The virus that causes FIP is difficult to test for and the symptoms in cats are so varied the diagnoses is mostly an educated guess. Vaccinations to cats is controversial as many veterinarians feel there is not enough infection in the cat population to warrant the vaccination. This disease has a tendency to affect cats under 2 years of age and cats over 9 years of age. Tapeworms Tapeworms are a common intestinal parasite of dogs and cats. There are three common types of tapeworms in our area but the most common tapeworm is transmitted by fleas.
Cats eat infected fleas and the tapeworm attaches to the intestine.
Over time worms grow up to 12 inches in length and shed portions of its body called prolottids through the feces. The small pieces of tapeworm actually move and appear much like a grain of rice. These small portions of worms are actually egg packets that are later eaten by fleas which continues the life cycle. It is entirely possible that many cat owners are not aware their cat has any fleas and may not be fortunate to even see the tapeworm segments. Symptoms of tapeworms can be vomiting, diarrhea, unkept haircoat, and itching around the rectal area.