How to deworm cats (proper deworming)

Helminths and worms are parasitic worms that cause the appearance of parasites in humans and animals. Parasite eggs can be in the ground, on grass, in rivers and lakes, in raw animal products, on poorly washed fruits, etc.

You don’t have to let a cat outside, however, this does not guarantee that the animal will not become infected with helminths. Cat worms easily spread to people, and children are especially often infected with them.

A domestic cat can get worm eggs from our clothes or from outdoor shoes. A large number of varieties of worms present in the body of domestic animals can also cause harm to us. Kittens and cats can experience any type of helminths; parasites can settle in the intestines, lungs and other organs. As a rule, tapeworms or roundworms appear in the body of cats.

The only option to protect your pet from infection is to worm him regularly, without ignoring his protection from fleas.

At the Murkosha shelter, animals undergo mandatory preventive measures and, if necessary, undergo treatment for parasites.

Read more: “Treatment for parasites”

Deworming of domestic cats in our shelter is a set of special measures that are aimed at cleansing the animal’s body of eggs and larvae of worms and preventing the appearance of parasites.

Helminths infect the mucous membranes of various organs of the cat and live off their tissues and blood. Any parasites that infect an animal release substances during their life processes that can cause poisoning. Worms in a cat can cause weakness and decreased immunity over time. At an advanced stage, intestinal rupture may occur, and this can be fatal.

How can parasites settle in a cat's body?

This point often worries owners of domestic cats. The answer is quite simple - your pet’s diet contains raw fish or meat, waste, flies, all of which can cause infection. In addition, mother cats can transmit helminths to their kittens through milk.

Read more: “Proper nutrition for cats”

Worms can easily pass from cats to humans through skin tissue or fleas.

The presence of special signs of infection in an animal is determined by the degree of disease and the number of parasites in the cat’s body. Symptoms differ between cats and small kittens, and this is also influenced by the type of helminth present. The main signs of the presence of worms can be:

• vomit;
• diarrhea or frequent constipation;
• Individual larvae or even worms may be observed on the cat’s fur or near the anus;
• kittens and cats may be bothered by itching of the anus;
• there is stool with blood or mucus;
• round and dense belly;
• long-term weight loss;
• changes in appetite;
• cough, difficulty breathing;
• heavy shedding;
• underdevelopment of the kitten’s physical characteristics;
• fast fatiguability;
• pallor or yellowness of the mucous membranes;
• premature birth.

Cat owners need to take into account that these symptoms are similar to signs of various infections. If the cat is dewormed at this point, the course of the infection may become more complicated, which in some cases leads to death. In this case, it is necessary to establish an accurate diagnosis; this can only be done by a qualified veterinarian. In our Murkosha shelter, animals can receive timely and professional help.

Read about how to help your cat here: “Signs of an Unhealthy Cat”

If a pet owner suspects that their cat has worms, it is necessary to treat it immediately. You shouldn’t delay this, since the appearance of several signs of worms immediately indicates that parasites are already living in large numbers in your cat’s body.

What is the harm from worms?

A pet infected with worms is a danger to all family members. Worm eggs are transmitted to people through unwashed hands before eating or frequent kissing of your pet.

Parasites have a detrimental effect on a cat's body. The longer they are present in it, the more weakened the pet is:

• Immunity decreases;
• Feeling worse;

The animal experiences pain and spasms;

• Lethargy and loss of interest in others.

Worms pose a serious danger to kittens. A fragile body cannot cope with their destructive effect. A large number of helminths in a kitten’s body can lead to its death.

How to remove worms from cats: a professional approach

If unskilled actions are taken, your animal may even die, so before treating worms, you need to clarify the type of parasites that your cat is infected with, as well as the presence of other infections. Currently, there are drugs for removing tapeworms, however, they will not be effective against, for example, roundworms. And broad-spectrum products can be dangerous for your cat.

