Ewww! He's got tape worm, I think!

Hi all. I'm new here. Been lurking for a little while though! Our newish kitty Sid just got neutered on Wednesday. He seems recovered from that fine, but he was lying beside me on our bed and I saw something whitish on his tail and some rice looking things on the bed beside him. Afrer researching I think that it's tapeworm. He had fleas when we got him late in the fall. But they were contained and gotten rid of. We have 2 other cats we've had for about 5 years. They are all indoor cats. So, after all this rambling, I'm just wondering if this is something only he has because we don't have a flea issue. Is it something he probably had when he came to live with us? We're calling the vet on Monday to take care of it. Just curious in the time being??

Carrie

Tapeworm usually comes from the bite of a flea that's infected. Another reason why flea control is important.

Originally Posted by Deb25

Tapeworm usually comes from the bite of a flea that's infected. Another reason why flea control is important.

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Actually, my understanding is that tapeworms come from the cat ingesting the flea itself..am I wrong?

Originally Posted by jetflair

Actually, my understanding is that tapeworms come from the cat ingesting the flea itself..am I wrong?

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Yes, assuming the flea has the tapeworm, then the cat gets it.

Its a tape worm! I know, because my newest addition had them. If you can, get the segments, put them in a bag and take them to the vet with you. They can either give an injection, which Little Miss got, or a pill. My understanding also is that if they were outdoor cats and ate a carrier like a mouse or a bird, they can get them that way too. Make sure you take those segments and tell the vet what you saw. Regular dewormer will not get rid of tapeworms.
Also, to put your mind at ease, the only way your other cats can get them is if they eat out of the litter box. Other than that you should be safe. My other 2 didnt get them.
I hope this helps.