My cat has tapeworms. How do cats get them? Are my other cats at risk?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 10 months old | 13 lbs
I’m sure this is a worm. Is it tape worm ? I have 3 cats. It I only saw it on turbo. But they use the same litter box so I’m sure all 3 have it. My one cat I got about a year ago the youngest one. I rescued her from outside. She was pretty Farrell and I only got her one dose of de wormer cause she was hard to catch to give her second dose. Would they have gotten it from her possibly . I have 2 dogs as well... they couldn’t have gotten anything from them could they?
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 17th, 2018
Hi there. Yes, this appears to be a tapeworm segment. Cats generally get them from fleas, or from catching and eating rodents - they can't catch it directly from each other. Many over-the-counter dewormers are not effective against tapeworms, so you'll need to check the label on the one you're using. If it doesn't contain praziquantel, it won't work. The best option would be to get a prescription dewormer from your veterinarian to make sure the meds will be effective. I would also recommend making sure that all of your cats are on a good quality flea control medication like Revolution or Bravecto, to help prevent reinfection once they've been dewormed. If they hunt outside regularly, they should be routinely dewormed every 2-3 months to prevent tapes from returning.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 31st, 2017
Tapeworms will require a different dewormer than you would use for more common parasites such as roundworms. Praziquantel is recommended for tapeworm infection. You can confirm a dose with your veterinarian based on Ollie's weight. You will also need to treat him for fleas. Cats and kitten can get tapeworm by eating fleas during grooming. Prevent or treat fleas in the environment by vacuuming everywhere he has been. Discard the bag or empty the canister outdoors immediately afterwards. Wash all bedding in hot water. Use a cat/kitten safe area treatment to prevent reinfestation. A topical flea preventative should also be used for at least 3 consecutive months, preferably year round.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 11th, 2018
Hi there, It is likely that the infection was very strong and Booker needs another dose of dewormer, of the dewormer you gave doesn't kill tapeworms. The ingredient called praziquantel is the only one that will kill tapeworms so check if what you gave contained that. If not, I'd treat with that and the issue should resolve. Worms are not fun! I hope that helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on December 14th, 2019
For the most part tapeworms are not contagious to people, and even those that can infect people have to go through an intermediate host first and the proglottids (sesame seed looking things) themselves cannot start an infection. I typically recommend two doses of dewormer two weeks apart, but you need to make sure you are using a dewormer that contains praziquantel or another medication that covers tapeworms.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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