My cat has tapeworms and is weak. Is it too late to treat her?

It sounds like there could be an underlying issue. Tapeworms don't usually cause coughing and lethargy in cats. Your cat should be examined by a vet to determine the exact cause and treat the problem. Your vet can run labwork and take an xray, if needed, to help diagnose and then determine the best way to treat.

Poor Garfield! Tapeworms do not usually cause any significant weight loss or other symptoms in cats, so I would be very concerned that Garfield has a more serious problem. I would recommend taking him to the vet for an exam when you are able to. He/she can do some diagnostic testing (blood work and x-rays) if needed to help determine what's wrong, and will get him started on appropriate treatment depending on what is found.

Thank you for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. What you describe definitely sounds like tapeworms. I am sorry to hear that Toby sounds like he is having an adverse reaction to the tapeworm medicaiton. This sounds serious. I would highly recommend taking Toby in to your vet to have him treated for an adverse reaction, which includes fluids for flush out his system and and symptomatic treatment. It’s best to take him in right away if possible. I hope that your pet Toby is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best wishes and take care.

It sounds like Boots may have intestinal parasites. There are many different kinds, but we usually lump them into 3 groups: round/hook/whip worms look like spaghetti, tapeworms look like flat noodles or small grains of rice, and coccidia or giardia are other types that are not visibly seen. You can try an OTC dewormer that treats the specific type of worm you are seeing and make sure it is repeated in a few weeks as directed on the label, but I recommend that Boots go to a vet. She is way overdue for kitten vaccines and a rabies shot (which is required in all cats and dogs by law - even if they will never ever step foot outside). There are many nasty cat viruses that can cause illness and even death. Your vet can also test a fecal sample to determine the most appropriate treatment timeline for her individual parasite(s).

Cost of an exam and or intestinal parasite exam will vary from clinic to clinic. Your best bet is to call to get a general estimate from the clinic you plan to use. However tapeworms typically do not cause much problem in pets, while they may have them, tapeworms alone are rarely a reason for extreme hunger or weight loss. A veterinary exam and intestinal parasite check is a great first start to try to get Sumba healthy. Good luck and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It sounds like he is pretty sick. He may need more than just a deworming, such as fluids and possibly some anti nausea medication. I would really taking the worm in a baggie with you when you take Daknto the veterinarian. If he seems weak and lethargic then you may want to go to an emergency clinic tonight. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.

I would recommend taking Toby to another veterinarian if you are not comfortable with your veterinarian's diagnosis and treatment. If the stuff that is stuck to his anus looks like little bits of rice it could be tapeworms. Only certain dewormers will help with these worms. So it depends on what dewormer was given to say if it worked or not. Also tapeworms are caused by them eating fleas at some point. I would talk with friends and neighbors to see what veterinarians in your area people recommend. I hope Toby feels better soon and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!