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Can my other pets or kids get tapeworms from my cat's infected poop?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 14 lbs

My cat has tapeworm and I have one other cat and a dog I was wondering if they can get tapeworm by going near his butt and and if he shares a litter box can my other cat can she get it. And what if the segment that come out of his butt are on the floor I can't see them will they get tapeworm or my kids and how should I clean my house for them as well.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2017

Tapeworms need to go into a secondary host to spread. That means that cats get them from eating rodents and fleas, and you, your family and the other cats and dogs can't get them from being exposed to the segments. Please get Mr. Kitty treated for tapeworms and use a flea prevention product on all the animals to prevent them getting tapeworms from eating fleas. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.

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6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 13th, 2017

    The only treatment is a deworming tablet that include praziquantel as the ingredient. You can purchase this online or at a pet supply store. Tapeworms are transmitted by eating a flea. So people usually don't get it and other animals have to eat an infected flea to become infected so not all may be infected at the same time. You may have to look into flea medicines to prevent future occurrences.

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