Tapeworms infect the small intestine of cats and release proglottids, or tapeworm body segments. The proglottids travel through the intestinal tract and out of the body into the feces. Cats also can release tapeworm segments when they are relaxed or asleep. Cats get tapeworms from ingesting rodents, rabbits, or adult fleas. Generally, tapeworms do not compromise a cat's health greatly, although especially thin cats and kittens can lose needed nutrients due to an infection.
There are two common species of the tapeworm parasite that effect cats in the United States: Taenia, which comes from ingesting a rodent or rabbit, and Dipylidium, transmitted when a cat eats an adult flea. Cats can swallow a flea accidentally when grooming themselves.
Both types of tapeworms are treatable with medication from the examining veterinarian. Reinfection of tapeworms will occur as early as two to three weeks after treatment if fleas are not eliminated or the animal continues to hunt.
