Cat worms???

Question

I recently found a worm on my cat. So I told my mom, and she went out and bought some expensive cat dewormer. But... ..I was looking online and I think my cat has tapeworms, not roundworms and thats what the dewormer is for. Would it still kill them off by any chance??

Also I have 2 kids, what should I do to keep my kids safe and not get them?

The thing about the vet is that I am a single mom with no $$$. Well the money I do have goes to the kids, so I don't think I would be able to afford them just looking at him and afford the medicine as well.

Answer 1

You might check with some of the local volunteer animal shelters to see any vets that they recommend. They might be able to point you to a cheap vet.

As far as the infection is concerned: fleas are important to the tapeworm life-cycle. Animals are only infected when they eat an infected flea (such as when they lick themselves). So, in addition to Droncit (for tapeworms), they also need to have flea treatment -- and, within a few more weeks, a second treatement again for any new tapeworms that might have reinfected the cat while he was being treated for fleas.

Sure, a human can get infected -- if they accidentally swollowed an infected flea.

(and of course, the stuff for the other parasites won't work.)

Fortunately, there are not too many symptoms, the tapeworm just takes the extra nutrients running through the intestine. They sometimes aren't even in the feces, so the cat wouldn't always show positive to fecal tests (even if he was infected).

Here is a good site on tapeworms:

Answer 2

It takes a different wormer for different types of worms. If you are not using the right one it will not kill the worms that are present. You should take a stool sample to a vet and have it checked for what exact worm it is and they can give you the meds for it. I have done this with my cats and the sample and meds were only like 20.00 and it will for sure take care of the worms if given as instructed. You should not have to pay an exam fee, just the stool sample reading and the meds. Worms are common and vets generally do not require an exam, as the only way to know for sure is by the stool sample. Over the counter treatments that you can buy at walmart and other stores are very often not powerful enough and will not kill the eggs and the live worms.
You should not allow you kids to let the cat lick them on the face or on the mouth. This is harder to prevent with dogs. Otherwise simply petting the cat, your kids will not be exposed to worms. There is no need to remove the cat from the house. Doing so may create more problems.

Answer 3

I always keep the other half, as long as it was cut hygienically and popped straight back in the foil bubble, no problems. I would advise that you crush the half pill and mix it with your cat's favourite food (I use canned tuna, they can't resist it) as the sharper edges of the half pill make it difficult for the cat to swallow. 3 monthly is recommended based on the time it takes for adult tape worms to reach maturity, I'm told. This way, even if your cat is picking up worm eggs daily, she should never have a fully matured worm in her. If she doesn't go out, worms shouldn't be a problem. You ca get Drontal on-line from VetUK without a prescrpition, just pay by the tablet.

Answer 4

ok.....first off I don't know if you have a Pet Supply Plus around you but they have all kinds of wormer even some for tapeworms. If not then your gonna need to get it from a vet which is gonna also need a exam cause they will not give ya those kinds of meds w/o a exam. Tape worms look like little pieces of rice. Round worm (which isn't common in cats but in dogs) looks like spaghetti. As far as your kids every time the touch the cat thy need to wash there hands and the will be fine I know I am weird about that with my kids and we have had our fair share of worm with animals issues

Answer 5

Tape worm is a long worm that lives in the intestines. When you see it, it breaks off in tiny rice like pieces. Round worm is much longer. Sometimes animals can even vomit these up if badly infested. Round worm medicine is sold over the counter. Tape worm medicine is sold only through a veterinarian. Your cat needs to see a vet and a stool sample taken. There are other worms that cats can get but these are the most common.
If your cat has fleas he will get worms. So get a good flea medicine like Advantage from the vet. Do not buy over the counter products as they are dangerous.

Answer 6

the wormer for tapeworm is different and can only be treated by a spexcific wormer.
It is always best to take a stool sample in to the vets and have it tested.
tapeworm wil not show up in the test but if you make sure the vet can see teh worm then they can tell you.
As far as the kids other than hook worms you don't have to worry. If it is tape worms this is caused by fleas and you need to bath and treat the cat for fleas.

Answer 7

I'm not sure if it will still kill the tapeworms, but I would recommend putting the cat in the garage or some where away from the children. Try calling a vet to get their insite on the tapeworm issue..

Answer 8

get the vet to check out the cat, make sure they know you have already used a de wormer so he does not get too much of it in his system......a cat should have worming treatment regularly evenif they show no signs of worms , many brands treat tapeworm as well as roundworm.

Answer 9

Go to a vet right away so they can give you something for the worms!!

Answer 10

take your cat to the vet.