Did you find strange “rice-like” grains in your cat’s stool or fur? If so, your cat may be dealing with tapeworms. Tapeworms are intestinal parasites that attach to the small intestine and steal nutrients from their host. While tapeworm cases rarely cause severe complications, these parasites can still cause a huge deal of discomfort for your pet, ranging from mild irritation to digestive upset.
The good news is that feline tapeworm infections are highly manageable with the right care and guidance. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about cats and tapeworms, so you can keep your little one happy, healthy, and thriving!
What Are Tapeworms in Cats?
Tapeworms in cats are flat, segmented intestinal parasites (cestodes) that attach to the lining of the small intestine and absorb nutrients from the food your cat digests. They are different from roundworms and hookworms, which have a thread-like appearance. The most common species in cats is Dipylidium caninum, also called the “flea tapeworm”, which can reach up to 30 cm long as it matures. These tapeworms anchor themselves using hook-like mouthparts, and as they grow longer, they produce new body segments filled with eggs.
These segments, called proglottids, are part of the tapeworm’s reproduction cycle. The worm stays anchored to the intestinal wall while these egg-filled segments mature, then break off and pass in the cat’s feces. They look like grains of rice or cucumber seeds and are typically about 12 mm long and 3 mm wide. You might see them near your cat’s anus, in fresh stool, or on resting areas like bedding. Fresh proglottids can wriggle, while dried ones turn golden and release up to 20 eggs per segment into the environment, where they can be picked up by flea larvae or ingested by small prey animals. Because of their fast-replicating reproduction cycle, tapeworms are considered one of the most persistent types of cat worms.(open in new tab)
Are Tapeworms Dangerous to Cats?
Tapeworms in cats aren't considered dangerous, especially when treated early. In many cases, cats show few or no symptoms apart from the presence of tapeworm segments in their stool or around the anus. Still, these parasites can cause discomfort and mild health issues if left unaddressed.
Tapeworms compete with your cat for nutrients, and long-term infestations may lead to gradual weight loss, a dull coat, or digestive upset. Do note that kittens, senior cats, or cats with underlying health problems are more vulnerable and may experience more noticeable effects. In highly severe cases of tapeworms in cats, heavy infestations can cause intestinal blockage or anemia. The good news is that tapeworm treatment for cats is straightforward, so your cat can return to full health with immediate care.
Causes and Transmission of Tapeworms in Cats
Indoor and outdoor cats(open in new tab) can become infected with tapeworms in several ways, but the risk is significantly higher for felines that roam outdoors. This is because outdoor cats are more likely to encounter fleas, rodents, or other small prey animals that can carry tapeworm larvae. In most cases, cats get tapeworms by swallowing infected fleas, while a smaller number become infected by eating prey animals that carry immature tapeworms.
Dipylidium caninum (Flea Tapeworm)
Dipylidium caninum is the most common feline tapeworm, and its life cycle depends on fleas as intermediate hosts. Flea larvae in the environment eat tapeworm eggs, which develop into immature tapeworm stages inside the flea as it matures. When a cat grooms itself or bites at itchy spots, it may accidentally swallow an infected flea. Once inside the cat’s small intestine, the tapeworm attaches to the intestinal wall and begins shedding segments.
Taenia (Hydatigera) Species
Taenia (or Hydatigera) species infect cats when they hunt and eat infected prey such as rodents, birds, or even reptiles. These prey animals carry immature tapeworm stages in their tissues, which develop into adults once inside the cat’s intestines. Cats that regularly hunt outdoors are more at risk, while strictly indoor cats rarely encounter these parasites.
Echinococcus Species
Echinococcus tapeworms are very rare in cats but can be acquired if a cat eats infected small mammals such as mice or squirrels. These parasites are more concerning because they can occasionally infect humans, though this is extremely uncommon.
Can Humans Get Tapeworms from Cats?
While it is possible for humans to get tapeworms from cats, the risk is very low, especially with good hygiene and regular parasite prevention. Overall, the likelihood of an infection varies depending on the tapeworm species involved.
Dipylidium caninum (flea tapeworm)
This is the most common feline tapeworm and occasionally infects humans, usually young children. Infection only happens if a person accidentally swallows an infected flea. Casual contact or petting will not spread this parasite, and maintaining effective flea control makes the risk extremely small.
Taenia species
Humans can get Taenia tapeworms, but they almost always come from eating undercooked meat and not from cats. Transmission from cats is considered highly unlikely.
Echinococcus species
These tapeworms can cause echinococcosis, a potentially serious disease, but feline infections are rare. Human cases are extremely uncommon and are more often linked to wildlife cycles than to domestic cats.
Signs and Symptoms of Tapeworms in Cats
The most common and visible sign of tapeworms in cats is the presence of proglottids, tiny, egg-containing segments of the tapeworm that break off and pass out of the body. These look like small white grains of rice and may even wiggle when freshly passed. As they dry, they turn yellow and become harder, seed-like fragments. Normally, you can usually spot tapeworms in cat poop(open in new tab), around the anus, or scattered on your pet’s usual resting spots.
Other possible signs include scooting or dragging the hindquarters, though this is less common in cats than in dogs, along with licking or biting at the hind end due to irritation. Some cats experience persistent vomiting(open in new tab) or diarrhea, and in rare cases, a cat may vomit up an entire tapeworm if one detaches and enters the stomach.
