against the parasite, diagnosing the disease and the species of worm involved.
How to Treat Tapeworm in Cats
The treatment performed to eliminate tapeworm in cats is based on drug use such as praziquantel, effective against flattened worms. This drug is administered orally, usually in the form of tablets, under veterinary prescription.
Also, depending on the severity of the case and the clinical symptoms associated (diarrhoea, malnutrition, etc.), it may be necessary to carry out a complementary treatment (for example, providing a food supplement).
As we've seen, tapeworm in cats can cause moderately serious problems in our furry friends. Fortunately, however, there are effective ways to prevent and treat them.
How to prevent tapeworm in cats
To avoid contagion, we recommend do not feed our cats with uncooked meat or fish. In cases where the feline has access to the outside, it should be avoided or controlled that it eats rodents or dead animals as much as possible.
It is also essential to avoid and eliminate fleas on the animal using repellent products such as pipettes and antiparasitic collars. Always under the supervision of a veterinarian, and controlling the hygiene of the environment where the cat lives.
Another important factor in preventing illnesses caused by feline worms is to deworm your pets regularly with a product that is effective against intestinal worms, such as praziquantel. This must be done under your veterinarian's control.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.