How Long After Cat Bath Should Deworming Be Done?
Why Cats Should Not Be Dewormed Immediately After a Bath
1. The primary reason cats should not be dewormed immediately after a bath is to prevent the reduction in the effectiveness of the deworming treatment or to avoid potential health issues caused by weakened immunity. It is advisable to wait for 3 to 4 days after a bath before deworming your cat to ensure the deworming medication can work optimally. The external deworming drugs for cats primarily work by being absorbed into the bloodstream through the sebaceous glands. However, after a bath, the cat's skin is stripped of its natural oils, which can make it difficult for the deworming drug to penetrate and thus, render the treatment ineffective. It's important to note that bathing a cat does not interfere with internal deworming. If internal deworming is required, it can be done immediately after a bath without any issues.
2. Additionally, cats may experience stress after a bath, which can significantly weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to common illnesses like colds. Deworming a cat during this stressed state could lead to symptoms such as depression and decreased appetite. Therefore, for the wellbeing of your cat, it's best to deworm them only when they are in good health, to avoid further weakening their immune system and potentially triggering diseases.
3. Here are some important tips for pet owners when deworming their cats: deworm regularly, with adult cats requiring monthly external deworming and quarterly internal deworming. Avoid bathing your cat for 3 days before and after deworming to maintain the effectiveness of the immune response. When applying external deworming medication, ensure it is applied to areas the cat cannot reach, like the back of the neck. It's recommended to use a highly recommended deworming product like the Puante External Deworming Drops. When applying, gently part the cat's fur to ensure the medication is absorbed properly. If oral deworming is necessary, avoid vaccination for 5 days. Regardless of the type of deworming, avoid scheduling spaying or neutering surgeries immediately after deworming. Lastly, do not change your cat's diet after deworming, as this could cause stress and lead to illness.
Dr. Oxygen explains the reasons why cats should not be dewormed immediately after a bath. Regular deworming is essential for disease prevention, but pet owners must also pay close attention to the aforementioned precautions to achieve this goal effectively.