Severe or heavy infestations may lead to weight loss, decreased appetite, low energy, or even intestinal blockage, though this is uncommon. Some cats may show no outward symptoms at all. If you notice any of these signs or see segments in your cat’s stool, contact your veterinarian promptly to confirm the presence of a feline tapeworm and begin treatment.
How Veterinarians Diagnose Tapeworms in Cats and When to See the Vet
The most common way vets diagnose tapeworms in cats is by finding proglottids, in a cat’s stool, vomit, or around the anus. If you notice these at home, bring a sample or photo to your appointment, as this can help confirm a feline tapeworm infection.
To verify the diagnosis, your veterinarian will examine your cat’s fur and rear area for segments and may run a fecal flotation test to check for tapeworm eggs. However, these tests are less reliable for tapeworms than for other parasites like roundworms or hookworms, so vets often rely more on visual confirmation. If an Echinococcus infection is suspected, your vet may recommend specialized lab testing. Overall, these checks help vets determine the safest and most effective tapeworm treatment for cats.
Tapeworm Treatment for Cats
The good news is that tapeworm treatment for cats is usually simple and highly effective. Most cats recover quickly once they receive the correct deworming medication, and the infection typically clears within days. Treating tapeworms not only removes the existing parasites but also helps your cat return to their healthy, happy self.
Prescription Options
The primary medication used to treat tapeworms is praziquantel, which works by breaking down the tapeworms inside your cat’s intestines so they can be digested and eliminated. This drug is available in several prescription forms, including:
Compounded oral liquids that are flavored to make them easier for cats to take.
Topical liquids that are absorbed through the skin.
Injectable formulations administered by your veterinarian at the clinic.
Over the counter options
There are also over-the-counter dewormers, such as Elanco tapeworm dewormer, that contain praziquantel. However, even if these are readily available, it is strongly recommended to consult your veterinarian first. Your vet can confirm the diagnosis, select the most appropriate product, and calculate the correct dose based on your cat’s age, weight, and health condition.
Other possible medications (as directed by a vet)
In some cases, your veterinarian may prescribe other medications such as Epsiprantel, Fenbendazole, or Nitroscanate. These are typically used for certain species of tapeworms or when praziquantel is not suitable.
How to Prevent Tapeworms in Cats
On top of finding the right tapeworm treatment for cats, pet parents can take additional steps to minimize the risk of an infection. Because tapeworms depend on fleas or prey animals to spread, the best way to protect your cat is to limit their exposure to these sources. Even after successful tapeworm treatment for cats, a new infection can occur within weeks if the underlying cause isn’t addressed, so taking a proactive approach to prevention is a must.
Use regular flea prevention: Apply monthly topical flea treatments, use flea prevention collars, or give oral flea medications as recommended by your veterinarian. Stopping fleas before they can bite or reproduce breaks the tapeworm life cycle and drastically lowers the risk of reinfection.
Follow a routine deworming schedule: Kittens and outdoor cats are especially vulnerable and may need more frequent deworming. Your veterinarian can recommend the right schedule based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk level.
Limit unsupervised outdoor access: Keeping cats indoors or in secure outdoor enclosures prevents hunting and reduces contact with fleas, rodents, or other infected prey animals that can transmit tapeworms.
Maintain a clean environment: Regularly wash your cat’s bedding, vacuum common resting areas, and keep litter boxes clean to remove any flea eggs or tapeworm segments that may be present.
Control rodents around your home: Preventing mice and rats from entering your home or yard helps remove another source of infection for hunting cats.
By combining flea prevention, deworming, and good home hygiene, you can significantly lower your cat’s risk of getting tapeworms and keep them safe, healthy, and parasite-free.
Caring for Your Cat Post-Treatment
After treatment, most cats bounce back quickly, but a little extra care can help ensure a smooth and complete recovery. Once your cat has finished their prescribed medication, here's what you need to do:
Monitor their stool and appetite over the next several days. You may occasionally see tapeworm fragments pass out in their feces, especially after heavy infestations, but these should stop shortly after successful treatment. A return to normal eating habits, energy, and litter box behavior is a good sign that the treatment has worked.
Keep your cat’s environment clean to prevent reinfection. Wash their bedding, vacuum their favorite resting spots, and clean litter boxes daily to remove any lingering flea eggs or tapeworm segments.
Follow up with your veterinarian if symptoms return or if you notice new segments in their stool. With prompt treatment and good aftercare, cats and tapeworms don’t have to be a long-term problem.
Cats and Tapeworms: Simple Strategies for a Healthier Pet
Tapeworms in cats may sound alarming, but they are both treatable and preventable with the right care. By recognizing the early signs and seeking prompt veterinary attention, you can resolve infections before they further affect your cat’s health. Combined with consistent flea control, routine deworming, and good hygiene practices, your cat can steer clear from feline tapeworm infections.
For more tips on securing your cat’s health, take some time to explore the WHISKAS® blog(open in new tab) for expert insights on cat nutrition, wellness, and preventive care. From health advice to cat nutrition guides, our resources are designed to help you at every stage of the pet parent journey!