Effective Cat Deworming Methods & Timing Guide

Parasites are one of the rare diseases in cats that can be effectively controlled through prevention. By dedicating a small amount of time, money, and effort to maintaining your cat's health, you not only safeguard your feline friend but also protect yourself from zoonotic parasites. Regular deworming is a crucial step in ensuring your own health as well.

Common Parasites Affecting Cats

Parasites are primarily categorized into two types: internal and external. External parasites are treated with external dewormers, while internal parasites require internal dewormers. Common internal parasites include:

Roundworms: Toxocara cati (Hookworm), Toxascaris leonina (Lion Hookworm), and Toxocara canis (Dog Hookworm).

Tapeworms: Taenia spp., Dipylidium spp., and Echinococcus multilocularis.

Hookworms: Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, and Uncinaria stenocephala.

Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes or fleas.

Flukes: Found in Asia, including Fasciola gigantica, Haploporidae, and Opisthorchiidae.

Toxoplasma gondii: Diagnosed primarily through serum antibody tests.

Common external parasites include:

Ticks: Bloodsucking parasites that can transmit various diseases and cause other injuries.

Fleas: The most common external parasites, often found on stray cats.

Lice: Cat lice, which feed on the cat's epidermal substances and do not bite humans.

Mites: Including ear mites, scabies mites, and anal mites, which are common external parasites in cats.

Internal Parasites

Roundworms

Cat roundworms are typically categorized into three types: Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina, and Toxocara canis. These worms resemble noodles and primarily infect rodents. Toxocara canis can also be found in the intestines of wild rabbits. House cats without access to rodents can become infected through the ingestion of worm eggs from the environment or through maternal transmission.

Tapeworms

Tapeworms, such as Taenia spp., Dipylidium spp., and Echinococcus multilocularis, resemble wide noodles and are segmented. Cats can be infected with various tapeworm types, with the most common being the Taenia solium and Taenia taeniaeformis. These tapeworms are primarily transmitted through fleas and the ingestion of infected rodents.

Hookworms

Hookworms, such as Ancylostoma braziliense, Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Ancylostoma ceylanicum, and Uncinaria stenocephala, are small and attach to the small intestine. Severe infections can cause anemia and weight loss. These parasites can be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated soil or through the bite of an infected intermediate host, such as a flea.

Heartworms

Heartworms are transmitted through mosquitoes or fleas. The larvae develop within the cat's body, reaching maturity in approximately 56 months. The larvae enter the bloodstream within the first 100 days, causing a range of health issues in cats, ultimately leading to death.

Flukes

Flukes, such as Fasciola gigantica, Haploporidae, and Opisthorchiidae, are primarily found in Asia and mainly infect cattle, sheep, pigs, and humans. Cats and dogs are less commonly affected. The disease symptoms include intestinal damage, hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and dermatitis, which can be fatal in severe cases.

Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is diagnosed primarily through serum antibody tests. The recommended treatment for Toxoplasma gondii focuses on the rapid reproduction stage and cannot eliminate the cysts in the tissues. Clindamycin is the firstline treatment for Toxoplasma gondii, and in cases of anterior uveitis, local, oral, or injectable corticosteroids may be used in conjunction.

External Parasites

Ticks

Ticks are bloodsucking parasites that can transmit various diseases and cause other injuries. They are a zoonotic parasite, meaning they can be transmitted to humans.

Fleas

Fleas are the most common external parasites, often found on stray cats. They can transmit tapeworms, heartworms, and various viruses.

Lice

Cat lice, also known as cat fleas, feed on the cat's epidermal substances and do not bite humans. They are the only type of lice that affects cats.

Mites

Mites can be categorized into ear mites, scabies mites, and anal mites. They are common external parasites in cats.

Deworming Schedule

Deworming Age: Begin deworming at one month of age.

External Deworming: Perform deworming once a month during spring, summer, and autumn, and every three months during winter.

Internal Deworming: Perform deworming every three months.

Choosing Deworming Medication

Each brand of deworming medication has different effects and properties. It is important to use a combination of external and internal dewormers for the best results.

Deworming Recommendations and Precautions

Read the deworming medication instructions carefully before use.

After using pure external dewormers, place a headcollar on your cat to prevent ingestion.

Avoid bathing your cat for one week before and after deworming.

Some cats may experience side effects such as vomiting or diarrhea, which are normal.

Pay special attention to roundworms in kittens, as they are highly resistant and can cause repeated infections. For adult cats, be mindful of fleas and perform a thorough cleaning of your home if fleas are detected.