My cat pooped a string after deworming. Could it be a tapeworm?

Question

My cat dusty went to vet about three weeks ago and got diagnosed with hookworms and lung flukes. We gave her a 10-day dose of a dewormer. Now, about a week after stopping the dewormer, she pooped out about a foot-long beige string-like thing. She wasn't diagnosed with tapeworms but it looked like one. Could it have been and they didn't notice at the vet? Does the dewormer take care of that? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 6 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Hi there. Yes, it certainly possible that she may have had tapeworms that weren't found on her fecal exam at the vet's office. It's actually quite rare to find tapeworm eggs on a fecal - they're usually diagnosed by seeing the tapeworm segments in the pet's stool or on their fur near the rectum, which only happens if you're lucky enough to see it at the right time. Some dewormers treat tapeworms, but not all. If the dewormer contains praziquantel, then yes - it treats tapeworms. If not, it may or may not be effective. In that case, I would call your veterinarian and let them know what you're seeing, so that they can prescribe a dewormer specifically for tapeworms if needed.

My cat pooped a string after deworming. Could it be a tapeworm?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

My pet's ear mite treatment isn't working. What else could it be?

My pet has worsening sores and scratches. Could it be an infection?

My ferret has bloody urine and bladder stones. Is it an emergency?

Why do my hermit crab's mites keep returning? How to get rid of them?

Why is my 5-week-old chick struggling to walk with splayed legs?

Found a worm in my new chick's water dish. Is it a parasite?

Share