Deworming Cats: How to Conquer Creepy Crawlies for Your Kitty’s Health

Deworming cats is an essential topic to understand if you own a feline. Keeping the creepy crawlies out is vital to your kitty’s health, as you’d be surprised just how common these little intruders can be. In this article, you’ll learn what types of worms cats can get and how they’re treated. 

Knowledge is huge when it comes to giving your cat a long and healthy life. So, let’s dive into deworming and why it’ll prevent your pet from serious medical conditions.

What Is Deworming? 

Deworming an animal is when medications are administered to eliminate internal parasites or worms. Since parasites are often extremely harmful, deworming is essential for the overall health of pets. The treatment helps control the spread and prevents potential medical conditions from the invasion of worms. 

Your vet will recommend a deworming protocol based on the type of pet, its age, and the prevalence of parasites in your area. The medications come in different forms, including tablets, liquids, or topical applications, and they work by targeting and eliminating the worms. Regular deworming schedules are recommended to maintain the animal’s health and prevent reinfection.

Cat dewormers are typically a pill or liquid that you feed your cat. While some come in flavored treat-like tabs, it’s typically not enough to fool your cat and you’ll end up having to force-feed. Unfortunately, cats usually hate being force-fed anything, so the experience can be a little unpleasant. But at least it’s quick!

Why Do Cats Need To Be Dewormed?

Cats are susceptible to internal parasites or worms, such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and heartworms. These parasites can enter a cat’s system through ingestion of contaminated food, water, or soil, as well as through contact with other infected animals or fleas. It’s especially important to be aware of parasites if your cat spends time outdoors.

Cats need to be dewormed because if they’re left untreated, worm infestations can lead to significant health problems. They can have digestive issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, and weight loss. In severe cases, it can lead to malnutrition, anemia, or a weakened immune system. The effects of parasites can often be more immediately life-threatening in kittens. In addition, some worms, such as certain types of tapeworms, are transmittable to humans. Ew!

How Do You Know If Your Cat Needs Deworming? 

There are several signs to watch out for if your cat has worms and needs deworming. One of the most common indications is the presence of worms in your cat’s feces. These can appear as small, white, rice-like objects or as long, thin strands. 

You may also notice changes in your pet’s appetite, weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, or a pot-bellied appearance. Cats with worms may also experience diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, or a persistent cough. Or your cat may suddenly be displaying an unkempt coat or have visible worms in the fur or around the buttocks. 

In severe cases, cats can become extremely dehydrated, especially if vomiting. Also, some worms feed on the blood, such as hookworms, and it can cause anemia which can eventually lead to death. If you observe any signs of parasites, contact your vet for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Pro Tip: Learn why your cat is peeing outside of the litter box and how to correct it.

What’s In Cat Dewormer?

Common active ingredients found in cat dewormers include pyrantel pamoate, piperazine, praziquantel, fenbendazole, milbemycin oxime, and ivermectin. The specific formula may vary depending on the brand and type of dewormer. 

Pyrantel pamoate is effective against roundworms and hookworms, and piperazine is also effective against roundworms. While praziquantel is used to combat tapeworms, it doesn’t kill the eggs so there’s a chance of reinfection. Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum dewormer that targets whipworms, roundworms, and hookworms. Milbemycin oxime is effective against heartworms and roundworms. 

Ivermectin is the most common ingredient in monthly heartworm preventatives. It only works on parasites your cat’s exposed to after taking the medication. Therefore, it’s a year-round medication. Heartguard® is the go-to brand with ivermectin for many pet owners.

The active ingredients in deworming formulas work by either paralyzing the worms, causing them to be expelled from the cat’s body through bowel movements, or by disrupting the parasites’ metabolism. Use cat dewormers according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer or as prescribed by your veterinarian to ensure safe and effective treatment. The last thing you want is those creepy crawlies coming back.

Pro Tip: Tips for finding affordable vet care and low-cost medications and vaccines.

How Do You Deworm a Cat? 

Deworming a cat involves administering a medication specifically formulated to target and eliminate the internal parasites your pet is carrying. Deworming usually begins with a visit to your veterinarian, who will determine the appropriate treatment plan. Normally, deworming medication is in an oral form you can give at home. Your vet will provide specific instructions for administering the medication, including the correct dosage and duration of treatment. 

Sometimes multiple doses are required to ensure complete elimination of the parasites. It’s important to follow the instructions closely. Your cat’s situation is likely different than others, so ensuring the full course of medications is given is vital to your pet’s health. 

Outdoor cats in particular or those with a higher risk of exposure to parasites need regular deworming. And both indoor and outdoor felines require monthly heartworm-preventative medication.

Did You Know? All cats adopted from reputable animal shelters have already been dewormed as part of their routine vetting!

Why Is Early Detection of Intestinal Parasites So Important?

Early detection of intestinal parasites in cats is crucial for several reasons. First and foremost, many internal parasites can cause significant harm to a cat’s health if left untreated. By detecting and treating early, severe complications can be minimized or avoided altogether. 

In addition, some parasites are transmittable to humans. So, early detection is important for any household, especially those with young children or immunocompromised individuals. Prevention and early detection can significantly reduce the spread of parasites.

Can Intestinal Parasites Be Passed on to Other Animals? 

Intestinal parasites can be passed on to other animals, including cats. They’re transmittable through direct contact with infected animals or their feces or from flea bites. Parasites are also ingestable when sharing water with other animals or when eating prey. 

It’s crucial to recognize that cats infected with intestinal parasites can pose a risk to other animals within the same household or environment. Therefore, regular litter box cleaning, proper disposal of feces, and routine deworming are essential to preventing the spread of parasites or diseases. 

If My Cat Has Worms, How Do I Clean My House?

If your cat has worms, chances are that worm eggs may be spread around your house. Start with cleaning all pet and human bedding and blankets your cat makes contact with on a hot wash cycle, being careful not to shake them. Vacuum all carpets, and even consider washing them if you have a handy carpet cleaner. Here’s what we use to clean up after our dogs, and the same products would work with cats.

Use a household disinfectant to clean any hard surfaces and floors your cat touches. Clean water bowls, food bowls, and do a thorough cleaning of your litter box with hot soapy water and disinfectant.

Can Cats Get Heartworms?

Heartworms are a major concern for dogs, but can cats get them? The answer is yes. Cats can get the worms after being infected by a mosquito. However, a cat is not a natural host for heartworms so they’re not as high risk as canines. 

It’s also harder to detect heartworms in felines. They don’t live as long or grow as long in cats as they do in dogs. A cat usually only has one or two worms and it can take seven to eight months for infective larvae to mature into adult heartworms, which is about a month longer than in dogs.

Veterinarians usually have to do two types of blood tests to check for heartworms in cats. They may also have to take X-rays or an ultrasound if the blood tests are inconclusive but the cat is presenting with symptoms.

Additional Reading: In addition to parasite prevention, learn about the must-have vaccines for outdoor cats.

Prevent Your Cat From Creepy Crawlies

Prevent your fur baby from getting creepy crawlies in the form of parasites. They’re no fun for your cat or you. Keeping your pet healthy is easy if you take measures to prevent incidents such as regularly cleaning the litter box and administering monthly heartworm medication. Your cat will thank you for it! 

Has your cat experienced parasites? Share its story and course of treatment in the comments below.