If you’ve noticed your cat scooting across the floor or see rice-like segments around their hindquarters, your feline friend may have contracted tapeworms. While tapeworms in cats are common, as a loving cat owner, you want to do everything you can to help your furry companion feel better quickly.
You may be wondering if quarantining your cat is part of the recovery plan.
The short answer is: quarantining is usually not necessary when treating tapeworms in cats. With proper treatment and environmental cleanup, cats with tapeworms can often be cured within a few weeks without needing isolation from other household pets.
What Are Tapeworms in Cats and How Do They Spread?
Tapeworm basics like life cycle and transmission
Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that attach themselves to a cat’s small intestine and feed on partially digested food. The most common tapeworm species that infect cats are Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis.
Tapeworms have a complex life cycle that requires an intermediate host such as a flea, rodent, or small mammal to complete their life cycle.
Tapeworm eggs are passed in the infected cat’s feces. If the eggs are ingested by an intermediate host like a rodent, they hatch into larvae that form cysts within the body tissues of the intermediate host.
When a cat eats an infected rodent, the larvae are released and grow into adult tapeworms inside the cat’s intestines, attaching themselves to the intestinal wall with hook-like mouthparts.
Tapeworm segments called proglottids break off from the adult tapeworm and pass out in the cat’s feces. These segments are filled with eggs which can infect cats or intermediate hosts, continuing the tapeworm life cycle. Tapeworms are spread through ingestion of infected fleas or prey animals.
Types of tapeworms that infect cats
There are three main species of tapeworms that commonly infect cats:
- Dipylidium caninum – Spread by ingestion of infected fleas. Common in kittens and cats that hunt rodents.
- Taenia taeniaeformis – Spread by ingestion of infected rodents like mice or rats. Most common in outdoor cats that hunt.
- Echinococcus multilocularis – Spread by ingestion of infected rodents. Potentially dangerous tapeworm that can cause disease in humans.
D. caninum and T. taeniaeformis usually don’t cause significant health problems in cats. However, heavy infestations can lead to digestive issues. E. multilocularis is less common but more dangerous if transmitted to humans, potentially causing alveolar echinococcosis.
How cats get tapeworms
There are two main ways cats become infected with tapeworms:
- Ingestion of infected fleas – The most common source is fleas infected with D. caninum. When grooming, cats may swallow infected fleas carrying tapeworm larvae.
- Eating infected rodents or wildlife – Cats that hunt and eat mice, rats, rabbits or other prey animals can ingest tapeworm larvae in their tissues.
Outdoor cats that hunt small mammals are at highest risk. Kittens also get tapeworms more often than adult cats because they are apt to swallow fleas when grooming. Keeping your cat indoors and on flea prevention can greatly reduce tapeworm infection risk.
Some key ways to prevent tapeworms in cats include:
- Use flea control products like collars, drops, or pills.
- Clean the litter box daily to prevent re-infection.
- Keep cats indoors to prevent hunting and eating rodents.
- Deworm kittens at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks old.
Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has tapeworms. They can prescribe a dewormer to eliminate the parasites and offer tips on prevention.
Signs Your Cat Has Tapeworms
If you notice any of the following signs, your feline friend may have contracted tapeworms. These sneaky parasites attach themselves to the walls of your cat’s small intestine and can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms.
Being aware of the signs can help you get your cat prompt veterinary care and treatment.
Scooting Bottom on Floor
One common early sign of a tapeworm infection is your cat dragging or scooting their hindquarters along the floor or ground. The tapeworms cause irritation inside your cat’s gastrointestinal tract, making them feel itchy around their bottom.
Scooting is your cat’s attempt to scratch or soothe this discomfort.
Rice-Like Proglottids Around Anus
Tapeworms shed segments of their bodies called proglottids that are passed in your cat’s feces. These rice-shaped segments may stick to the fur around your cat’s anus or you may see them around their litter box. Each proglottid contains tapeworm eggs which can further spread the infection.
So be sure to clean the area thoroughly if you spot them.
Lack of Appetite or Weight Loss
Although tapeworms themselves rob your cat of vital nutrients, they also damage the lining of the small intestine, reducing its ability to absorb nutrients from food. This double impact can drastically lower your cat’s appetite and lead to unhealthy weight loss.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), weight loss is seen in 17-43% of cats with tapeworms.
Dull Coat
A shiny and smooth hair coat indicates your cat’s health and good nutrition. But the nutrient theft and digestive disruption of a tapeworm burden will often manifest in a poor, tangled, dull hair coat before other signs appear.
So a deterioration in your cat’s coat luster can serve as an early warning that tapeworms may be lurking.
Treating Tapeworms in Cats
Medications like praziquantel to kill adult tapeworms
The most common medication prescribed for treating tapeworm infections in cats is praziquantel. This drug is highly effective at killing the adult worms once they are established in the feline’s digestive tract and can provide a quick solution.
Praziquantel causes the tapeworms to become paralyzed and disintegrate while being passed from the body in the feces (VCCA, 2023).
Praziquantel is typically very safe for cats but should be dosed properly according to your veterinarian’s recommendations. Some minor side effects like vomiting or diarrhea may occur. Cats with liver or kidney issues may need lower doses.
Overall this medication provides a fast way to eliminate an active tapeworm burden.
Flea control like monthly topicals
While praziquantel kills off adult tapeworms, reinfection is common when fleas are prevalent. Fleas serve as the key intermediate host that transmits tapeworm eggs. Eggs are swallowed by fleas during grooming, develop into larvae inside the flea, and are then passed on to cats who ingest infected fleas.
