How Often Should You Deworm Your Cats?

Top photo: my cat is unhappy wearing an Elizabethan collar after deworming 😂.

Why Deworm?

Intestinal worms are extremely prevalent in cats. These parasites can cause a range of health issues, including:

• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dry and coarse fur
• Weakness
• Anemia
• "Pot belly" appearance in severe cases

Moreover, some worms, like roundworms, can potentially infect humans, particularly children, leading to serious health complications.

Types of Worms

The most common intestinal worms in cats include:

1. Roundworms (e.g., Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina)
2. Tapeworms (e.g., Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis)
3. Hookworms (e.g., Ancylostoma tubaeforme, Uncinaria stenocephala)

Deworming Frequency

The frequency of deworming depends on your cat's age, lifestyle, and risk factors:

Adult Cats

• Most adult cats: Every three months (four times a year)
• Outdoor cats and cats eating raw meat: Monthly

Kittens

• Start at 3 weeks of age
• Every 2 weeks until 8 weeks of age
• Monthly until 6 months of age

Indoor Cats

While indoor cats have a lower risk, they should still be dewormed regularly, typically every three months.

Other Cases

In warm and humid seasons or in areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent, the frequency of deworming can be appropriately increased to monthly.

Deworming Methods

There are several ways to administer deworming medication:

1. Tablets: The most common method, given directly or mixed with food
2. Spot-on treatments: Applied to the skin at the base of the skull
3. Pastes or granules: Can be mixed with food
4. Injectable formulations: Administered by a veterinarian

Note, please put an Elizabethan collar on your cat after applying the spot-on formulations to prevent your cat from licking the medicinal liquid by mistake. It can be removed when the fur and skin is completely dry (about 1-2 hours).

Choosing the Right Dewormer

When selecting a dewormer, consider:

• The types of worms prevalent in your area
• Your cat's age and lifestyle
• The ease of administration

Broad-spectrum dewormers that target multiple types of worms are often recommended. Common active ingredients include:

• Pyrantel pamoate (for roundworms and hookworms)
• Praziquantel (for tapeworms)

Prevention

Regular deworming is the best prevention strategy. Additionally:

• Keep your cat's living area clean
• Promptly remove feces from litter boxes
• Control flea populations, as fleas can transmit certain tapeworms

Conclusion

Deworming is a crucial aspect of feline health care. By following a regular deworming schedule and working closely with your veterinarian, you can help ensure your cat remains healthy and free from the harmful effects of intestinal parasites.

Remember, while this guide provides general recommendations, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian for a deworming plan tailored to your cat's specific needs.