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Tapeworms in kittens.

Species: Cat
Breed: Calico
Age: Less than 3 mon
Hey there,

I spoke with you a few days ago about my kittens that have worms. The kittens were treated with Strongid (pyrantel pamoate) two days ago but they are still passing live worms. I believe that the worms they are passing now may be tape worms. I have a product called Tape Worm Tabs (praziquantel) that is used to treat tape worms. Is it safe to give the kittens this now or do i have to wait to give it to them 2 weeks from when they were given the Strongid? Thanks!!


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Hi Kristen...Good to hear from you again.

The fact that your kittens are passing worms (even if they are live) means that the dewormer is working. You should definitely repeat the Strongid in 2 weeks and I would even do it again 2 weeks after that.

If the worms looked like spaghetti they are likely roundworms. However, it is not a bad idea to treat for tapes as well. You will want to check the label of the Tape Worm Tabs to make sure they are ok for kittens this young. You don't need to wait until you give the strongid again. You can go ahead and give it now.

Hope they keep improving!

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thanks so much for the quick response...so the active ingredient in the strongid (pyrantel pamoate) will not interfere with the praziquantel in the tape worm tabs? I just want to be sure i am not going to hurt my little babies by giving them too many meds all at once. Thanks again.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

It's definitely ok to give praziquantel along with strongid. However, I just looked up some drug info for you to see if praziquantel can be given to young kittens. It is apparently only labelled for kittens over 6 weeks. If they are younger than 6 weeks you may need to hold off for now.

Dr. Marie.



Customer reply:

Ok thanks you so much. They are 11 weeks old today so i think we should be safe. Just wanted to check on the drug interactions and such. Thanks so much for all of your help. It is so nice to know that there is someone willing to help out pet owners with out charging an arm and a leg for the service. I have spent a lot less money asking for your help then i would have if i took them to the vet again. They were wanting to charge 60 dollars per cat to treat them (fecal tests and for the deworming medication). I really appreciate what you are doing for people.


Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Good stuff! You're very welcome! And thanks for the kind words!

Dr. Marie.




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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.