My cat has rice-like worms. Is it tapeworm? Will Diatomaceous Earth work?

Question

I think my cat has tapeworm. I have found brown rice like grains all in my bed and around where he sleeps. He has been treated for roundworm and they said it was gone. I have done research and it does look like tapeworm eggs or some other sort of larvae. He is 5 months old and about 4 pounds. I was doing research and got some Diatomaceous Earth they told me would dry out any parasites. I just want to know if it worms that he has and how the DE would work instead of deworming medication. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Male | neutered

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. Yes, those look like dried tapeworm segments. The DE works to desiccate the tapeworm larvae present in the environment. It is not fed to your cat. I would ask your veterinarian to prescribe the medication praziquantel, as this is the best way to deworm Lion for the tapeworms. Keeping fleas off of him, & not allowing him to hunt, will prevent a reinfestation of this parasite, but he can be retreated as necessary in the future. Thank you.

My cat has rice-like worms. Is it tapeworm? Will Diatomaceous Earth work?

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