Parasite Control for Cats – An Overview

INTRODUCTION

Parasites are terrible things that can make cats’ lives miserable. Some cause discomfort, while others can lead to disease and even death.

A FEW FACTS ABOUT PARASITES

• Indoor cats are not safe from parasites
• Just because you don’t see them, doesn’t mean they’re not there
• Fleas, ticks and worms can be found almost anywhere in your environment
• It’s a cat owner’s responsibility to prevent and treat parasites in cats
• Fleas can carry tapeworm eggs and cats can ingest them while grooming
• Not all flea, tick and worm control products are broad spectrum solutions
• Insects such as cockroaches can carry and spread parasites, for example hookworm

PARASITE CONTROL FOR CATS

Some products help prevent parasites, while others treat parasites. You can also find products that do both, some even for multiple parasites.

• Preventative dewormers to prevent infestation of more than one type of worm
• Parasite-specific products target one type of parasitic infestation (e.g. heartworm)
• Recommended medicines can prevent and treat multiple internal- and possibly external parasites
• Natural or homeopathic dewormers: not commonly recommended

Kittens require more worm treatments than older cats and nursing mother cats should also be dewormed as advised by your veterinarian.

IT IS NOT ADVISED TO GIVE NATURAL OR HOMEOPATHIC DEWORMERS BEFORE CONSULTING YOUR VETERINARIAN.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

Here are a few things you can do to complement the use of parasite control products which are necessary for protecting your cat.

• Provide fresh drinking water daily
• Cooked/prepared foods may be safer than raw foods
• Veterinary check-ups, at least once a year and heartworm tests when recommended
• Observe faeces 2 to 4 times per year for signs of worms and ask the veterinarian for routine fecal exams
• Certain parasites may be more prevalent in some countries so, when travelling, pet owners should provide preventative treatment for the relevant parasites

Your cat’s lifestyle and the possible parasites your cat may be exposed to during his or her lifetime will play a role in your cat’s recommended treatment programme.