The more dangerous and rare Echinococcus species infects cats in the Northern Hemisphere, but thankfully isn’t a concern for felines in Australia. It’s easy to treat and won’t transmit easily to humans. In Australia, the most widespread feline tapeworm is “Dipylidium caninum” (carried in fleas). The odds are low for cat to human transmission, though it does sometimes happen and should always be treated by a doctor (those cases usually occur in children).

Other creatures can be infected upon contact with the eggs or fleas. Once fully mature, the worm splits into smaller segments (proglottids) that contain eggs. They can grow as long as 20 inches, which isn’t pleasant to think about. Get free Potiki Perks (like worming tablets) with reliable pet cover…įeline tapeworms are long, flat parasites that use their hooked mouths to cling onto the lining of the small intestine.Feline tapeworm symptoms and side-effects.We’ll explain defensive and offensive strategies soon, but first, let’s get familiar with these pesky critters (not too familiar, please). The good news is the right treatment will quickly banish these trespassers, and prevention is even easier. However in extreme cases untreated tapeworm in cats causes serious complications like intestinal blockages and seizures. Most of the time, tapeworms are fairly harmless for felines. The most common feline tapeworm in Australia doesn’t spread easily to humans, so it’s unlikely to set up residence in our intestines, thankfully.īut enough about us, let’s get back to the real master of the house (Fluffy): Tapeworms don’t discriminate: these opportunistic parasites will infect an entire household given the chance – although this doesn’t happen often. Yes, really – not even that aloof feline who only tolerates a pat at dinner time.īut ESPECIALLY not the other little furball in charge of your heart.

Long flat worms in cats