How to Deworm a Cat?
May 16,2024 | puaintapets
What is Cat Deworming?
Cat deworming is the process of treating and preventing infestations of intestinal parasites, commonly known as worms, in cats. Worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms can infect cats, causing various health problems ranging from mild digestive disturbances to severe nutritional deficiencies and anemia. Deworming involves the use of medications specifically designed to eliminate these parasites and protect your cat's health.
How Often to Deworm a Cat?
The frequency of deworming a cat depends on several factors including the cat's age, lifestyle, and risk of exposure to intestinal parasites. Here’s a guide on how often you should deworm your cat:
Kittens
- Starting at 2-3 Weeks of Age: Kittens should be dewormed every two weeks starting at 2-3 weeks of age. This schedule should continue until the kitten reaches 8-12 weeks old.
- From 8-12 Weeks to 6 Months: After the initial deworming schedule, kittens should be dewormed monthly until they are six months old.
Adult Cats
- Low-Risk Cats (Indoor Only): Indoor cats that have minimal risk of exposure to worms should be dewormed every six months. This schedule can be adjusted based on veterinary advice and the cat's specific health needs.
- High-Risk Cats (Outdoor or Multi-Cat Households): Cats that go outdoors, hunt, or live in multi-cat households should be dewormed more frequently, approximately every three months. These cats are at higher risk of coming into contact with contaminated soil, feces, or prey animals that carry worms.
Pregnant and Nursing Cats
- Pregnant Cats: Deworming pregnant cats is crucial to prevent the transmission of worms to their kittens. Deworming should be done under veterinary supervision, often before mating and then as advised during pregnancy.
- Nursing Cats: Nursing cats should be dewormed along with their kittens, following the same schedule as the kittens to ensure both the mother and offspring remain worm-free.
How to Deworm a Cat?
Step 1: Identify the Signs of Worms
Before deworming, it’s important to recognize the signs of a worm infestation in your cat. Common symptoms include:
- Visible Worms or Eggs: Worms or segments may be seen in your cat's feces or around its anus.
- Vomiting: Your cat may vomit, sometimes expelling worms.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea, occasionally with blood.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss despite a good appetite.
- Distended Abdomen: A pot-bellied appearance, especially in kittens.
- Lethargy: Reduced energy levels and increased fatigue.
Step 2: Consult a Veterinarian
Consult your veterinarian to confirm the presence of worms and identify the specific type. The vet will perform a fecal examination and recommend an appropriate deworming medication. This step is crucial as different worms require different treatments.
Step 3: Choose the Right Deworming Medication
Deworming medications are available in various forms, each targeting specific types of worms. Common options include:
- Oral Medications: Pills, tablets, or liquids that are ingested. Examples include pyrantel pamoate, fenbendazole, and praziquantel.
Fenbendazole (often abbreviated FBZ) is used in both large and small animals. In dogs, it is useful against roundworms, hookworms, and the more difficult-to-treat whipworms. It is effective against the Taenia species of tapeworm. It is also effective against Giardia (an intestinal protozoan that causes diarrhea) as well as several species of lungworm and even some flukes.
- Topical Treatments: Spot-on treatments applied directly to the skin, effective for certain types of worms.
It effectively kills, controls and prevents infestations of adult fleas prior to egg-laying. And it effective against fleas that cause flea allergy dermatitis as well as brown dog ticks, American dog ticks, lone star ticks and deer ticks that may carry Lyme disease, when used as directed.
- Injectable Medications: Administered by a veterinarian, injections are used for immediate and effective treatment of severe infestations.
Step 4: Administer the Deworming Medication
- Oral Medications:
Pills/Tablets: If using pills or tablets, hide them in a treat or food to encourage ingestion. Alternatively, you can use a pill dispenser or your hands to place the pill at the back of your cat’s throat.
Liquid Medications: Liquid dewormers can be mixed with food or administered directly into your cat’s mouth using a syringe. Ensure you follow the vet’s dosage instructions.
- Topical Treatments:
Application: Apply the medication to the back of your cat’s neck, where it cannot lick it off. Part the fur to ensure the medication reaches the skin.
- Injectable Medications:
Veterinary Administration: Injectable dewormers should be administered by a veterinarian. Follow up as recommended by the vet.
Step 5: Follow Up and Monitor
- Repeat Treatments: Some deworming medications require follow-up doses. Follow your vet’s instructions regarding the timing and frequency of additional treatments.
- Monitor for Side Effects: Keep an eye on your cat for any adverse reactions, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, and contact your vet if you notice anything unusual.
- Check for Re-infestation: Regularly check your cat’s feces for signs of worms and maintain follow-up visits with the vet for fecal examinations.
Step 6: Prevent Re-infestation
To prevent re-infestation, implement the following measures:
Regular Deworming: Follow a regular deworming schedule as recommended by your veterinarian.
Flea Control: Since fleas can carry tapeworms, use flea control products to minimize the risk of infection.
Clean Living Environment: Maintain a clean living environment, regularly cleaning litter boxes and disposing of feces promptly.
Limit Outdoor Access: Restrict your cat’s access to environments where they might come into contact with infected rodents or feces.
Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your cat’s health and catch any infestations early.