Tapeworms in Cats: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

Tapeworms in cats are a common intestinal parasite that affect cats of all ages, especially those who live outdoors, have fleas, or hunt rodents. Tapeworm infections can be uncomfortable, and if left untreated can lead to malnutrition and weight loss.  

Knowing the signs, causes, and treatment options can help you protect your cat and prevent reinfection. 

What Are Tapeworms in Cats?

Tapeworms are long, flat intestinal parasites that live in a cat's small intestines. While generally not life-threatening, they can impact your cat’s health and often signal an underlying flea problem, so prompt veterinary treatment is important. 

Tapeworms can get large—common varieties can grow to be over a foot long—and when they reproduce, they shed white, rice-like portions of their body (called proglottids or tapeworm segments), which you might see in your cat’s feces, the fur around their hind end, or their favorite resting spots. 

Tapeworms are one of several common types of worms that cats can get. Other common worms in cats include hookworms, liver flukes, heartworms, lungworms, bladder worms, roundworms, and whipworms.  

Click here to download this medical illustration. 

How Do Cats Get Tapeworms?

Cats can get tapeworms in the following ways:  

• Ingesting fleas while grooming (most common) 

• Eating an infected rodent, such as mice 

• Ingesting contaminated raw meat 

Types of Tapeworms in Cats 

There are three main types of tapeworms in cats, each of which infect cats differently. 

• Dipylidium caninum tapeworms: These are the most common type of cat tapeworm. Cats get these tapeworms when they eat fleas containing immature forms of the parasite, usually when they are self-grooming in an attempt to rid themselves of fleas. 

• Taenia (also called Hydatigera) tapeworms: Cats get these tapeworms when they hunt and eat infected prey, usually rodents. 

• Echinococcus tapeworms: These aren’t very common, but they can be transmitted to cats when they eat infected mice and voles. 

Symptoms of Tapeworms in Cats

The most common sign of tapeworms in cats is the presence of small, rice-like worm segments (called proglottids) around your cat's anus.  

These small tapeworm segments can also be seen in your cat's fur, on their stool, on their bedding, and sometimes, in their vomit. Sometimes several tapeworm segments will be stuck together end-to-end. As they dry out, they become harder and more yellow than white. 

Other than the presence of proglottids, most cats with tapeworms don’t have many other symptoms. 

However, some possible symptoms of tapeworms in cats include: 

• Scooting 

• Licking at the hind end 

• Diarrhea 

• Vomiting 

• Decreased appetite 

• Weight loss 

• Lethargy 

In rare cases, intestinal blockage can occur if there are a large amount of tapeworms present.  

How Veterinarians Diagnose Tapeworms in Cats

Veterinarians typically diagnose cats with tapeworms when they see proglottids around a cat’s hind end or in cat feces, or when a pet parent describes the proglottids they have seen at home. 

Fecal flotation tests may reveal tapeworm eggs, but this is not as reliable as it is with other types of intestinal parasites like roundworms or hookworms. 

Specialized testing that involves sending a fecal sample to a lab is often necessary if a veterinarian suspects that a cat may have Echinococcus tapeworms. 

Treatment of Tapeworms in Cats

Treating tapeworms in cats is fairly straightforward. Most veterinarians will recommend a medication called praziquantel. It's available in several forms. 

By prescription: 

• Topical medications applied to the skin. For example, NexGard COMBO is a monthly topical that treats tapeworms in cats while also protecting against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease, roundworms, and hookworms.

• Compounded oral liquids that are made in flavors cats love 

• Droncit tablets for cats 

• Drontal tablets for cats 

• Injectable medications given by a veterinarian 

Over-the-counter (without a prescription): 

• Elanco tapeworm dewormer tablets for cats 

Other medications, such as epsiprantel, fenbendazole, or nitroscanate, may be appropriate under certain circumstances. These are generic medications that may be recommended in cats if they need broad-spectrum coverage (such as if they have multiple types of worms) or if they have resistant infections to praziquantel.

Recovery and Management of Tapeworms in Cats

Most cats recover quickly after being treated for tapeworms. 

Usually, the tapeworms will be broken down within a cat’s digestive tract, but if your cat has a lot of tapeworms, you may see some being expelled in their feces or vomit. 

Side effects from tapeworm medications are rare. Call your veterinarian for advice if your cat acts sick in any way after being treated for tapeworms. 

Keep in mind that while tapeworm medications are very good at getting rid of the tapeworms that a cat has at that time, most do nothing to prevent future infections. 

Cats can get new tapeworms immediately after treatment, so prevention is vital.

Prevention of Tapeworms in Cats

Two forms of prevention are needed to stop cats from getting tapeworms: 

Effective Flea Control 

Dipylidium caninum tapeworms are spread through fleas. Therefore, flea prevention is necessary to prevent these tapeworms. 

A good option for many cats is NexGard COMBO, because it protects against fleas and contains praziquantel as a backup measure for tapeworm prevention. The monthly topical is formulated for cats at least 8 weeks old and weighing at least 1.8 pounds.   

Stop Your Cat From Hunting 

Cats get Taenia and Echinococcus tapeworms through hunting. Keeping cats indoors is the best way to prevent them from getting these types of tapeworms. 

If your cat has recurring problems with tapeworms, your veterinarian may recommend regularly giving your cat praziquantel or another deworming medication as a preventive measure.