How to Remove Tapeworms in Cats

Tapeworms are a common parasite found in cats and they require prompt removal. According to peteducation.com, tapeworms live in the small intestine and grow up to 20-inches long. Tapeworms are usually contracted when a cat eats fleas that contain the tapeworm eggs. Upon digestion, the eggs are released into the cat's body when the digested flea body breaks down. Signs of a tapeworm infection in cats include the identification of tapeworm segments---which look like pieces of rice---around the cat's anus area. In addition, nervousness, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and scooting on the ground can be present, as well. If you suspect your cat has tapeworms, take a sample of its stool to your veterinarian's office for testing and follow a few simple steps to rid your cat of them.

Instructions

1

Obtain the dewormer from your veterinarian upon positive testing results. Petplace.com states the most common treatments for a tapeworm infection in cats include fenbendazole, droncit, epsiprantel and febantel.

2

Place your cat on a raised, slippery surface in order to give the medication; this type of surface will make it harder for the cat to run away. Place your thumb and forefinger of your less-dominant hand on the cat's cheekbones. Gently lean the cat's head back.

3

Hold the medication, if it is a pill, in between your thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand. Lower the cat's jaw with your middle finger, and insert the pill as far back into the cat's mouth as it will go. Quickly close the mouth and rub the cat's throat to induce swallowing. If the medication is liquid, hold the cat's head in the same way as described above, and place the tip of the syringe behind your cat's canine tooth to encourage it to open its mouth. Quickly squirt the medication inside upon entry.

4

Repeat the dose as prescribed by your veterinarian. Some medications require more than one treatment to resolve infection completely.

5

Apply flea treatment and preventative to your cat. Unless the flea infestation is treated, your feline could continue to become infected with tapeworms by ingesting the fleas. Consult with your veterinarian as to which flea treatments and preventatives are safest for your cat.

6

Treat your home for fleas. Typically, if your cat has fleas, your home has fleas. Vacuum your floor regularly to remove the fleas and use sprays or a fogger to rid them from the environment completely.

Tapeworms are a common parasite found in cats and they require prompt removal. According to peteducation.com, tapeworms live in the small intestine and grow up to 20-inches long. Tapeworms are usually contracted when a cat eats fleas that contain the tapeworm eggs. Upon digestion, the eggs are released into the cat's body when the digested flea body breaks down. Signs of a tapeworm infection in cats include the identification of tapeworm segments---which look like pieces of rice---around the cat's anus area. In addition, nervousness, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and scooting on the ground can be present, as well. If you suspect your cat has tapeworms, take a sample of its stool to your veterinarian's office for testing and follow a few simple steps to rid your cat of them.

Instructions

1

Obtain the dewormer from your veterinarian upon positive testing results. Petplace.com states the most common treatments for a tapeworm infection in cats include fenbendazole, droncit, epsiprantel and febantel.

2

Place your cat on a raised, slippery surface in order to give the medication; this type of surface will make it harder for the cat to run away. Place your thumb and forefinger of your less-dominant hand on the cat's cheekbones. Gently lean the cat's head back.

3

Hold the medication, if it is a pill, in between your thumb and forefinger of your dominant hand. Lower the cat's jaw with your middle finger, and insert the pill as far back into the cat's mouth as it will go. Quickly close the mouth and rub the cat's throat to induce swallowing. If the medication is liquid, hold the cat's head in the same way as described above, and place the tip of the syringe behind your cat's canine tooth to encourage it to open its mouth. Quickly squirt the medication inside upon entry.

4

Repeat the dose as prescribed by your veterinarian. Some medications require more than one treatment to resolve infection completely.

5

Apply flea treatment and preventative to your cat. Unless the flea infestation is treated, your feline could continue to become infected with tapeworms by ingesting the fleas. Consult with your veterinarian as to which flea treatments and preventatives are safest for your cat.

6

Treat your home for fleas. Typically, if your cat has fleas, your home has fleas. Vacuum your floor regularly to remove the fleas and use sprays or a fogger to rid them from the environment completely.