Can I get Tapeworms??

Question

We have took in a stray kitten. We gave him a dewormer like the vet told us too, but before we did gave it to him my boyfriend cleaned our dishes with the stray kitten's bowls. He does it all the time, and I tell him not to but he says I am paranoid. I was wondering if we can get Tapeworms by this?? Oh yeah another thing, after I gave the kitten the dewormer I changed his litter box a day later. While I was pouring out the litter into a bag some of the litter's dust (I do not know how it is called it is not dust but the powdery looking stuff that is in our crystal litter) blew in my face! Should I worry about that too??? Wow I am so paranoid. Thanks!!

Answer 1

Well, It is difficult to acquire a tapeworm by JUST the eggs. There must be a secondary host, such as a flea, or other infected rodent. I would not worry too much, but I would recommend washing your hands after handling your cat.  

Answer 2

Taenia is the type of tapeworm your cat had.  The only way to get tapeworm is to eat an infected flea [which cats often do while grooming themselves] or a rat/mouse infected with tapeworm.

Make sure your kittens is on a flea control.

I wouldn't worry about the dishes..hot water and soap will kill all you need to worry about.

The dust from the litter box is nasty but shouldn't bother a healthy person.  If you are worried wear a face mask.

Answer 3

Chill.  You cannot catch the cat tapeworms, and besides, they are passed by flea saliva, not contact.  Kitty litter dust is usual only dangerous for pregnant women or people with impaired immune systems (HVIV, organ transplant)

Answer 4

Humans can get worms. You would have to get some of the f***s in your mouth though, I'm sure you're fine. Your boyfriend washing the bowl with the dishes should probably be fine too. I would think that the soap and hot water would kill any germs anyways. Good look with your new kitten!

Answer 5

Hi there,

While some varieties of  tapeworm that infects cats can be contageous to humans, sound hygiene using soap and hot water should prevent contageon. It is highly doubtful that you would be infected by the dust, but if I were you I would call my vet and ask if this is a risk.

While you are in the process of "deworming" your kitty, be extra cautious in handling his litter box and when you change the box, use extra care in disposing the litter and handling it.

Here is an excellent article on parasites that infect felines, which may be of help to you.

http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/brochures...

Hope that everything is ok, and good luck to your kitten. Thanks for rescuing this little guy. I am sure he will be contributing many, many years of joy to your household.

Troublesniffer

Owned by cats for over 40 years

Former Oriental Shorthair and Siamese breeder

http://frequentlyfeline.blogspot.com/