Effective Cat Dewormers: A Complete Guide to Your Feline Friend in 2024

As a responsible cat owner, ensuring your feline friend stays healthy is a top priority. One critical aspect of maintaining their health is regular deworming. But what exactly is deworming, and why is it so essential for your cat? In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the importance of deworming, the different types of dewormers available, and how to properly care for your cat’s health when dealing with worms. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of dewormers for cats, discussing the types of worms they target, the signs of a worm infestation, preventive measures, and the best practices for deworming your beloved feline friend.

Common Signs Your Cat Needs Deworming

I. Based on the cat's lifestyle

• Outdoor activities

If the cat often goes outside, plays in the grass and bushes, and comes into contact with other animals, then the risk of infection with parasites is higher. For example, cats may come into contact with rats or other stray animals infected with parasites during outdoor activities. Fleas, ticks and other external parasites can easily attach to cats, and also increase the possibility of contracting internal parasites, in which case deworming medication needs to be used regularly.

• Exposure to raw meat

When there is raw meat in the cat's diet, the chance of contracting parasites increases. Raw meat may carry eggs or larvae of various parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms, and even raw meat that has been simply frozen cannot completely eliminate this risk. Therefore, if the cat regularly consumes raw meat, it should use deworming medicine on time.

Also Read: Can Cats Have Raw Chicken: The Pros, Cons, and Safety Tips

II. According to the cat's physical condition

• Digestive symptoms

Vomiting: If the cat vomits frequently, especially white spaghetti-like objects (possibly roundworms), this may be a sign of parasitic infection in the body and requires deworming medication to treat and prevent further infection.
Diarrhoea: persistent diarrhoea and sometimes worm bodies or eggs are found in the faeces, which indicates that the cat may be infected with parasites such as tapeworms, and deworming medication is necessary at this time.
Wasting and malnutrition: despite normal diet, the cat's weight does not increase but decreases, and the hair is rough and shapeless, which may be the result of internal parasites robbing the cat's nutrition, and deworming is necessary.

• Skin and hair condition

Itching: excessive scratching and licking of the cat's skin may be caused by extracorporeal parasites such as fleas and mites. If you find small red spots, hair loss or scabs on the cat's skin, it may also be a sign of parasitic infection, and appropriate in vitro deworming medication needs to be used.
Foreign objects on the hair: finding small black particles on the cat's hair (flea faeces) or finding ticks attached to the skin indicates that the cat needs to be dewormed in vitro.

III. Age factors

• Kitten stage

Kittens should start deworming when they are 2 - 3 months old. Because the immune system of kittens is not yet perfect, there is a higher possibility of contracting parasites from the mother or the surrounding environment. Generally, after the first deworming of kittens, multiple dewormings are required at certain intervals until adulthood.

• Adult Cats

Even if adult cats do not go out often and have a relatively safe diet, it is recommended to carry out internal deworming every 3 - 6 months and external deworming once a month to prevent parasitic infections.

Types of worms in cats

Roundworms: roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite in cats, and they can be contracted by ingesting contaminated soil, licking contaminated fur or paws, and drinking contaminated water. Roundworm infections may lead to symptoms such as wasting, malnutrition, stunted growth and vomiting in cats. 

Tapeworms: Tapeworms are huge intestinal parasites, and cats may become infected by ingesting tapeworm-infected fleas or ticks, or by preying on certain rodents that are infected. Tapeworm infections may lead to diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite and lethargy in cats. 

Hookworms: Hookworms are the smallest of all common cat internal parasites; they live in the cat's small intestine and sustain life by absorbing the host's blood. Hookworm infection may lead to symptoms such as anaemia, lethargy and malnutrition in cats, and young cats in particular are more likely to be affected. 

Heartworm: Heartworm is a filamentous parasite that parasitises the right ventricle of the heart and pulmonary arteries and is transmitted by infected mosquitoes and enters cats through bites. Heartworm infection may lead to weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, coughing, and difficulty breathing in cats, and can be fatal if undetected in the late stages of infestation. 

Coccidia: Coccidia are single-celled parasites that can infect cats by eating contaminated soil or licking contaminated paw pads or hair. Coccidia infections may cause bleeding diarrhoea and dehydration in cats, and kittens are more susceptible to infection. 

Giardia: Giardia is also a single-celled parasite that can damage the intestinal lining and reduce nutrient absorption when ingested by cats. Although most Giardia do not cause disease, severe infections can lead to diarrhoea. 

