Cat tapeworms: Are missed eggs in the house a risk for re-infection?

Question

If your cat has tapeworm & has shed those pieces that contain eggs any/everywhere, how do you end the cycle? She's been treated w/meds. I've washed all bedding in hot water, dried on high & vacuumed carpet & furniture (sofa, chairs, etc), how can you possibly get it all? I changed litter box, cleaned the area, sprayed with lysol (she has automated system, so tray is trashed every time) & cleaned her bowls. What happens to the worm segments I missed & the eggs inside? Are we & she still at risk? Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 11 months old | 5 lbs

Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA · Accepted Answer

Hi there. Tapeworms have an indirect life cycle, so the only way to become infected is by swallowing an infected flea or eating a dead animal that was infected (rodents, etc.) So don't worry overly much about any segments or eggs in the environment you may have missed. Keep Rhiley on a good quality monthly flea preventative like Advantage Multi or Revolution. If she hunts and eats things, then I would recommend deworming her routinely every 3-6 months to prevent any problems.

Cat tapeworms: Are missed eggs in the house a risk for re-infection?

Most Helpful Answer

Related Questions

What to do if my cat has a small hole with pus coming from its ear?

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?

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

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

My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?

Share