Cat External Deworming: How Long to Wait Before Petting

How Long Should You Wait to Pet Your Cat After External Deworming?It's generally recommended to wait at least 3 to 5 days before interacting with your cat after an external deworming treatment. External parasites on cats often include fleas, ticks, and lice, which typically require about 3 days to be completely eliminated. Therefore, it's best to avoid handling your cat and keeping it off the bed immediately following the deworming session.When Can You Bathe Your Cat After External Deworming?After external deworming, it's also advisable not to bathe your cat right away, as this can interfere with the effectiveness of the deworming medication. You can consider giving your cat a bath 5 to 7 days postdeworming. This allows the medication to work optimally and also gives you the chance to monitor for any adverse reactions or physical abnormalities in your pet.In addition, it's crucial to clean and disinfect areas where your cat frequently stays to prevent reinfection with parasites.Don't Rely Solely on External DewormingDeworming your cat is not a onetime fix. It's important to maintain a regular deworming routine, ideally every 1 to 2 months, as fleas can develop from eggs to adults in as little as 21 days. Alongside external deworming, internal deworming is equally vital. If you have a single cat that doesn't venture outdoors often and doesn't consume raw meat, a 6monthly internal deworming is suggested. Cats that eat raw meat should follow the medication's instructions to adjust the deworming schedule accordingly. For households with two or more cats, it's recommended to deworm internally every 3 months.It's important to note that if your cat has a severe infestation of parasites or if parasites persist despite repeated deworming treatments, it's best to consult a veterinarian or an online pet healthcare professional for further guidance.