Tapeworms questions?

Question

We have two cats, and we know that one of them has tapeworms because we can see the little rice-like segments. The other one does not have these, but should I treat him anyways? I would think that since the worms are transferred by fleas (we just treated them for that too), that they both would have worms.

Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Treat them both. Even if the other cat doesn't have worms, the medication won't harm it. Since tapeworms can be found in the feces of an infected cat, it's possible that both cat's are infected anyway.

Steer clear of the mite, flea, and worm medications in pet stores. They are often ineffective, and can do more harm than good. You can get effective medications from a vet.

Answer 2

You're right. Tapeworms are transmitted by fleas. They are also shed in the cat's faeces. If one of your cat has fleas, the other will too - so it's very likely the other cat will catch worms too it he hasn't already.

Do treat both your cats - it's just a tablet every three months, and of course flea treatment. Use stuff from the vets - pet shop preparations are quite useless and some are dangerous.

Chalice

Answer 3

I would definitely worm them both. They share things which include sniffing, smelling and cleaning one another. You can usually find tapeworm meds at a pet supply store or take them to a Humane Society which might have low cost applications to eradicate tapeworms. I always worm mine twice about 6 weeks apart and completely sanitize litter boxes and bedding each time. Since they are now indoor cats, I never have fleas or worms anymore. It makes life for them healthier and for us much more pleasant.

Smile,
Nancy O

Answer 4

Not any flea causes it, it has to be an infected flea. I asked my vet the same question and I also asked if we could get the worms. She said if they swollow an infected flea it causes them to get worms. Some cats are also born with worms because the mother had worms when she was feeding them. Either way it would be ok to treat both of them just to be on the safe side but inless he swollowed an infected flea he shouldnt get worms.

Answer 5

My vet said an infected cat can't pass on the worm to each other. The other cats have to eat the infected flea. First try to get rid of all the fleas in your place then treat your cats.

Answer 6

Go to Walmart or similar store and get a plastic container large enough to hold the litter box. Get one with the clamp on lid. Cut a hole just big enough for the cat to enter. If you have a large dog, put the hole on one of the ends or side. If you have a small dog put the hole in the lid. Remove the litter box top and place the litter box inside the container. Add litter to the litter box and clamp the lid on. To aid the cat to getting used to the new setup; pick the cat up often during the next few days and place the cat into the hole into the litter box. The cat will quickly adjust to the new box. Do not get the boxes that are of the material that you can see through. These just crack and do not cut well. You have to use the more rubberized containers. My dogs are no longer interested in the cat boxes and no longer have cat feces breath. Being concerned about parasites from the cat indicates your cat does not get regular vet check ups. Cats deserve the same treatment as dogs. My cats have always gone in for a wellness check up on the same day the dogs go in.

Answer 7

If they share the same bedding, litter, etc. you should treat both of them as they both most likely have them. Praziquantel tabs are great for treating tapeworms. Most of the stuff that you get at Wal-Mart, etc only treats roundworms, so make sure that the package says that it treats tapeworms.

Answer 8

Most definately treat both for tapeworm and fleas.

Answer 9

When my cat got tapeworms we went ahead and treated my other two cats. usually the treatment prevents them from getting it for awhile. good luck!

Answer 10

yes you would want to treat both cats. Most likey the other cat can get tape worms too.