May 21, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Meds

What is a tapeworm? Tapeworms are a very common, if nasty, intestinal parasite in cats (and dogs). This worm is called a tapeworm because of its long, flat appearance. If you see evidence of tapeworms, you will need to get cat tapeworm medicine right away to treat your cat. What are the signs that you need to buy cat tapeworm medicine?

Let’s start at the beginning: how does a cat get tapeworm in the first place? The cat flea is the intermediate host for the tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. A cat gets this tapeworm by ingesting an infected flea. Once the flea is in your cat’s stomach, the tapeworm egg hatches and is released into your cat. Cats can acquire another type of tapeworm known as Taenia taeniaformia by eating a small rodent containing the tapeworm larvae.

While tapeworm can be diagnosed by a microscopic examination of your cat’s stool sample, there are also some easily visible cues that your pet needs cat tapeworm medicine.  You may see small white objects that resemble grains of rice around your cat’s bottom, under the tail; these are segments of the tapeworm, and you may actually observe the tapeworm segments moving. Once the segments dry, the dried segments resemble sesame seeds, and they are commonly seen in your cat’s bedding. Occasionally, a cat may pass an entire tapeworm, which can be 6 inches or longer. Most pet guardians are quick to get cat tapeworm medicine when they see any of these signs of tapeworm in their cat.

You might wonder if cat tapeworm medicine requires a prescription.  Luckily, a cat tapeworm medicine called Tape Worm Tabs is available over-the-counter without a prescription. After you have given your cat tapeworm medicine, it is advisable to treat fleas on your cat with a product such as Frontline or Advantage, and in your home to prevent your cat from getting tapeworms again.

Related posts:

1. How to Use Cat Tapeworm Medicine
2. Cat Tapeworm Medicine: Tape Worm Tabs vs. Droncit
3. How to remove fleas on kittens
4. A spoonful of sugar does not necessarily make the medicine go down
5. Keeping your medicine cabinet off-limits to pets

Tags: cat tapeworm medicine