Common Cat Parasites & How to Treat Them - 55 Character

Section 1: Common External Parasites in Cats

Our feline friends are often susceptible to a variety of external parasites, including fleas, lice, ticks, and mites. These unwanted guests can lead to a host of issues for cats, such as relentless itching, hair loss, excessive scratching or biting at specific areas, coarse fur, and even a grumpy demeanor.

Severe infestations of bloodsucking parasites like fleas and ticks can result in anemia and malnutrition in cats. Mites, on the other hand, are often the culprits behind skin conditions, manifesting as red rashes, pustules, hair loss, and scabs.

Cat owners can inadvertently bring these parasites into the home, whether it's through the soles of their shoes after walking through tall grass or by bringing in plants that harbor pests.

Section 2: Common Internal Parasites in Cats

Internally, cats can be affected by a range of parasites, including roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, heartworms, toxoplasma, coccidia, and giardia. When these parasites infest the intestines, they typically cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, visible worms in the stool, weight loss, and a general lack of energy. If they infiltrate the lungs or heart, cats may suffer from coughing, wheezing, fatigue, and a lack of vitality.

There are numerous ways cats can contract internal parasites, including from their mothers, through mosquito bites, consuming raw meat, or drinking untreated water.

How to Deworm Your Cat?

For external deworming, products containing pyrantel and ivermectin, such as Panacur's pyrantel drops and avermectin spoton solutions, are commonly used. It's generally recommended that kittens be dewormed monthly, while adult cats can be dewormed every 23 months.

For internal deworming, you might opt for products like Panacur's fenbendazole tablets, which can kill common parasites like roundworms and tapeworms. To prevent coccidiosis and toxoplasmosis, sulfadimethoxine tablets can be used; and for gastrointestinal worms, heartworms, and hookworms, mebendazole tablets are effective. It's advisable to deworm cats every 23 months, but if your cat frequently eats raw meat, you may need to increase the frequency to every 12 months.

In the daily lives of our cats, many diseases are caused by parasitic infections. Therefore, regular deworming is a crucial aspect of their care. As responsible pet parents, we mustn't skimp on this important task. Should your cat exhibit any unusual symptoms, it's vital to consult with a veterinarian online or visit a veterinary clinic for a checkup and treatment.