Cat's got worms...yuck!

[Tissy]

My dh told me last night that he saw the cat throw up a tapeworm. He then frantically scrubbed and hoovered everything the cat has been in contact with, then locked the poor animal out in the conservatory all night. I've been instructed to go and get some worming tablets after work this afternoon (ok, we've been a bit slack on the worming front- can't remember when we last did it!).

Is there any risk to dd (2)? She's forever picking up dropped dummies and biscuits and trying to cuddle the cat- does she need to be wormed too? (That was actually a serious question!)

(Mental note to self- next time I want the kitchen scrubbed, tell dh that cat has another worm!)

[Janh]

Ugh !!!

Tissy, I think you should ask your health centre for advice on this. When people get worms it's usually threadworms, tapeworm is different, I just googled it - medic8.com - obviously humans can catch them and small children with hands everywhere are probably most susceptible.

Hope she doesn't have one but I don't know how you'd tell???

[Janh]

Just found this on another site:

Can I get a tapeworm infection from my pet?

Yes. For a person to become infected with Dipylidium, he or she must accidentally swallow an infected flea. Most reported cases involve children. The most effective way to prevent infections in pets and humans is through flea control. The risk of infection with this tapeworm in humans is low but does exist. A child who is infected will usually pass proglottids in a bowel movement or have visible tapeworm segments stuck to the skin around the anal area.

How is tapeworm infection treated?

Treatment for both animals and humans is simple and very effective. A prescription drug called praziquantel is given, either orally or by injection (pets only). The medication causes the tapeworm to dissolve within the intestines. Since the worm is usually digested before it passes, it may not be visible in your animal's stool. The drugs are generally well-tolerated.

What should I do if I think my child is infected with tapeworms?

See your health care provider for diagnosis and treatment.

[WSM]

Not sure about the technicalities on the toddler front but I can recommend a 1 dose worming tablet called DRONTAL CAT. You just give them one tablet once every 3 months and they are protected, not like those godawful Bob Worth (??) ones where the cat has to take a course of pills. IME the cat is ok with the first pill, but gets wise for the 2nd dose !

[WSM]

Forgot to mention that Drontal are only available from your vet, but you can buy them over the counter with the receptionist. They are quite costly (£3+ for one pill), but it is worth it for the amount of hassle it saves !

[Tissy]

Thanks janh and WSM

[hmb]

Re getting the tablet into the cat I found the following was the only way to go with our cat.

Wrap the cat in an old towel, making sure that all of the legs are inside! Put the tablet in the mouth and close the mouth quickly, tap the cat on the nose, and this makes them swallow by reflex!