The Dipylidium caninum tapeworm contaminates kittens when they unintentionally consume a flea, usually while grooming or ingesting other tiny rodents that have fleas on them. The fleas serve as the tapeworm's intermediate hosts, meaning that a flea must consume its eggs, so the tapeworm to develop fully. Then, inside the flea, it matures into the next stage. The cat then consumes the flea. The tapeworm's lifecycle is completed as the cat becomes contaminated by the tapeworm, which is released as the flea is broken down.
Cats that venture outdoors, most likely in flea-infested areas, are more likely to have tapeworm infections.
Controlling fleas is the best way to avoid tapeworms in felines. Like most common parasitic infections, deterrence is always preferable to attempting to cure an invasion. To prevent fleas from getting on your kitten or into their surroundings and going around spreading tapeworms, they must be given preventatives regularly.
Work with your vet San Diego, CA in creating a health preventive program that includes your pet's year-round protection against internal and external parasites.
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