Tape worms in cats are intestinal parasites. Because they are classified as cestodes, they belong to a different family of worms than hookworms and roundworms (called nematodes).

The most common tapeworm of dogs and cats is called Dipylidium caninum. This parasite attaches to the small intestinal wall by hook-like mouthparts. Eventually, adult tapeworms may reach several inches in length. As the adult matures, individual segments (proglottids) break off from the main body of the tapeworm and pass into the stool.

What is the life cycle of tapeworms in cats?

Tape worms are internal parasites, infecting all types of mammals, including humans and domestic animals. Their life cycles are very complex. They require one intermediate host and a final or definitive host in which to reproduce. The final host is considered the animal in which the adult tape worm lives.

The segments, full of eggs, are passed in the pile. While warm, the segments are active, but as they dry, they break open and liberate the eggs inside. Either an adult louse or a flea larva ingests the eggs. The egg develops into an immature form in the insect. When a dog or cat eats the insect, the immature form develops into an adult and the life cycle is completed.

How did my dog or cat get tapeworms?

By swallowing a flea infected with a tapeworm larvae.

This process begins when tape worm eggs are swallowed by flea larvae (an immature stage of the flea). Contact between flea larvae and tapeworm eggs is thought to occur most frequently in contaminated bedding or carpet.

Next, the pet chews or licks its skin as a flea bites; the flea is then ingested. As the flea is digested within the pet’s intestine, the tapeworm hatches and anchors itself to the intestinal lining.

Obviously the secret to never having tapeworms back again is to kill fleas. Unless the fleas are gone, the pets will continue to be reinfested with tape worms.

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