Essential Tips for Safe Cat Deworming: Indoor & Outdoor

Pet Cat Deworming Medication

1. The Importance of Regular Deworming for Cats

Cats, especially kittens, are prone to internal parasites like roundworms, which can be transmitted through other organisms such as fleas and mosquitoes. Since kittens often groom each other, regular deworming is crucial. Adult cats, guided by scent, may inadvertently come into contact with other animals' secretions or excretions, leading to parasitic infections. Therefore, adult cats should also be dewormed regularly.

Common internal parasites include roundworms, tapeworms, coccidia, hookworms, giardia, flagellates, coccidia, and heartworms. External parasites include mange mites, scabies mites, ear mites, fleas, and lice.

2. How Often Should Cats Be Dewormed?

Strictly speaking, pet cats should be dewormed at least once a year for both internal and external parasites. Internal deworming involves administering deworming medication to prevent gastrointestinal parasites. These medications are available at professional pet stores and veterinary clinics. For external deworming, applying the right deworming spray can help the drug penetrate the skin layers.

The first deworming treatment should begin two months after the kitten has successfully weaned. It's important to note that deworming aims to treat both internal and external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and mites externally, and roundworms, hookworms, and others internally.

Generally, kittens between 2 to 6 months old should be dewormed monthly. Cats over 6 months old should be dewormed every quarter. As pets grow into adulthood, deworming can be extended to every six months or a year. However, the specific timing should be determined based on the cat's physical condition, and veterinary guidance is essential for timely deworming.

3. Choosing the Right Deworming Medication for Cats

Cat deworming medications are typically categorized into internal and external types. Common internal deworming medications include albendazole tablets, lanboto (Langmo Te), and Grand宠爱. The most common external deworming medication is Frontline. While imported deworming medications are generally more expensive, they are guaranteed to be effective.国产驱虫剂也是不错的选择。Although imported deworming medications are more expensive, they are guaranteed to be effective. However, if used improperly, deworming medications can be toxic and harmful.

4. Deworming Precautions

1. Dosage of Cat Deworming Medication

Deworming medications are toxic, so it's crucial to follow the instructions carefully, especially with household deworming products. Before administering the medication, weigh the cat and calculate the dose accordingly. If there's any leftover medication, consider giving it to a stray cat to avoid waste.

2. Preparations Before and After Deworming

Before external deworming, the cat should be bathed and allowed to dry completely. After drying, apply the deworming medication to the area behind the cat's neck, where it cannot reach. Avoid bathing the cat until the deworming medication has taken effect.

Cats should be fasting for 3 to 4 hours before and 5 to 6 hours after taking the deworming medication to ensure its effectiveness.

3. Avoid Using Deworming Products Added to Bathwater

Because cats have a unique skin structure, toxic substances can渗透 into their bodies through the skin. Cats also have a habit of licking their fur, so using deworming products in bathwater can lead to poisoning and even death.

4. Do Not Use Flea Collars for External Deworming

Most flea collars are made with dichlorvos, which is highly toxic and harmful to cats.

5. Monitor the Cat's Stool After Deworming

After deworming, dead parasites and eggs will usually be excreted in the stool. If there are symptoms of diarrhea, it's best to consult a veterinarian.

6. Pay Attention to the Cat's Mental State After Deworming

After deworming, some cats with weak digestive systems or poor health may experience vomiting, depression, or even fever. Symptoms usually improve within 1 to 2 days. If the condition persists for several days, it's best to consult a veterinarian.

In emergencies, cats may receive regular deworming treatments regardless of whether they have parasites. If you notice a cat with a good appetite but not gaining weight, a bloated stomach, or even blood in the stool, you should suspect the presence of parasites.