What are the common signs of a tapeworm infection in cats?

The common signs of a tapeworm infection in cats primarily include the presence of proglottids in the stool or around the anus and weight loss. Proglottids are the segments of the tapeworm that can be found in the feces or may adhere to the fur around the cat's anus. This is a key indicator of infection, as cats often become infested with tapeworms through ingesting infected fleas or rodents.

Weight loss occurs despite an appropriate or even increased appetite, as the tapeworms absorb nutrients meant for the host animal, leading to a situation where the cat may be eating well but still loses weight due to malabsorption. Identifying these signs is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment of the infection.

While excessive grooming and increased appetite can be seen in various health issues, they are not hallmark signs specifically associated with tapeworms. Similarly, vomiting without additional symptoms does not directly indicate a tapeworm infection, as it can stem from a wide range of other gastrointestinal or systemic issues. Thus, the combination of proglottid presence and weight loss is a specific and common presentation for tapeworm infections in cats, confirming the correctness of this choice.