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My cat has moving worms near its rear. Is it tapeworms or maggots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Maggots coming from my cat's rectum...what is it..how to fix this problem

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 23rd, 2015

I suspect your cat may have tapeworms. The body segments of the worm contain the eggs and are passed in the feces. Fresh, moist segments are about 1/4 in long and capable of moving. Once dried, they resemble grains of rice or sesame seeds. Tapeworm segments can sometimes be found crawling in the fur around the anus of an infected cat. Treatment for tapeworms is a drug called praziquantal, which is available through your veterinarian. I suggest that you take your cat and a fresh fecal sample to your veterinarian for confirmation that your cat does indeed have tapeworms and not fly strike (maggots) which would be a much more serious condition.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 19th, 2019

    A flat worm around the anus is likely a tapeworm. You can treat tapeworms with OTC medications from the petstore. But since tapeworms in cats are almost always caused by having fleas, Pumpkin also needs to be started on a good-quality monthly flea preventative to prevent the worms from coming back.

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