Tapeworms are not particularly harmful to the cat and few clinical signs are attributed to their presence. Usually, the cat is brought to the veterinarian because the owner notices the presence of proglottids crawling on feces.
Do tapeworms hurt cats?
Cat tapeworms are gross, but veterinarians consider them a minor parasite. That's because they are unlikely to do any lasting harm to your pet, according to the Drake Center for Veterinary Care.
Can tapeworms be painful?
If you have a tapeworm infection, you may not have any symptoms. But some people have nausea, stomach pain, weakness, or diarrhea. You might notice a change in appetite (eating more or less than usual). And since the tapeworm keeps your body from absorbing nutrients from food, you may lose weight.
How do cats feel with tapeworm?
Tapeworm Symptoms in Cats Vomiting (due to adult tapeworms becoming detached from the small intestinal wall and migrating to the stomach) Diarrhea. Weight loss. Poor appetite.
What happens if tapeworms go untreated in cats?
If left untreated, tapeworms can cause intestinal inflammation and secondary health issues. Older cats and kittens are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of intestinal parasites. In extreme cases, kittens may develop intestinal obstructions from adult tapeworms.
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