Tapeworm

Tapeworms are so called because they are flat and long, essentially they look like a piece of tape and can be more than a foot long!

THANKFULLY,  we rarely see the entire adult. It is attached to the intestinal wall with hook-like suckers. Segments break off and are passed in the faeces. These segments contain a large number of eggs.

The commonest ways a pet gets tapeworms are from

• fleas
• eating raw meat (e.g. prey-a rodent, rabbit, or bird) or 
• by eating another animals faeces

Your vet can diagnose tapeworm by actually seeing the segments or by analysing a sample of faeces.

Some cats will bite or lick their bum, or drag their hind quarters across the floor (scoot) due to the parasite.

Tapeworm infections can spread to humans, especially to children. 

The good news is that cats can be treated successfully for this problem. Your vet will advise on a suitable product and on the frequency of treatment. Tablets, injections and spot on treatments are available to treat for tapeworm.

Note: Most pet shop/supermarket products do not treat tapeworm.

All cats and dogs should be treated regularily for tapeworm. They should be treated even more frequently if

• you see the tapeworm segments in his faeces or stuck to the hair around the bum
• Your pet "at" his bum (scooting, licking, and chewing)
• Your cat ears raw meat, hunts or scavenges
• Your cat has fleas
• Your pet has contact with children.

Note. Different parasite control products treat different things. While you may use a product regularily it may not treat tapeworm. 

Prevention.

• Regular flea treatment.
• Clean up faeces
• Ensure children get into the  a habit of washing their hands after rubbing a cat or dog.
• Regular, good quality, broad spectrum parasite prevention.

Learn more about tapeworm in this VIDEO.