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.
What happens if my cats worms go untreated?
Worm infestations that are left untreated can be dangerous, even fatal, for your cat. Migration of larvae through the organs and tissues of the body as they make their way to the intestine could result in severe skin infections, blindness, convulsions, or pneumonia, depending on the path of larval migration.
How long can a cat go without deworming?
Adult cats: Most cats should be dewormed at least every three months. A typical deworming schedule is four times a year — once for each season. Prolific hunting cats: Cats that like to hunt are at much higher risk of getting worms from eating infected rodents like mice.
Can cats recover from worms on their own?
The bad news: Intestinal worms in cats are very common. The good news: They're relatively easy to treat, and most cats make a full recovery. Plus, there are simple steps you can take to prevent worms in cats and help protect your pet from these parasites.
Are worms in cats an emergency?
Intestinal worms can be a serious problem in young kittens. Hookworms can cause anemia and roundworms can lead to poor growth and development. Tapeworms can also accumulate in high numbers, leading to intestinal obstruction. In adult cats, however, intestinal parasites are only occasionally life-threatening.
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