Preventing Infections and Transmissions
Many pet owners often wonder if their cats need to be dewormed. In fact, cats frequently get infected with parasites, especially when they are young. Therefore, regular deworming for cats is crucial to effectively eliminate intestinal parasites, fleas, ticks, and heartworms, ensuring the health of your cat and reducing the risk of human infection.
Primary Transmission Routes of Parasites
- Maternal Transmission: When a mother cat carries parasites during pregnancy, these parasites can be passed on to the kittens through the placenta.
- Transmission during Nursing: If the mother cat has parasites, she can also transmit them to the kittens during nursing.
- Environmental Cleanliness: Regularly clean the areas where your cat spends time. After rain, it is important to remove excessive water outside to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Ingesting Infected Fleas: Cats can ingest infectious eggs or larvae while eating or drinking water.
If a cat becomes infected with parasites, it may exhibit symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort, coughing, weakness, weight loss, anemia, or bloating in kittens. If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect your cat is infected, seek veterinary care. Additionally, regular deworming can help prevent parasite infections.
Methods of Deworming Cats
There are various deworming products available on the market, each with different usage instructions:
- Oral Treatment: Kittens should be dewormed monthly until they are six months old, and then every three months to six months for cats over six months.
- Topical Spot-On Treatments: Apply a deworming treatment once a month. Tidy up cat's hair to expose the skin and apply the treatment between the shoulder blades. The medication will gradually penetrate the skin.
If you have any questions about deworming your cat, consult your veterinarian for guidance and follow their instructions.
Additionally, there are some daily measures you can take to help protect your cat from parasite infestations:
- Regular Health Check: Schedule regular veterinary health check, including parasite screenings, to detect and treat parasite infections early.
- Maintain a Clean Environment: Regularly clean your cat's bedding, litter box, and scratching posts to reduce the chance of parasite infestation.
- Avoid Contact with Infected Animals: Avoid allowing your cat to come into contact with infected animals, especially stray cats or dogs.
If your pets are in an emergency or if you have general inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact Veterinary Emergency Centre.
General Hotline: 2334-2334
24-Hour Emergency Hotline: 6828-6620