Using monthly topical flea preventatives like Revolution, Advantage II, or Bravecto can help break this life cycle. These products are applied to the cat’s skin and prevent flea infestations for approximately one month.
By eliminating fleas in the environment, reinfection with tapeworms becomes far less likely.
Environmental clean-up
In addition to medications and flea prevention, a thorough clean-up of the home environment can help prevent against tapeworm reinfection. Since tapeworm eggs and segments containing infectious packets are shed in the cat’s feces, prompt removal and disposal of all cat waste is key.
Areas like litter boxes should be fully cleaned out 1-2 times per week. Throw away used litter and wash the litter box with soap and hot water. Vacuum any areas cats frequent like cushions, carpets, etc.
This cleaning schedule helps limit exposure to infective tapeworm elements shed into the environment by an affected cat.
Implementing these three measures provides the best chance at eliminating a tapeworm infection and preventing spread to other pets or reinfection in the same cat. Be sure to complete any medications as prescribed and maintain vigilance with flea and environmental control even after infection resolves.
Consult your veterinarian if symptoms such as vomiting, weight loss, or presence of tapeworm segments around the anus persist despite treatment.
Quarantining Cats with Tapeworms
Quarantine usually not needed
In most cases, there is no need to quarantine or isolate a cat that has been diagnosed with tapeworms from other pets or people in the household (Cornell Feline Health Center). Tapeworms are transmitted when a cat ingests a flea or small rodent infected with tapeworm larvae.
They are not spread through close contact. As long as the cat is treated with a proper dewormer medication like praziquantel or epsiprantel, the tapeworms will be eliminated within 24 hours.
That said, be sure to check with your veterinarian before allowing a cat with tapeworms to interact closely with very young kittens, elderly cats, or immunocompromised cats. These cats may be more vulnerable to health issues in general.
Exceptions like young kittens or immunocompromised cats
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the only cats that may need quarantining when diagnosed with tapeworms are:
- Kittens under 6 months old – their immune systems are still developing
- Geriatric cats over 10-12 years old – their immune function may be declining
- Cats with Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) – their immune systems are compromised
- Cats undergoing chemotherapy treatment or long-term corticosteroid treatment
These higher-risk cats could develop additional health issues if exposed to worms shed in another cat’s feces. So it’s wise to isolate them from other cats with tapeworms and be vigilant about hygiene and contamination of food, water bowls, litter boxes, etc.
Keeping other pets away from litter box
While quarantining may not be necessary, you should take precautions to prevent tapeworm transmission between your pets (WebMD). This includes:
- Promptly removing feces from the litter box before worms can hatch and mature
- Not allowing other pets like dogs to access the litter boxes
- Frequently washing food and water bowls used by infected cats
Number of cats with tapeworms annually in the US | 10-15% or over 10 million |
Time for tapeworm larvae to hatch and become infectious | As little as 3 weeks |
Time for full tapeworm to reach maturity in cats | 2-3 months |
The good news is that tapeworms are easily treated and managed with vigilant hygiene and regular deworming. By quickly eliminating worms from infected cats and taking steps to reduce environmental contamination, cat parents can protect the health of all their furry friends!
Preventing Reinfection
Ongoing flea control
Fleas are often the root cause of tapeworm infections in cats. Even if your cat is successfully treated for tapeworms, they are likely to become reinfected if fleas are still present. That’s why ongoing flea prevention is crucial.
There are many effective flea control products available, including oral and topical medications as well as flea collars. Work closely with your veterinarian to choose the best options for your cat and home environment. Be sure to treat all pets in the household and follow label directions closely.
In addition to treating your cat, you may need to treat your home and yard. Vacuum frequently, especially around pet sleeping areas. Use flea sprays or foggers as needed, and consider hiring a professional exterminator for serious infestations.
Routine deworming
Even with diligent flea control, reinfection is still possible. For this reason, vets often recommend routine deworming 1-4 times per year. Cats who go outdoors or hunt rodents are at higher risk and may need more frequent treatment.
There are several safe and effective dewormers available. Your vet can help you choose the right product and schedule. Keep in mind the different tapeworm species, as some medications only treat certain types. Routinely checking your cat’s stool under a microscope can help detect reinfection early.
Clean environment
Tapeworm eggs and fleeing fleas can linger in your home, putting your cat at continued risk. Be sure to thoroughly vacuum and wash bedding frequently. Pay special attention to cracks and crevices where fleas may hide.
Wash food and water bowls regularly as well. Use hot soapy water to scrub litter boxes, scoops, and any other items tapeworms may contaminate. Bleach solutions can help kill stubborn eggs.
Lastly, keep your cat’s grooming tools clean. Flea combs, brushes, clippers, and other grooming aids can easily pick up tapeworm eggs and transfer them back to your cat.
With diligence and teamwork between you and your vet, it’s possible to break the tapeworm cycle and keep your cat healthy and parasite-free!
Conclusion
Getting an official diagnosis and prompt treatment from your vet is the best way to deal with a tapeworm infection in your cat. With medications, flea control, and thorough environmental cleaning, your cat can usually recover within a few weeks without needing isolation from other household pets.
Be sure to follow up with your vet, continue flea prevention, and deworm routinely to prevent future infestations. With some care and attention, your feline companion will be tapeworm-free and back to their happy, energetic self in no time!
We hope this overview gave you the information you needed to decide if quarantining your cat is necessary when treating tapeworms. Let us know if you have any other pet health questions!