Frequency of External Flea Treatment for Cats: A Guide
Common external parasites found on cats include fleas, ticks, and lice. Many cats suffer from symptoms such as weight loss, lack of appetite, hair loss, anemia, and itching or dermatitis due to longterm neglect of deworming and subsequent infection with parasites. Moreover, these external parasites can easily be transmitted to their owners, so it's crucial for cat owners to schedule regular deworming for their pets to protect both the cat and themselves.
How Often Should Cats Be Dewormed Externally?
Generally, cats can undergo their first external deworming treatment at around two months of age. For adult cats, it's recommended to deworm them monthly. The frequency of deworming can also be adjusted according to the season; during the hot summer months, monthly deworming is sufficient, while in the colder winter, deworming every three months should suffice.
However, if you notice that your cat has been infected with external parasites during the interval, it's important to deworm the cat again within the safe limits of the deworming medication.
How to Perform External Deworming on Cats?
There are typically two methods for external deworming: sprays and spotons.
Sprays are easy to use; simply apply the spray evenly over the pet's fur, ensuring that the fur is dampened to achieve the deworming effect. Sprayon dewormers have a lower toxicity level and can be used on cats as young as two days old. The downside is that their protection period is relatively short, so if your cat frequently goes outdoors, you may need to reapply the spray every week.
Spotons require more careful application. Hold the bottle vertically to prevent the medication from spilling. Then, part the cat's neck fur and apply the drop along a line of skin, avoiding areas where the cat can lick. The advantage of spotons is their longlasting effect, requiring treatment only once every 3 to 6 months. However, they are somewhat toxic, so they are only suitable for pets older than 7 weeks.
It's important to note that if your cat experiences a strong stress response after deworming, it may be necessary to seek veterinary care or consult with an online pet doctor.