Nematodes: Nematodes parasitise the cat's bronchial tubes and alveoli, the clinical symptoms are respiratory infections, and weak kittens are susceptible to secondary infections that can lead to pneumonia; in moderate infections, cats develop coughing, shortness of breath, etc. In severe infections, cats will lose weight. In severe infection, cats will lose weight, have diarrhoea, difficulty in breathing and elevated body temperature, which can easily lead to death. 

Whipworms: Whipworms live in the cecum and colon and also absorb blood from the host, whipworms can cause serious damage to these organs by biting into tissues and embedding their heads. Whipworm eggs can lie dormant in the soil for several years until consumed by a new host. 

These are the common types of worms found in cats. To protect your cat's health, regular deworming and good hygiene and sanitation are recommended. If you suspect that your cat is infected with parasites, you should contact your veterinarian for examination and treatment.

Common Deworming Medications for Cats

Here are some commonly used deworming medications for cats:

• Pyrantel Pamoate: This is a common dewormer that is effective against roundworms and hookworms. It’s often found in OTC products.
• Praziquantel: Effective against tapeworms, Praziquantel is usually given in pill or injectable form.
• Mebendazole: Another option for treating roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms, Mebendazole can be used under veterinary supervision.

Each medication targets specific types of worms, so it’s important to consult your vet to determine which one is best for your cat.

How to Choose the Right Dewormer for Your Cat?

1. Age and weight of the cat

Cats of different ages and weights need to use different types and doses of deworming drugs. For example, kittens and adult cats have different deworming needs and need to use drugs that are more suitable for their physiological characteristics.

2. Types of deworming drugs

When it comes to deworming your cat, there are several options to choose from, each with its advantages. Dewormers can be classified into two main categories: Prescription Dewormers and Over-the-Counter (OTC) Dewormers.

• Prescription Dewormers: These are typically recommended by veterinarians and are more effective against a broader range of parasites.
• Over-the-Counter Dewormers: OTC options are available at pet stores and pharmacies, and they’re often used for treating common worms like roundworms and tapeworms.

Fipronil Spot On

Fipronil is a new dewormer that belongs to the phenylpyrazole family, indicated for the elimination of fleas on cats and dogs and dog lice.

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3. Effectiveness of deworming drugs

Different types of deworming drugs have different effects on different types of parasites. It is necessary to choose the appropriate drug according to the type of parasite the cat may be infected with. For example, if the cat is often outdoors, it may need to choose drugs that can effectively expel fleas, ticks and other external parasites; if the cat has the habit of eating raw meat, it may need to choose drugs that can effectively expel roundworms, tapeworms and other internal parasites. 

4. Safety

Choose deworming drugs with high safety to reduce the damage to the cat's body. You can find out the safety of the drug by checking the ingredients of the drug, consulting the veterinarian or checking the reviews of other users. 

5. Convenience of use

Consider whether the drug is easy to use in a convenient way. For example, some deworming medications need to be used multiple times, and different deworming medications are taken in different ways, so you need to choose medications that are easy to use to ensure that you can deworm your cat on time. 

6. Brand reputation

Choose a brand with a good reputation and high credibility. You can check the effectiveness and safety of the deworming medication by checking consumer evaluations, professional reviews or official certifications. 

7. Matching of deworming drugs

In order to protect your cat more comprehensively, you can consider combining different types of dewormers. For example, use internal and external dewormers together, or choose an internal and external dewormer. 

When choosing deworming drugs, it is recommended to consult the veterinarian to formulate the most suitable deworming programme according to the specific conditions of the cat. At the same time, care should be taken to follow the dosage and frequency of use in the instructions for the cat to avoid overdose or insufficiency. 

When to Deworm Your Cat?

Kittens, adult cats, and senior cats all have different deworming needs. Here’s a general guideline for how often you should deworm your cat:

• Kittens: Deworming should begin at 2 weeks old, with a repeat dose every 2-3 weeks until the kitten is 12 weeks old.
• Adult Cats: For adult cats, deworming is typically done every 3-6 months, depending on lifestyle and risk factors.
• Senior Cats: Older cats may need deworming more frequently, especially if they are more susceptible to infections due to a weakened immune system.

How to Prevent Worm Infections in Cats?

Preventing worm infection in cats requires a series of comprehensive measures, including regular deworming, keeping the environment clean, reasonable diet, avoiding contact with the source of infection and so on. Below are some specific prevention methods.

