Mary Allen
“Why should I have my cats dewormed when there are no symptoms of worming?” This question regularly causes heated discussions among cat owners. Proponents of regular worming refer to the health risks for the animals in the event of a worm infestation. On the other hand, critics often worry about the possible side effects of deworming. You can find out why this is still recommended here.
Many pet owners would probably prefer not to have to deworm their cats. After all, the worming treatment for the beloved velvet paws is often accompanied by gastrointestinal problems and diarrhea. So-called spot-on preparations, which are applied to the skin of the cat, also cause skin irritation and itching in some house tigers.
However, deworming does not cause serious damage to the cats – a massive worm infestation, on the other hand, can have serious consequences for the furry friends. Therefore, despite the inconvenience, regular worming should be used.
Why Dewormers? Possible Consequences of an Infestation
In general, the more severe a worm infestation is, and the longer it goes untreated, the greater the risk of permanent damage to health. Initially, the worms only feed on the cat’s blood and weaken the immune system, which initially manifests itself in constant exhaustion and similar symptoms. This stage can usually only be problematic for very young and old animals.
However, if the worm infection continues unchecked, the gastrointestinal tract can be damaged, which can lead to constant vomiting and diarrhea. In the worst case, such an infestation can end with the death of the house tiger.
Anyone who thinks that regular stool examinations at the vet can completely replace worming is wrong. Because this test can only detect the parasites when the worms lay eggs, which can then be found in the feces. By then, the worm infestation is dangerously advanced. Only regular worming can fight the little bloodsuckers at all stages of development.
Cats Deworm to Protect Humans
However, doing without the wormer not only endangers the animal but also humans, because some pathogens can be transmitted from the pet to the owner. As a result, it can also suffer from various diseases.
To avoid this, owners should not only deworm their cats but also wash their hands thoroughly several times a day. Especially after cleaning the litter box, it is important to pay attention to hygiene. If you want to be on the safe side, use disposable gloves.
Pure Indoor Cats are No Exception
Worm infections are most common in cats that spend a lot of time outdoors. However, owners of indoor cats should not rely on their four-legged friends to be safe from infestation. hookworms and roundworms, for example, can be transmitted through breast milk, while other worms can get into the house through the soles of street shoes.
For this reason, you should also have cats that are not outdoors dewormed – right from the start. It is common for kittens to be dewormed for the first time at four weeks of age and to repeat this at eight weeks of age.
How Does a Cat Wormer Work?
Dewormers usually only kill existing parasites. They do not offer permanent protection, as their effect wears off after just 24 hours. The main aim of worming is to prevent the worms from multiplying, not to keep a cat completely free of parasites.
The protection for the animal is therefore higher the more often a worming treatment is carried out. Giving the cat an injection once or twice a year or only when it is urgently needed is hardly enough. The later deworming takes place, the more difficult it is to get rid of the pests.
How Often Should Cats Be Dewormed?
When it comes to the question of how often cats should be dewormed, opinions differ again. The general recommendation is to worm the furry protégés at least four times a year at three-month intervals.
Outdoor cats and cats that like to hunt prey or have frequent contact with other cats should be dewormed once a month. Because they are much more likely to get infected. Monthly deworming is also recommended if children live in the cat household. For indoor cats, on the other hand, deworming them every six months is usually sufficient.
What to Deworm Cats With?
If you don’t want to go to the vet every time you need a wormer, you can try different deworming preparations. Options range from pastes to tablets to spot-on tinctures. You can buy the remedies in the pharmacy and administer them to your cat yourself at home. Some types of worms are treated specifically, otherwise, there are appropriate broad-spectrum preparations.
When administering tablets, you are dependent on the cooperation of your house tiger, because he has to eat them voluntarily. Not every cat can be fooled with a medicine hidden in the food, because some animals then do not touch their food.
In this case, it is better to use a paste or a spot-on preparation. Appropriate pastes are available in various flavors and are easily accepted by most cats. Spot-on preparations, on the other hand, are dripped onto the skin, usually on the neck, and from there get into the bloodstream. In general, you should expect costs of between 6 and 12 euros for a wormer treatment.
How well the individual preparations are accepted and tolerated varies from animal to animal. The dosage depends on the weight and age of the velvet paw. It is best to get detailed advice from your vet beforehand.
Are Home Remedies Suitable for Deworming a Cat?
If you want to deworm your cat with natural means, you can also find various herbal remedies against the little pests in pharmacies. Home remedies such as ginger, garlic, pumpkin seeds, wild garlic, or mugwort can also be mixed with wet food. However, the effectiveness here is not guaranteed. You should also discuss the dosage and duration of use with your vet in advance.