How to Handle Tapeworms in Cats

There are a couple of ways that cats can acquire a tapeworm infection. The most common way is from consuming fleas that contain an immature tapeworm stage known as a cysticercoid. This happens as the cat grooms itself, accidentally ingesting the infected fleas in the process. Another route of infection is from eating rodents or other small animals that may contain immature stages of a tapeworm. This is more common in outdoor cats that actively hunt.

One of the most common signs of a tapeworm infection is the presence of small, white, rice-like segments in your cat’s feces or around the anal area. These segments are actually tapeworm fragments which contain eggs. Cats with tapeworms may experience itching and discomfort around the anus, leading them to scoot their hindquarters across the floor or carpet. Severe tapeworm infections can cause weight loss and a decrease in appetite.

• Cats can get tapeworms from fleas or while hunting.

• The most common sign that a cat has tapeworms is the passing of tapeworm fragments, which contain eggs that look like grains of rice in the cat’s feces or that get stuck to the hair around the cat’s anal area.

• Talk to your veterinarian about treatment strategies for tapeworm infections, including NexGard COMBO topical solution for cats—the only broad-spectrum parasiticide that treats tapeworms.