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dumb question that i should know the answer to- how do cats get tapeworms??
my sisters cat gizmo, passed away a few days because of a case of intestinal tapeworms, it was too late by the time she was diagnosed, they had to euthanize her. the vets said it was too late for surgery.. she would have died during it, and if she didn't have the surgery she would suffer, so my sister thought the best thing for gizzy was to have her euthanized she was only 11 years old, as i'm typing this i'm starting to cry! so i'm just curious how do cats get tapeworms?
thanks.
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♥ Greenlee ♥
on Mar 21st 2010
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in Worms & Parasites
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Most often cats get tapeworms from hunting and eating mice. Worms, fleas, mites, and ringworm/fungal infections can also be transmitted from cats to other cats and even to humans. Kittens often get parasites directly from their mother if she's infected.
Linus (Dreamboat #72a)
answered on 3/21/10.
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Before a cat gets tapeworm, it has to ingest an infected flea. It's the fleas who actually eat the tapeworm eggs. When the fleas are on the cat, the cat scratches and licks itself and swallows the infected flea. The tapeworm eggs hatch in the cat's digestive system. Cats can get fleas from just about anywhere and their chances are upped if they're outdoor cats. One sure way to protect your cat against fleas/tapeworm is to take him to the vet. Take a fecal sample with you to have it tested. If he's flea-free, use drops for cats you get from the vet to prevent flea infestation each month.
Izadore (Izzie)
answered on 3/22/10.
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