tape worms

diesel527

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For the past week stray cat has been following me around where I work. It eats food that I give it and comes when I call it. I believe that this get was abandoned because of how loving it is. I took the cat the the vet today to see if it could be checked and the doctor took one look at it and said it had tapeworms (he lifted its tail). However, because I didnt have an appointment they couldnt look at it now. I have to go back in two days for the appointment. I have been playing with the cat all day and I am nervous that I am going to get the tape worms. I havent touched its stool or anything but was thinking what if it has stool on its fur or somehow tape worms on its fur and I touched it and contracted it somehow. I washed my hands after I had been playing with it but was wondering if I could get them from touching it, I mean I know I could but what is the likelyhood? 

Thanks!!!!!
 

ldg

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Aw, what a love you are for caring for this cat! :hugs:

The good news is, the likelihood of getting tapeworms from interacting with this kitty is zero. You can only get tapeworms via a host - by ingesting it. The cats can get them from flea bites, or eating mice or other animals with them. The other good news is it only requires one treatment, a pill (Droncit) to clear it up! Kitty should be treated for other parasites (like fleas and internally, round worm). I'm sure the vet will help you when you're there for your appointment. :rub:

FYI, round worm needs to be treated in cycles, because all of the current treatments only kill the adults. So treatments are typically given 2-3 times (I recommend 3), each one 3 weeks apart (to allow for the lifecycle of the worm). Most people (if you're in the US) use a spot treatment called Revolution. It is a topical, squeezed on the back of their neck, so easy to apply. Again, the vet will show you how to do it. You won't get round worm either, just wash your hands after you're done interacting with "your" kitty.

Are you going to bring this kitty home? :cross: :D
 

smitten4kittens

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I agree. It's very unlikely. Almost all cats and dogs have worms unless people medicate for them, yet nobody I know has ever gotten them. I'm happy you're helping this kitty !
 
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diesel527

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I cant find the cat though and im really upset that she is lost and scared since I took her from her normal neighborhood where she roams. There is food on my deck.
 

txcatmom

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When we adopted a cat with tapeworms I did some research.  If what I read was accurate, you would have to eat a flea to get tapeworms.  That made me feel much better. 
  I'm pretty sure my kids won't eat fleas.
 
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