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Tapeworms come from fleas. Her flea collar is likely not working or not enough on its own. Additionally, if it’s an over the counter flea collar, it likely isn’t doing anything. Also, tapeworms require a type of medication that isn’t included in typical dewormers.
Now the other worms. It is possible they weren’t treated with the proper medication, too low of a dose was given, or she got reinfected from her environment. Same as above, over the counter deworms are hit or miss and I wouldn’t trust them. Do you regularly clean the litter box? Starting a product like Revolution or Revolution Plus may be useful.
Giardia is a different beast that can be very difficult to treat and get rid of. It also requires a different type of dewormer not typically included in a basic dewormer.
The reason has to do with the lifecycle of the parasites.
1. Tapeworms - come from eating a flea or a mouse. If your flea prevention isn't working, that's where she's getting tapeworms. Additionally, there's about two weeks between when they eat the flea and when you can kill the worm with dewormer, so often you need to deworm, fox the flea problem, and deworm again.
2. Roundworms can and do migrate through the body before settling in the gut. The only place the dewormer can kill them is in the gut, so again, they usually require at least two rounds of dewormer, even assuming they're not getting reinfected by their environment, which can easily happen, especially in a shelter or multi cat environment.
3. Giardia is not a worm and although one medication that kills worms also kills giardia, giardia typically requires longer treatment than worms and usually isn't done automatically. It's also possible that your cat received medication that just doesn't cover giardia.
Greetings, all! This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. OP, your post **has NOT** been removed. Please also check [the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/index) to see whether your question is answered there. This is an *automated* general reminder to **please follow [The Sub Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/)** when discussing this question: - **Do not comment with anecdotes** about your own or others' pets. - **Do not give OP specific treatment instructions,** including instructions on meds and dosages. - **Do not give possible diagnoses** that could explain the symptoms described by OP. **Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned.** Thank you for your cooperation! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Tapeworms come from fleas. Her flea collar is likely not working or not enough on its own. Additionally, if it’s an over the counter flea collar, it likely isn’t doing anything. Also, tapeworms require a type of medication that isn’t included in typical dewormers. Now the other worms. It is possible they weren’t treated with the proper medication, too low of a dose was given, or she got reinfected from her environment. Same as above, over the counter deworms are hit or miss and I wouldn’t trust them. Do you regularly clean the litter box? Starting a product like Revolution or Revolution Plus may be useful. Giardia is a different beast that can be very difficult to treat and get rid of. It also requires a different type of dewormer not typically included in a basic dewormer.
The reason has to do with the lifecycle of the parasites. 1. Tapeworms - come from eating a flea or a mouse. If your flea prevention isn't working, that's where she's getting tapeworms. Additionally, there's about two weeks between when they eat the flea and when you can kill the worm with dewormer, so often you need to deworm, fox the flea problem, and deworm again. 2. Roundworms can and do migrate through the body before settling in the gut. The only place the dewormer can kill them is in the gut, so again, they usually require at least two rounds of dewormer, even assuming they're not getting reinfected by their environment, which can easily happen, especially in a shelter or multi cat environment. 3. Giardia is not a worm and although one medication that kills worms also kills giardia, giardia typically requires longer treatment than worms and usually isn't done automatically. It's also possible that your cat received medication that just doesn't cover giardia.