Tapeworm Treatment
for Your Healthy Cat

"Even a single flea can give your cat tapeworm."

What is a Tapeworm?

This particular worm is a parasite that can get into your cat's digestive system and cause potential problems to your cat's health.

It has a long, segmented body that can grow to be several inches long. Segments carrying eggs are passed out of your cat in her feces and sometimes can be found around your cat's anus. The eggs are small white moving segments. If you look closely, you can see them pulsing or moving like a flexing muscle. (They're pretty gross!)

After being outside of your cat's body for a short while, the parasite segments will dry out and resemble small grains of rice (some people say they look like sesame seeds).

You may also notice some of the dried segments in your cat's sleeping area.

How Do Cats Get It?

Your cat can get tapeworm from ingesting a flea that is carrying this parasite's larvae. In fact, if you discover that your cat has tapeworm, you can be pretty sure that fleas are on your cat or in your cat's environment, whether you see the fleas or not.

Your cat can get this parasite from ingesting one single flea when he is biting and licking at an area where a flea is biting him.

Your feline friend can also become infected from eating an infected rodent.

What Will It Do to My Cat's Health?

When your cat ingests a flea or a rodent with tape worm, the head of the parasite attaches to your cat's intestinal wall. It then begins feeding on your cat and absorbing his nutrients.

If left untreated, tapeworms have the potential to debilitate your cat.

How Do I Treat My Cat?

A very effective drug called Praziquantel is used to get rid of this parasite. It used to require a prescription from a veterinarian, but now it's available without a prescription and you can find it at online pet pharmacies or at most pet supply stores.

Praziquantel is sold under the brand name "Tape Worm Tabs." Only one dosage is required to get rid of the worm. Be sure to get Tape Worm Tabs for cats (and not dogs).

Praziquantel is not intended for use in kittens less than 6 weeks old. If your kitten has tapeworm, then you might want to look at a natural remedy.

If your cat is weak or debilitated, be sure to consult your veterinarian before administering the tablets.

Tape Worm Tabs Dosage

I've noticed that some of the bottles of Tape Worm Tabs and their wrapping do not tell you the dosage amount for your cat! I'm not sure why they are missing this important information. But anyway, here is the "dosage and administration" information from the manufacturer's website (TradeWinds).

• Cats and kittens (over 6 weeks old) 4 lbs. and under should receive ½ tablet.
• Cats 5 to 11 lbs. should receive 1 tablet.
• Cats over 11 lbs. should receive 1 ½ tablets.

You can give the tablets directly to your cat or you can crush it up and put it in food, but it's important for the treatment to work that your cat or kitten gets the full dosage.

Again, don't use this stuff for kittens six weeks and under.

Natural or Homeopathic Treatment

Your cat can also be treated naturally with a tapeworm homeopathic remedy. This takes longer than using Praziquantel, but it's a good approach if you want to avoid using conventional drugs on your cat.

This natural remedy approach can also be safely used as a preventative measure to keep tapeworm, as well as hookworm and roundworm, from reoccurring.

Treating for Fleas

If your cat is infected with this parasite, you must also treat your cat and his surroundings for fleas or you will just end up having to do the whole treatment cycle again.

Related Topics:

• Conventional Flea Control Methods Essential information for getting rid of fleas.
• Natural Flea Control Methods How to safely and effectively eliminate fleas.

Search My Healthy Cat or the internet for more cat health information.

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