You are here:
Cats/Worms
Advertisement
Question
Hi,
I recently got a kitten about a week ago (1/15) we found out he had fleas so we treated both Kittens. The nest day (1/16) we found out that the new kitten had worms.(Tapeworms) by the time we realized it the vet was closed. So the next morning (1/17) we took him to the vet. They applied Profender and I cleaned the house like a mad woman! We kept him seprated from our other kitten since we got him. So I had been cleaning the box everyday and the bathroom. On (1/21) we took him to get another de-wormer from the vet. Everything was going smooth so we let the kitties play. Now today (1/22) the new kitty pooed and I saw live worms. Is this normal? And how long will I see them for? Is our other kitty safe? Thanks for your time! Katrina, Albert, Rafiki, and wormy (baloo)
Katrina,
Normally, when one kittten has fleas, they all have fleas, so they all should be treated. Depending on the treatment, it may have to be repeated in two weeks when the eggs of the last batch hatch. Part of the life cycle of the tapeworm is in the flea, so cats/kittens get tapeworms from the fleas. Thus, both kittens need to be treated for tapeworm, as well. There are pretty good tapeworm medications that are easy on the kittens available from the vet.
You may also want to "bomb" your household for fleas as they can hide in bedding, upholstery, carpeting, and the like. Flea bombs are also available for your vet.
The best approach is preventative via a topical medication such as Frontline or Revolution (in concert with your vet, of course).
Best regards... Norm
Related Articles
Answers by Expert:
Norman Auspitz
Expertise
I can answer most non-veterinary questions about cats. My particular expertise is pedigree cats, breeding and showing. However, I am versed in feline behavior, cat breeds and their characteristics, general feline husbandry, and the like.
Experience
I judged for the Canadian Cat Association from 1975 until 1982. I am currently an approved allbreed judge for the Cat Fanciers'' Association (the world''s largets cat registry), and have been judging for them since 1991. I have been breeding pedigreed cats since 1971 and have been exhibiting pedigreed cats in shows since 1970. I obtained my first pedigreed cat in 1970 and have never looked back. In 1971, I obtained my first Abyssinian which has become my primary breed. In addition, I have bred Manx and Persians. Currently, besides the Abyssinians, I am also breeding Maine Coons.
Organizations
Cat Fanciers'' Association, inc. (CFA) and the Manx, Maine Coon, and Abyssinian breed councils. I am currently Abyssinian breed council secretary.
Publications
Cat Fancy Magazine, The Abyssinian Chapter in The Cat Fanciers'' Association Complete Cat Book, and Articles for various editions of The Cat Fanciers'' Association Yearbook
Education/Credentials
I received a B.S. from Drexel University in 1968, a M.Math from University of Waterloo, in 1970, a Ph.D. from University of Waterloo in 1975, and a MBA from McMaster University in 1980. I received my approved allbreed judging status in the Cat Fanciers'' Association in 1999.
Awards and Honors
We have produced a number of Cat Fanciers'' Association (CFA) National winning Abyssinian and Maine Coons. We have produced a number of Abyssinian and Maine Coon Distinguished Merit females (an award for a top producing cat), including the first Distinguished Merit Abyssinian in the red (sorrel) color. I am the CFA Abyssinian breed council secretary and belong and/or hold office in a number of cat clubs. I am also a member of the CFA Judges Association.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.