LoveToKnow Cats:AllComments

From LoveToKnow Cats

Comments

Hi Emily,

Treat him for the worms and then launder everything with soap and very hot water. Tapeworms can't live long outside of a host. The thought of things like this grosses me out too, so I understand your concerns. We have a great article on tapeworms that will explain how animals contract them and why you don't have a huge need to worry.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I just realized that my 2 year old cat has i think tapeworms. Naturally I am horrified, they just sound so disgusting!! But I am wondering what I should clean my pillows and stuff with, considering he sleeps in my bed all the time...

-- Contributed by: Emily

Hi Sheree,

You should go ahead and get a sample of her stool and take it to the vet for testing. He or she can tell you if the worms are gone and if not what type of worms and how to treat. It shouldn't cost much for the stool sample test.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Hi, I have been reading the articles, and I think my kitten has the tapeworms, you can see them move in her stool, and they look like dried rice on her fur. I gave her some dewormer, the paste kind, I noticed a long grayish colored thing (worm) maybe)come out when she used the bathroom, my question does this mean she passed the worm and they are gone or do I need to take her to the vet.

-- Contributed by: sheree

Hi Ceaira,

Your description sounds similar to ringworm. I'd take her in to the vet and see what he thinks. If so, it's a simple treatment, but you'll likely have to wash everything in your house and watch your other cat for the worm too.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

hi! i've got a 2 month old kitten, to keep my one year old cat company. they get along great. however, a few days ago i noticed a rough patch of discolored and hard skin on the back of my kittens neck, and one on the back of her head. they are round/oval in shape. she can't keep from scratching them, and has a bald patch on her head as a result. this is the 3rd day she's had these patches, and everyday they've grown just a little bit more. they seem to be bothering her quite a bit, besides just itching. i thought it could have been some time of worm because she had fleas when i brought her home, but her fecal matter is clear of this concern. do you have any suggestions?

-- Contributed by: Ceaira

Hi Lisa,

Please do not give your cat garlic. It is better to take a fecal sample to the vet and find out what type of parasite your cat has and get proper medication. There are many foods that can be toxic to cats. Some common ones to avoid include:

Onions
Garlic
Chocolate
Grapes
Raisins

There are many others as well, these are just a few.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

Does boiled garlic stop the worms, will it kill the worm?

-- Contributed by: Lisa

Hi, Shirley,

Unfortunately, without a trip to the vet to have her stool tested, it is impossible to tell if she might have worms or it if is something more serious. Has she been vaccinated for distemper? Lethargy can be one of the symptoms of that disease.

While you can buy some general, over-the-counter cat wormer from retail stores, if the cat has tape worm or something a bit more resistant, this may not take care of the problem.

My best advice is to try to find a free or inexpensive clinic in your area that provides veterinary care. Call your local humane society or animal shelter and ask them who you should contact.

Please check back and let us know how the kitten is doing and what the veterinarian says. I hope she feels better soon.

-- Contributed by: LoriSoard

I HAVE A FOUR MONTH OLD FEMALE KITTEN. THAT I BELIEVE HAS WORMS CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE HER TO THE VET RIGHT NOW.WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP HER FOR RIGHT NOW.NOT SURE IF ITS WORMS I HAVE NOT SEEN NONE IN HER STOLE.SHE NOT HER SELF ANYMORE SHE WON"T PLAY ALL SHE DOES IS SLEEP AND DRINK ALOT OF WATER.

-- Contributed by: shirley
> Return to article