Final answer:
Little white segments near a cat's anus resembling cucumber seeds are segments of a tapeworm (cestodes), indicating a parasitic infestation. Tapeworms are common parasites in cats that usually require treatment with medications like praziquantel or niclosamide.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you observe little white cucumber seeds wriggling around the base of a cat's tail near its anus, these are actually segments of a parasite known as cestodes, or more commonly, tapeworms. These segments, called proglottids, contain the eggs of the tapeworm and are a clear sign of an infestation.
The white parasitic fungus named Cordyceps and noted for infecting insects is not related to the condition being described. Tapeworms are a type of helminth, which are classified as cestodes. Cats can become infested with these parasites by ingesting infected fleas or through the consumption of prey that harbors the tapeworm larvae.
Upon growth, these tapeworms can release their egg-containing segments into the environment, which can often be spotted near the infested animal's rear end. Diagnosing such parasitic infections typically requires microscopic analysis of stool samples to detect the presence of eggs or proglottids.
Treatment often involves administering medications such as praziquantel or niclosamide to eliminate the parasite from the animal's body.