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What are tapeworms?
Tapeworms are a highly specialised intestinal parasite known as Cestodes. Tapeworms need two hosts, the intermediate host which passes the cysticercoid around & the final host (your pet), where it develops into an adult tapeworm & lays it's eggs. Dipylidium canium is the most common tapeworm in cats followed by Taenia taeniaeformis. Tapeworms are hermaphroditic, which means they contain both ovaries & testes & are capable of reproducing on their own. They have a head (scolex), a neck & a segmented body (the segments are known as proglottids). They are whitish/cream in colour with a ribbon like appearance, and can grow to 15 - 60 cms in length. There are several types of tapeworm your cat can become infected by, the two most common are; - Dipylidium canium:
- Taenia taeniaeformis:
Life Cycle of the Tapeworm & how cats become infected:
- Dipylidium canium: The most common tapeworm found in cats. The cat flea is the intermediate host of dipylidium canum. Eggs are passed in the faeces & eaten by flea larvae. Once inside the flea larvae, the egg hatches & becomes (cysticercoid). The flea larvae develops into an adult flea, which goes about it's business of parasitising your pet & sucking blood. Your cat (or dog) then ingests the flea during grooming. Once inside the stomach the flea is broken down & the tapeworm is released. It hooks onto the small intestinal wall & develops into an adult tapeworm. Once it reaches maturity (in around 2 - 3 weeks) egg filled segments break off & leave the body via the anus. These segments have the appearance of rice grains. These segments are motile (capable of movement). Once these segments have dried out they have the appearance of sesame seeds. They are then eaten by flea larvae & so the cycle begins once again.
- Taenia taeniaeformis: Probably the second most common tapeworm in cats. Cats become infected with taenia taeniaeformis via eating rodents containing the larval tapeworm.
What are the signs of tapeworms in cats?
The presence of rice like segments (proglottids) around your cat's anus & in the environment is a sign your pet has tapeworm. Your veterinarian may perform a microscopic study of the pet's faeces to check for the presence of tapeworm segments & or eggs. Are tapeworms dangerous to cats?Generally no, tapeworms aren't harmful to cats. As tapeworms take nutrients from the cat a heavy infestation can cause your cat to become nutritionally deprived & lose weight & the fur to have a rough appearance. What's the treatment for tapeworms in cats?Your veterinarian will be able to provide you with a effective deworming medication which will kill the tapeworm(s). Once they have died, they will be digested along with the cat's food. Can I catch tapeworms from my cat?Yes & no. You cannot catch tapeworm directly from your cat, but if your cat has fleas, it is possible to catch tapeworm by accidentally swallowing a flea carrying the tapeworm cysticercoid. How do I prevent tapeworm in my pet?Stringent flea control is a must. Preventing your cat hunting rodents is also advised. Children are much more likely to become infected than adults.
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