Why is deworming important for my cat?
Deworming is very important for your cat's health since most of these parasites can live in the environment, infect the host, which is your cat, and tend to cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even skin issues. It's very important to keep your cat protected, especially since most of these common parasites can transfer to humans and cause similar signs. You may accidentally pick up these parasites when you're cleaning the litter box, even if you wear gloves, because contamination is always a risk.
What are the common types of worms that can infect cats?
The most common types of worms that cats can be infected with are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and even heartworms, which are the same as in dogs.
How does a cat get worms?
Cats can get worms in several different ways, and transmission greatly depends on the type of worm that's present. Roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms can be in contaminated soils and feces, which your cat can ingest and become infected. Roundworms and hookworms can also be transferred to kittens from their mother, either while in the womb or through infected milk, while whipworms can't. In the case of tapeworms, these parasites usually hitch on the fleas and are most commonly ingested during grooming. Heartworms are transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be transferred from cat to cat by any means.
How is a cat diagnosed with worms?
The most common way that veterinarians diagnose worms in cats is with a fecal analysis. A sample of feces is obtained from your cat and goes through several sampling processing steps before it's placed on a glass slide, put under the microscope, and examined for parasite eggs. However, some eggs, like those of tapeworms, are very difficult to find on common fecal tests, and these worms are likely to be diagnosed visually in the feces or near the cat's rectum during an exam. Heartworms are diagnosed with a blood sample from your cat and can be detected with a combo snap test that also detects FIV and feline leukemia virus. These heartworms can also be seen in blood directly under the microscope, usually paired with the snap test to confirm.
What should I do if I see worms in my cat's poop?
If you see worms in your cat's poop, take a picture, which sounds strange, but please do it, and make an appointment with your veterinarian to get your cat evaluated and treated appropriately. Even though we refer to these parasites as worms as a whole, they are all treated differently, and not every dewormer you see over the counter will target every worm. It's very important to know exactly what you are treating before using any dewormer to best avoid the buildup of resistance to these commonly used medications.
What are the signs and symptoms of worm infestations in cats?
Some signs and symptoms that you may see if your cat has worms include vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, pale gum color, loss of appetite, a pot-bellied appearance, or the direct observation of worms in the feces or vomitus. If you see worms in your cat's feces, try to tell the difference between them by paying close attention to their shape, color, and length. Some roundworms are long, slender, and resemble spaghetti noodles, while hookworms are very thin and short, resembling wire. Tapeworms are short, white, and resemble rice grains. Even though you may suspect what type of worm your cat has, it's always best to involve your veterinarian since multiple worms can infect simultaneously, and you may not always be able to visualize all the worms present.
How often should I deworm my cat?
Kittens are usually dewormed every 2 weeks until they reach about 6 to 8 weeks of age. After that, fecal tests are recommended semiannually to annually. If worms are detected, they are dewormed as needed. Diligent monthly intestinal parasite prevention should be utilized year-round to minimize the need for deworming, which is very important to prevent drug resistance.
What deworming medications are safe and effective for cats?
Deworming medications are generally safe and effective in cats. However, we need to use these medications sparingly and only when worms are confirmed on diagnostic testing to prevent drug resistance. Like with any medication, some side effects can be seen, including diarrhea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. However, these side effects are very rare when used properly.
Can I use over-the-counter dewormers or do I have to have a prescription?
Some dewormers are available over the counter, while others require a prescription. The most common over-the-counter dewormer is Pyrantel, which targets roundworms and hookworms only. Other dewormers, like Profender, which also contains Praziquantel, require a veterinary prescription and target other types of parasites. In Profender's case, it's used to target tapeworms most of the time. The type of dewormer you'll need will depend on the type of worm your cat has; not one size fits all.
How long does it take for deworming medication to work?
To get rid of those worms, they generally work very quickly. Most dewormers are effective within 24 hours, but it can sometimes take a few days to even weeks to completely eliminate the worms. Some dewormers require several doses for treatment, depending on the worm burden and the type of product used. Additionally, since most worms can be found in the environment, it's best to treat or disinfect your cat's surroundings along with using a dewormer to completely eliminate the worms and reduce your cat's risk of reinfection.
Are there any natural remedies for deworming cats?
We get asked this all the time. Some sources claim that garlic and apple cider vinegar can get rid of catworms, but these are not safe or effective and can even cause toxicity in your cat. The safest way to treat your cat is with products prescribed by your veterinarian. Please come see us.
How can I prevent my cat from getting worms in the future?
Once your cat has cleared their worms, they can start on diligent monthly prevention year-round. Revolution is a great product, or Revolution Plus, to protect against future infections. Even missing one dose of this prevention can cause reinfection.
If my cat has worms, how do I clean my house to prevent reinfection?
To clean your house thoroughly, focus on washing bedding, clothes, and towels in hot water, vacuuming carpets and floors, and disinfecting all surfaces, especially those frequently touched. It's very important to utilize regular hand washing, paying close attention to underneath your fingernails to prevent the accumulation of eggs. Consider wearing long gloves and even a mask when cleaning your cat's litter box, and immediately remove infected urine and feces from the household after scooping if worms are present.
Do indoor cats need to be dewormed?
Indoor cats should be dewormed, and that applies to all cats regardless of whether they are indoor or outdoor. Even though indoor cats are at a lower risk of picking up worm infections, they should be on diligent monthly prevention in case they escape from the home or if we or other animals track feces or infected soil into the home on our shoes and clothes, which does occur commonly.
How do I know if the treatment that was done is successful?
You will never be 100% sure that the deworming treatment was successful unless a fecal sample is analyzed by your veterinarian and no worms are seen. However, you can have an idea that the deworming treatment has been working if previous clinical signs that used to be a problem have started to improve or fully resolve. It is always best to get your cat rechecked after having worms to decide if the infection has fully cleared or if additional treatment is needed.
What is the role of regular fecal exams in managing worm infestations?
Regular fecal exams may seem pointless at times, but it's very important to screen your cat semiannually or annually to make sure nothing has slipped through the cracks. Even if you are on diligent prevention and give your cat their monthly prevention every single month, product failures can happen that aren't your fault. Regular fecal exams can catch these errors. Some fecal tests can also detect other parasites like giardia, which are not considered worms but still impact your cat's health and are not prevented in those monthly products. Regular fecal exams are worth it in the end. If you see worms, let us help you get them cleared. Even if you don't see worms, the annual and semiannual exams will give your cat the best chance of being free from intestinal parasites and other issues.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at 704-802-1280, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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