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| Tapeworms In Cats |
How To Prevent Tapeworms In Cats
Tapeworms are not pleasant. If your cat has had an increase in appetite, diarrhea, has been licking his bottom more often than usual, has dried segments that look like rice around his hind legs, there’s a chance your cat may have tapeworms.
Your cat can get tapeworms as well as a host of other worms from eating rats, mice, rabbits and from swallowing a flea infested with tapeworm larvae. Read also: How do I get rid of fleas on my cat?
Even though there are different types of tapeworms to infect cats. Dipylidium is known to be more common. The feline tapeworm has 6 rows of teeth to grab hold of the small intestine of a cat. Cat tapeworms can grow as much as 6 inches or more.
Cat tapeworms are not as harmful as hookworms and heartworms, but still if left untreated, your cat will become seriously malnourished which can do serious damage to his health in the long term. That is why the worms should be treated soon as possible.
Check with your vet to get a proper diagnosis and bring a stool sample . Please note, tapeworms don’t always pass through the stool so several samples may be in order. Better yet, bring the dried segments for the vet to see.
You can treat the worms with over the counter remedies. One natural remedy known to treat tapeworms is wormwood extract. You only need to add a pinch of the herb in your cat’s food a couple times a day for 3-5 weeks. As suggested, follow the procedure every 2 to three months especially with outdoor cats. Read also: Roundworms and flatworms, these internal parasites dangerous to cats.
Another way to prevent tapeworms is by eliminating fleas. It is best to vacuum the furniture, pet bedding, carpets, floors and corners throughout your house on a regular basis. In addition, keep the kitchen clean. Clean up food spills immediately, don’t leave food, dirty dishes laying around. Also, be quick to fix any leaky pipes. Humid conditions are a breeding ground for fleas. Drying out the home surroundings and pruning the outside are other preventive measures you can take for preventing fleas.
If pesticides are necessary, then use the natural, less harmful ones. Herbs such as bay leaves, coriander, dill, lemon peel, or clove can be placed in the cupboards or in stored grain to keep fleas away, which is known to work effectively. Read also: Cat Health Problems You Should Know About.
The best way to prevent tapeworms is by eliminating fleas and using herbal treatments. Plus, always observe your cat and if you suspect he may have worms of any sort, please don’t hesitate to bring him to the vet to get a correct diagnosis.