Perfect Guide to Safely Deworm Your Cat

Parasitic infections are a common ailment among cats. To prevent these diseases, regular deworming is crucial. However, many new cat owners may be unfamiliar with the process of deworming their pets. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to deworm cats, hoping to assist all pet parents in safeguarding their feline friends against parasitic illnesses.

Understanding Cat Deworming: A Comprehensive Guide

I. How to Deworm a Cat

Cat deworming involves two primary methods: external and internal deworming. External deworming targets parasites like fleas, ticks, lice, and mites, while internal deworming combats common internal parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Typically, kittens can be dewormed as early as two months of age. For cats between 2 to 6 months old, it's recommended to deworm both internally and externally monthly. For cats over 6 months, a schedule of internal deworming every three months and external deworming monthly is advisable. Always ensure to use the correct dosage of deworming medication based on your cat's weight, as overuse can lead to adverse reactions or even poisoning.

II. Steps for Cat Deworming

Internal deworming medications come in either pill or granule form. Administering pills can be challenging, so there are various methods such as direct feeding,诱导 feeding, and using a syringe. If your cat is cooperative, you can place the pill at the back of its mouth, on the tongue, and quickly close its mouth to encourage swallowing. For granules, you can crush them and mix them with your cat's favorite canned food or treats.

External deworming medications are available as spoton liquids or sprays. These are easier to apply; simply part the fur at the back of your cat's neck and apply the appropriate amount of the liquid directly onto the skin.

Moreover, there are now allinone deworming products for both internal and external parasites. Pet owners can opt for these to deworm their cats more conveniently.

III. Important Considerations for Cat Deworming

1. Always follow your veterinarian's advice when using deworming medications and strictly adhere to the dosage based on your cat's weight to ensure effective deworming and avoid poisoning.

2. Avoid bathing your cat for a few days before and after applying spoton dewormers. If a bath is necessary, schedule it 3 to 4 days prior.

3. When applying spoton dewormers, ensure the liquid is applied to the skin, not the fur, to maximize effectiveness.

4. Cats that have recently been vaccinated should not be given oral deworming medications immediately, but they can generally continue with spoton treatments.

5. After applying deworming medication, prevent your cat from licking it off by fitting it with an Elizabethan collar. If your cat accidentally licks some of the external dewormer, encourage it to drink water to help expel the medication.

6. It's not advisable to deworm a cat that is not in good health.

The above steps and considerations provide a detailed guide on how to deworm your cat correctly. We hope this information empowers pet owners to deworm their cats effectively and keep them healthy and happy.