What does a tapeworm look like in cats? - briefly
A tapeworm in cats appears as small, flat, segmented white or cream-colored worms, often resembling grains of rice or sesame seeds, which can be seen in the cat’s feces or around its anus.
What does a tapeworm look like in cats? - in detail
A tapeworm in cats is a parasitic flatworm that typically resides in the small intestine. Adult tapeworms are long, segmented, and ribbon-like, often measuring anywhere from a few centimeters to over 60 centimeters in length, depending on the species. The most common species affecting cats are Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis. The body of a tapeworm consists of a head, called the scolex, which is equipped with hooks or suckers to anchor itself to the intestinal wall. Behind the scolex are numerous segments, known as proglottids, which contain the reproductive organs. As the tapeworm matures, these proglottids fill with eggs and eventually detach from the main body, passing out of the cat’s digestive system through feces. The detached segments often resemble small grains of rice or cucumber seeds and may be visible around the cat’s anus, in its feces, or on its bedding. These segments can sometimes move or contract slightly when fresh. The eggs within the proglottids are microscopic and not easily seen without magnification. In some cases, cats may exhibit symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, or irritation around the anus, but many infected cats show no obvious signs. Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to eliminate the parasite and prevent reinfection.