WHAT ARE TAPEWORMS AND ROUNDWORMS?

Tapeworms and roundworms are two of the most common intestinal parasites of cats. Tapeworms are long flat worms composed of many individual segments whereas roundworms are much shorter and have rounded bodies.

Roundworms produce microscopic eggs which are shed in the faeces of infected cats, whereas tapeworms release mature segments (which again contain eggs) from the end of the worm into the faeces. These segments sometimes look like grains of rice and are mobile. They can occasionally be seen on the hair around the anus of the cat or in the faeces.

TAPEWORMS

Heavy infestations can cause anal irritation, digestive disturbances and weight loss. They are aesthetically unpleasant as the segments, which resemble rice grains, leave via the anus to deposit their eggs. The most common Tapeworm in cats is Dipylidium caninum which is contracted when the cat eats an infected flea or louse. For obvious reasons Tapeworm therapy should also be accompanied by vigorous steps to control any associated flea problems. A second type, Taenia, is usually contracted through hunting.

The time between eating an infective stage of worm to showing segments varies from approximately three weeks in the case of Dipylidium to two to three months in the Taenia species of worm.

HOW DOES MY CAT GET ROUNDWORMS?

The common roundworms of the cat are Toxacara cati and Toxascaris leonina. With both these worms , infection is by the ingestion of infective eggs or eating another animal (intermediate host) such as a mouse that is itself infected. Toxacara cati may also be transmitted through the milk of the queen (mother) therefore kittens can be infected with roundworms from a very young age. Roundworm infections are extremely common and it is safe to assume that all kittens will be infected.

ROUNDWORMS

In kittens Roundworm infestation can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, anaemia, a pot-bellied appearance and failure to thrive. In adult cats, worms are usually acquired through hunting resulting in few clinical symptoms. Unlike dogs, cats are not thought to be the major source of roundworms to humans.

HOW DOES MY CAT GET TAPEWORMS?

There are a variety of different tapeworms that infect cats but the two most common are Diplydium caninum and Taenia taeniaformis. The tapeworm segments shed in the faeces contain eggs which are eaten by an intermediate host (flea larvae or small rodents). When the cat eats an infected flea (when grooming) or kills and eats an infected rodent the life cycle of the tapeworm is completed as the tapeworm develops and attaches to the lining of the cat's intestines. So all cats that come into contact with fleas or who hunt are likely to be infected with tapeworms.

CAN THESE WORMS AFFECT HUMANS?

It is possible for humans to be infected with both Toxocara cati and Dipylidium caninum, the latter is very rare however, as it requires ingestion (eating) of an infected flea. Toxocara cati is more of a concern, particularly in children, where ingestion of the eggs may result in migration of the worm larvae through the body and potential damage. This is much more of a risk with the dog roundworm (Toxocara canis) but can still occur occasionally with Toxocara cati.

Due to the potential human health hazard, as well as the possible ill-health to the cat, regular worming of cats is important. In addition, careful disposal of litter from litter trays is important, and ideally the tray should be disinfected daily with boiling water.

 

WHAT SHOULD I USE TO WORM MY CAT, AND HOW FREQUENTLY?

As kittens can be infected with roundworms from a very young age it is important that worming is started early and repeated regularly. We recommend that all kittens are wormed from 6-8 weeks against roundworm for three consecutive days each month with "PANACUR" or once

monthly with "STRONGHOLD" (a spot-on preparation).

From 6 months of age (or younger if tapeworm segments are seen) we ideally recommend that cats are wormed every 3 months with "drontal cat" which is active against both tape and roundworms. If it is not possible for you to give your cat a pill we can do this for you or give an injection of "droncit" which is active against tapeworms.

Pregnant queens can safely be wormed with panacur but since transmission does not occur during pregnancy this need only be done whilst she is nursing the kittens.

Worms in Cats/Kittens

As you will now know, our pets can become infected with a wide range of parasitic worms, many of which can be passed to humans, with rare, but potentially serious health consequences.
 

In the UK, the main human health risk is from the roundworm Toxocara spp. and the tapeworm: E. Granulosus. Save for keeping your pet indoors, there is no way of preventing it from coming into contact with these parasites. Therefore, regular worming is the only practical method of control.
 

When travelling, our pets are exposed to many parasites that are not usually found in the UK. Again, there is no practical way in which we can prevent this. The law requires that all travelling cats and dogs are wormed, not just for their own safety, but to prevent the spread of foreign parasites to the UK.
 

Other worms can be largely controlled by preventing the pet's exposure to the source of infection. Make sure that your cat hasn't got fleas, and he is unlikely to catch the tapeworm: Dipylidium. Ensure that your dog isn't able to hunt rodents, or eat raw meat, and the chance of a Taenia infection becomes remote.