These parasites are contracted when a cat ingests anything containing their eggs, which may be found in food, water, soil, infected feces, and animal flesh. Whipworm eggs can survive in the environment for up to 5 years, take 11 weeks to mature in the body and can survive in the host for up to 16 months.
How long can a cat go untreated with worms?
Tapeworms can live up to two years if untreated, but often do not cause great harm to their host. These worms can grow up to 20 inches long, however, they are usually smaller. Tapeworm infestations are fairly common in cats, and veterinary treatment is very effective at eradicating them.
Can cats have chronic worms?
Although the discovery of tapeworm segments can be quite alarming to cat owners, tapeworm infections only rarely cause significant disease in cats. Cats usually become infected with tapeworms by ingesting infected fleas while grooming or by eating infected rodents.
How long can cat worms get?
Cat tapeworms are long, flat, white worms. They have hook-like mouths that anchor onto the wall of your cat's small intestine. They feed on nutrients that pass through your cat. They can grow as long as 20 inches, though most are about 8 inches when they're fully grown.
Can worms last for years?
In a small percentage of people and other animals, though, the worms gain a permanent mouth-hold and can stick around the intestines for years. That persistence often leads to malnutrition, which in turn tightens the grip of infection, initiating a spiral that becomes difficult to escape.
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