Ultimate Guide to Cat Deworming: Everything You Need to

Why is it Necessary to Deworm Cats?

Deworming cats is a crucial aspect of their health care. Many pet owners mistakenly believe that if their cat stays indoors, it doesn't need deworming. However, those who have had cats know that felines are naturally curious about small creatures like insects and cockroaches. When they ingest these pests, they're also consuming countless bacteria and parasites that can take up residence in their digestive systems and abdominal cavities.

Regular deworming is, therefore, an essential part of maintaining your cat's health!

At What Age Can Cats Be Dewormed?

Cats should be around 8 weeks old (approximately two months) before their first external deworming treatment. For added safety, it's best to start the first internal deworming at around 12 weeks (three months) of age.

A helpful tip: Cats need their first vaccination at around two months, so it's important to schedule deworming treatments to avoid the week before and after vaccination!

How Often Should Cats Be Dewormed?

Internal deworming should be done at least every three months. If your cat regularly eats raw meat or bones, you may need to deworm more frequently. For external deworming, during summer, treat monthly; in winter, every two to three months.

What Medications Are Used for Deworming?

Comprehensive Deworming: Advocate

Benefits: Treats infections caused by roundworms, hookworms, mange mites, fleas, and lice, and prevents heartworm disease. (Ticks and tapeworms are not treated.)

Comprehensive Deworming: Revolution

Benefits: Prevents and effectively treats ear mites, kills fleas and prevents bites, clears gastrointestinal roundworms, and prevents heartworm disease. (Lice, ticks, and tapeworms are not treated.)

Comprehensive Deworming: Bravecto

Benefits: Treats infections caused by ticks, roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and fleas. (Fleas, mites, and heartworms are not treated.)

External Deworming: Frontline Plus

Benefits: Prevents adult fleas, ticks, and flea larvae. (Mites, hookworms, roundworms, and heartworms are not treated.)

How to Administer the Medication Properly:

Internal Deworming:

1. Mix the medication with canned food, treats, or other food to trick your cat into eating it.

2. Gently hold your cat's lower jaw and open its mouth, placing the medication at the base of the tongue. Close the cat's mouth quickly and gently rub its throat to encourage swallowing.

3. Use a syringe for administration.

External Deworming:

1. Part the cat's neck fur and apply the dropper directly to the skin (not on the fur).

2. Cover the fur and smooth it down (one dose per cat; do not share).

Symptoms That Indicate a Need for Parasite Screening:

1. Excessive running around before and after defecation, dragging the tail on the ground, or frequently licking the anus.

2. Vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes even seeing worms or grainlike objects in vomit or feces.

3. Fungal infections or large red rashes on the skin, with the cat frequently biting at certain body parts.

4. Soft stools, watery diarrhea, or even bloody stools (and constipation after diarrhea).

5. Elevated body temperature and hot ears.

6. Loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, and pale mucous membranes.

7. Abdominal swelling, not eating, and appearing "fat" (parasites reproduce in the intestines, causing inflammation).

If your cat shows any of these symptoms, it's best to consult a veterinarian for a proper examination rather than selfmedicating.

When Not to Deworm Your Cat:

1. During periods of stress, such as when a cat moves to a new home or changes environments.

2. If the cat has vomiting, diarrhea, or is unwell.

3. When the cat is anemic, thin, or malnourished.

4. Generally, avoid deworming within a week before and after vaccination to prevent adverse reactions.

5. If the cat has severe skin issues, it's advisable not to perform external deworming.

6. If a pregnant cat has not been diagnosed with worms, it's best not to deworm. If deworming is necessary, use deworming medications specifically formulated for pregnant cats.

In conclusion, my cat currently uses Advocate and Revolution, but when choosing deworming products, it's important to consider your cat's specific needs.