New cat brought in worms.. Help!!

My fairly new cat came to me with tapeworm and I think both cats have it now. Is this something that can be effectively treated OTC? I'm freaking out here.. I am horrified that the lady who gave me the cat told me he had just seen a vet.. How could worms be overlookedd? I love my cats to death and want them well.. Ive read mixed reviews about store bought deworrmers and dunno what to do. I dont have a car right now so Id have to depend on a friend to take us to the vets if it camee to that. Has anyone had any luck with store bought dewormers? I want my babies beter.

Not all vets check for worms... Every visit.  So, unless the lady asked for it or gave them a reason to be concerned, they wouldn't check for it. 

There is an OTC pill, just one I've found.  But it is quite expensive and you only get like 3 pills or something for that amount.  Most of the pills OTC will not help you.  They are for roundworms.  But here is the link for the tapeworm pill that is OTC.  http://s.petco.com/assets/product_images/3/357561087835C.jpg   I've never used it myself.  I just always have the vet do this at the office.  Saves me the trouble of being bitten and scratched to pieces!

It is better to go to the vet and have all of them treated.  That way, you know it works. 

Its funny you should suggest that particular dewormer because thats the one I was going to try. Do you know if I can just walk into the store and buy it? And how will I know if the medicine worked? I plan to buy the stuff tomorrow because I dont want my kitties getting any sicker. Im trying to find out everything I can beforehand.

You can at Petco and Petsmart... But it cost like $20-$25 a bottle, though.  It's the only one OTC for tapeworms however, as I said before, most of the products are for roundworms and they'll do you no good.  You'll know it worked because the worm will be in the litter pan DEAD like a gross string.  You'll be surprised how long it is, too.

I'm fine paying that much if it works. Should I treat both cats? And the cat wont try to eat the dead worm will it? Do you know how the dosing works? Meaning are the dosrs spread out over days or weeks?

I would go ahead and get 2 bottles and treat both cats because chances are, if one has them, so does the other.  I believe, the bottle is for treating 1 cat... I think you have to give a couple of doses over an amount of time.  At least, that is how I recall the directions being.  But, I have never tried it.  Can't tell you if it works?  I just go through the vet.  And usually within 24 hours the worm comes out just like a bowel movement.  Mine have never tried to eat it.... So I wouldn't think yours would either.  They will just cover it up and go on.  Expect some nausea and not wanting to eat much and drinking a lot.  That's what happens to mine after being wormed.  They just seem sluggish until the worm and medicine is out of their system.

I've never seen the dead tapeworm in the litterbox. . .eww! Roundworms, yes, but not a tapeworm.

Anyway, tapeworms require a flea to complete their lifecyle, so cats can't "catch" tapeworm from another cat--they need to eat a flea (or a mouse/rabbit with fleas) for them to get tapeworm. So you also have to treat both cats for fleas or they'll just get worms again. Only use vet-quality flea meds like Frontline, Advantage, or Revolution (you can get the first 2 at PetCo or Petsmart); store brands (like Hartz or Sergeant) are quite toxic and not very effective.

Tradewinds Tapeworm Tabs work well; I've used them a few times.

Willowy said:

I've never seen the dead tapeworm in the litterbox. . .eww! Roundworms, yes, but not a tapeworm.
 

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I have... It is quite disgusting.  But you don't really notice if they cover it up.  I had one once that didn't so it was really gross.  Usually it comes out with feces so it can be covered.  But I did have one incident (the one that didn't cover) that was very noticeable. 

Im glad to know they do work. Both cats will be treated for fleas as well even tho they are both indoor cats. Id rather be safe than sorry. Im puzzled as to how they got fleas tho.. Unless Lucky brought them home when I adopted him. Thank you so much for your help.. Im not looking forward to seeing dead tapeworms but they gotta come out.

Ladybell said:

. Im not looking forward to seeing dead tapeworms but they gotta come out.

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Some people don't notice.  I just realized what it was that one time so I started looking for them any time they were treated.  Hopefully, they will be good and covered so they won't gross you out too badly!  Indoor cats can get fleas just as easily as outdoor cats.  So it is good to keep them treated regularly for fleas.  Revolution is the best on the market but you have to have a prescription from your vet for it.  Frontline Plus is the next best, in my opinion.  I have never had much luck with Advantage but others swear by it. 

How can indoor cats get fleas?? I thought they had to go outside to get them

Anytime you go outside, they can hitch a ride on you without you knowing... Or if you pet someone elses dog, cat, whatever.  It can happen quite easily.  It is best to get it under control before it becomes a huge problem.  So when you treat your cats, wash and vacuum all the floors and sheets, etc.  Vacuuming every day or every other day really helps, too. 

Fleas are also veryvery small and can easily come under doors, through cracks, etc. And some climates are more conducive to flea infestations--when my mom lived in San Diego, she had a terrible flea infestation even though she didn't have any pets!

It's easy to check if your cats have fleas.  Comb them with a fine tooth (flea) comb over white paper.  If any little black bits come out, moisten them.  If they are flea dirt they will turn the water red.

The cat you just got probably had tapeworms when you got her.