My old cat has worms, is thin, matted, and has a red butt. What's wrong?

Question

I'm worried my cat might have worms. Shes a 18yr old calico. I noticed something small and white come out of her butt and her butt is also very red and irritated and looks like its scabby almost. She eats alot but is very thin, she eats more than my other cat but is still very small as well her fur has started to gnatt together in some areas but smooth and normal elsewhere. Is there any type of medication that will help with that? Pet's info: Cat | Maine Coon | Female | spayed

Sara Farmer, DVM · Accepted Answer

Your first picture looks potentially like a tapeworm proglottid (immature tapeworm), which are common in cats and are usually spread through fleas. Tapeworms do not usually cause many clinical signs however, and depending on Rainbow's age I'd be worried that something else might be causing her weight loss and poor/matted coat - hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid would be one possibility in an older cat. I would recommend seeing your veterinarian who can check a stool sample to help rule out other types of parasites and prescribe the correct deworming medication. They might also recommend checking blood work due to the other symptoms.

My old cat has worms, is thin, matted, and has a red butt. What's wrong?

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