kittens recently treated for tapeworms?

Question

my two kittens have recently been treated for tapeworms. i am now finding small rice like pieces in my bed. ive read that you will find this where they sleep. my question is are they dead or alive when exiting the kittens? im kind of grossed out! how long will this happen?

Answer 1

Who treated the kittens? Usually when you find those "rice like" things left behind it is a sign that the cat still has worms.

Answer 2

Wash your sheets, bedding & pillow cases NOW. Tape worms & round worms can be transferred to people, too.
Wash your hands thoroughly each time you finish playing with the kittens. Vacuum & clean all areas the kittens have been including their bed. This also helps so they do not re-infect themselves (& you). You see worm eggs may be left behind for re-infecting them or any other warm body host that is handy. Try not to gross out - - it's icky, but part of life.

Sounds like a 2nd worming may be needed. Check with vet for waiting timeframe for a re-do.

The segments you are finding MAY have been dying parts of the tape worm and is a sign the kitten was closer to infested instead of just having worms. Dead tapeworms from a worming should have been dropped in its poop.

Answer 3

The rice like pieces are called proglottids--they are egg sacs, and are capable of movement when first expelled. When they dry up they look like sesame seeds. If you are finding new ones, then your kittens should have another deworming. Fleas, when eaten by the cat, transmit tapeworms as your vet probably told you, so use Advantage or Frontline monthly.

Answer 4

The pieces you are seeing are segments of the worm that it is shedding, most that you find are dead, some are still wiggling, just throw them away & call the vet who wormed them.Tell them whats going on & ask if they need to be rewormed.

Answer 5

If they have left the cat then they are dead. Shouldn't last too long.

Answer 6

never let your kittens sleep in the same bed as you if they have fleas, ticks, or worms.