• Regular deworming

Regular internal and external deworming of cats is the basic measure to prevent parasitic infection. According to the cat's age, weight and health condition, choose the appropriate deworming medication and use it according to the instructions or veterinarian's advice. Generally speaking, young cats need more frequent deworming, while adult cats can adjust the frequency of deworming appropriately according to the actual situation. 

• Keep the environment clean

The environment in which cats live has an important impact on their health. Keeping the environment clean and hygienic can effectively reduce the breeding and spread of parasites. Regularly clean the cat's nest, eating utensils, toys and other items to avoid accumulation of dust and bacteria. Meanwhile, keeping the room ventilated and dry also helps to reduce the breeding of parasites. 

• Reasonable diet

A proper diet is vital to your cat's health. Providing cats with balanced and nutritious food can strengthen their immunity and resist the attack of parasites. At the same time, avoid feeding your cat raw meat, raw fish and other untreated food, which may carry parasite eggs or larvae and increase the risk of your cat being infected with parasites. 

• Avoid contact with the source of infection

Cats are susceptible to parasite infection when they are outdoors or in contact with other animals. Therefore, trying to avoid letting cats come into contact with sources of infection is an important measure to prevent parasitic infection. For example, avoid letting cats enter places where parasites can easily breed such as grass and woods; avoid letting cats come into contact with other animals infected with parasites; and carry out regular medical check-ups and deworming tests for cats. 

• Use of anti-insect collars and anti-insect sprays

In addition to the above measures, items such as anti-worm collars and anti-worm sprays can be used to prevent cats from being infected with parasites. These items usually contain ingredients that have a repellent or killing effect on parasites, which can effectively reduce the risk of cats being infected with parasites. However, you need to pay attention to the safety and effectiveness of these items to avoid unnecessary injury or discomfort to your cat. 

• Pay attention to your cat's hygiene habits

The hygiene habits of cats also have a great impact on their health. Maintaining good hygiene habits for cats can reduce the breeding and spread of parasites. For example, bathe your cat regularly, clean its ears and trim its nails; educate your cat not to urinate and defecate anywhere and not to touch dirty objects. These measures can not only keep the cat's health and hygiene in good condition, but also strengthen the cat's immunity and resistance. 

• Timely detection and treatment of parasitic infection

If the cat has been infected with parasites, it needs to be found and treated in time. Observe whether there are abnormal changes in the cat's behaviour and physical condition, such as loss of appetite, depression, itchy skin, etc.; check the cat's hair and skin for signs of parasite eggs or larvae, etc.; if the cat is found to be infected with parasites, it is necessary to consult the veterinarian and treat it in a timely manner. 

Through the combined application of the above measures, the risk of cats being infected with parasites can be effectively prevented and the health of cats safeguarded.

Risks of Not Deworming Your Cat

If you don't deworm your cat, you may face the following risks.

1. Parasite infection

Cats may be infected with a variety of internal and external parasites, such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, fleas, ticks and so on. These parasites will affect the cat's health and lead to a series of symptoms.

Malnutrition: parasites will rob the cat's body of nutrients, leading to wasting, anaemia and poor development.
Digestive problems: such as vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, etc.

Skin problems: such as hair loss, redness, swelling, itching, dandruff, scabs, etc., especially those caused by fleas and mites.
Other health problems: e.g. heartworm disease, toxoplasmosis, etc., which may be life-threatening in severe cases.

2. Zoonotic risk

Some parasites are zoonotic, such as fleas, ticks, roundworms, toxoplasmosis and so on. If cats are infected with these parasites, they may be transmitted to humans, especially those with weakened immunity (e.g. pregnant women, the elderly, children, etc.), bringing health risks to family members.

3. Reduced quality of life

Cats infected with parasites may become agitated due to physical discomfort, affecting their normal life and behaviour, such as reduced sleep quality, loss of appetite, etc., thus reducing the quality of life of the cat.

4. Long-term health effects

Without deworming for a long period of time, parasites continue to multiply in the cat's body and may cause damage to the cat's internal organs, affecting its long-term health and even shortening the cat's life.

Therefore, for the sake of the cat's health and the health of family members, it is essential to deworm the cat on a regular basis.

FAQs

Can I deworm my cat myself without a vet?

Conclusion

Deworming is a crucial aspect of maintaining your cat's health and well-being. Regular check-ups, preventive measures, and proper deworming protocols can help ensure that your feline friend remains free from internal parasites. Remember that your veterinarian is your best resource for guidance on deworming and overall cat care. By staying informed and proactive, you can provide your cat with the best possible protection against worms and enjoy a long and healthy life together.