Comprehensive Cat Deworming Guide: Dos and Don'ts

Common Ways Cats Can Contract Parasitic Infections

Parasites can infiltrate our feline friends in various unexpected ways:

Through Our Clothing and Footwear: Our shoes, jackets, and pants can carry parasites that can transfer to our pets.

By Ingesting Pests: Accidental consumption of insects like cockroaches can lead to parasitic infections.

Near Sewage and Air Conditioning Vents: These areas can harbor parasites that can affect our cats.

In Potted Plants with Stagnant Water and Dirty Water Buckets Used for Mopping: These are breeding grounds for parasites.

It's clear that even staying indoors, cats are at a high risk of contracting parasites. Deworming is not just about pet care but also about protecting ourselves and our families.

A Look at Common Parasites

There are numerous parasites that can affect our cats:

Internal Parasites: Roundworms, Coccidia, Tapeworms, Trichomonas, Giardia, Toxoplasma gondii, and Heartworms.

External Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, Lice, and Mange Mites.

Surprising, isn't it? These parasites are lurking around us, just waiting for an opportunity to infest our beloved pets.

Deworming Frequency: When Should You Deworm Your Cat?

According to the European Society for Companion Animal Parasitology (ESCCAP), cats should be dewormed at least every three months. However, this frequency can vary based on the cat's diet and environment. Here are three risk categories:

High Risk: Monthly deworming is recommended for cats that often go outside, eat raw meat, or have exposure to other animals.

Medium Risk: Deworming every 12 months is suggested for cats that regularly go outside or have occasional contact with other animals.

Low Risk: Deworming every 23 months is recommended for indoor cats.

Deworming frequency can also vary with the seasons. During summer, deworming should be more frequent than in winter. For example, external deworming might be needed every 12 months in summer and every 23 months in winter, while internal deworming can be done every 3 months yearround.

When Can Cats Start Deworming?

Cats can begin deworming as early as 8 weeks old, but it's generally recommended to start at 12 weeks. It's important to avoid deworming within a week of vaccination, as this can interfere with the vaccine's effectiveness.

Choosing the Right Deworming Medication

When selecting deworming medication, it's crucial to consider the cat's weight rather than just age. Different weights require different dosages for effective treatment. Here are some common deworming medications:

Revolution (Selamectin): Treats roundworms, hookworms, mange mites, fleas, and prevents heartworms.

Advocate (Moxidectin and Pyrantel Pamoate): Treats and prevents ear mites, fleas, and gastrointestinal worms, and prevents heartworms.

Broadline (Eprinomectin and Pyrantel Pamoate): Treats fleas, ticks, roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.

Frontline (Fipronil and Methoprene): Treats fleas, ticks, and lice.

Drontal (Pyrantel Pamoate and Fenbendazole): Treats gastrointestinal worms.

Helmintox (Milbemycin Oxime and Pyrantel Pamoate): Treats and prevents a wide range of parasites.

For highrisk cats, a combination of Broadline and Helmintox is recommended. For mediumrisk cats, Advocate with Bayer or Drontal is a good choice. For lowrisk cats, Revolution with Helmintox can be a convenient option.

By following these guidelines and choosing the right deworming products, we can ensure our cats live healthy, happy lives. Remember, responsible pet ownership means taking care of our furry friends and protecting them from parasites. Let's show our love and care for our pets by keeping them dewormed and healthy!