At the moment, excellent foreign and Russian remedies are known for the treatment of different types of worms: Dirofen, Panacur, Polyvercan, Febtal, Profender (used once), Kanikquantel, Trontsil K, Prazitel, Pirantel (can be used even for kittens, guaranteed not to provoke poisoning) .

Never buy anti-worming medications at markets or street stalls; they should only be purchased at veterinary institutions or specialized pharmacies if you do not want to harm your pet.

Before deworming, it is necessary to remove fleas from the animal. This procedure should not be neglected, otherwise helminth eggs will reappear in the cat along with the insects. Give preference to flea control products, guided by the following nuances:

• no toxicity;
• the presence of the necessary labeling if the product is chosen for kittens;
• You should not choose external medications for a nursing or pregnant cat or kitten, they can be poisoned.

Features of some groups of animals

Toxins in anthelmintics poison not only worms, but also the cat’s body. True, in the latter case, toxic substances do not have a significant effect. The danger arises only with low immunity, which is typical for sick animals and kittens. The drug will have to be taken with extreme caution during pregnancy and lactation, since all substances from the body are transferred to fragile babies.

In kittens

The first treatment of a kitten is carried out no earlier than three weeks of age. After this, it is processed quarterly, deviating from the schedule only before vaccination. Vaccinations are given starting from 2-3 months, followed by revaccination after 15-30 days. 10 days before vaccination, the baby is dewormed.

The selection of the drug and dosage is made by the veterinarian.

In pregnant and lactating females

Most anthelmintic drugs have a negative effect on embryos, causing abnormalities in their development and causing miscarriages. Veterinarians recommend treatment no later than 10 days before mating. This rids the pet of existing parasites in advance and gives her immunity from the appearance of new ones until the end of feeding.

If you are behind schedule, be sure to make an appointment at the veterinary clinic and find out how to deworm a pregnant cat. In the third trimester, taking medications is at its most dangerous, so it may be necessary to reduce the dosage indicated in the instructions.

Expectant mothers are given low-toxic anthelmintics: Drontal, Profender and Dirofen. The ban includes Polyvercan, Prazitel and Kanikquantel Plus. Their effect on the body is too aggressive and can lead to unpleasant consequences. In the absence of serious symptoms and maintaining good health, you can limit yourself to taking folk remedies.

With nursing pets, things are also not so simple. The first month of drug treatment should be avoided. When infected, babies are temporarily separated from their mother. In the second month after birth, you can take certain medications prescribed by your veterinarian.

Features of the use of anthelmintic drugs

Tablets for removing helminths are divided into cats and kittens; you need to be careful in the dosage. An overdose of anthelmintic drugs can be fatal for a kitten, since almost any anthelmintic drug is toxic, especially those drugs that are used externally on the animal’s withers. They should not be used on old or infected cats or kittens.

For a small kitten, purchase a liquid suspension. Cats can be dewormed from 2 months of age, immediately before vaccination. However, there are products that are suitable for animals only from 3 months - Trontsil-K, Kanikvantel, Febtal.

Be attentive to your pets during treatment:

• you can inject Gamavit into the withers with a medicine for worms (the dose depends on age, varies from 0.5 to 3 ml);
• after the anthelmintic drug, be sure to give the cat any sorbent - it can be activated carbon (kitten - from 0.5 to 1 tablet, cat - 1-1.5) or Enterosgel (for kittens, dilute half a teaspoon according to the attached instructions, for adults you can give one teaspoon);
• After taking the drug, watch how your animal goes to the toilet; if the cat cannot go to the toilet, there is a possibility of intoxication. In this case, 5-7 ml of Duphalac and the same amount of Vaseline will help;
• if you are treating your animal, the process should be repeated after 10-12 days. If you dewormed your cat as a preventive measure, one course will be enough.

Remember, cats expecting offspring or nursing kittens should not be given anthelmintics!

Preparations for deworming cats (deworming)

There are many deworming drugs available now. The products are produced in the form of tablets, drops (external or internal use), paste, suspension. The drug can be administered intramuscularly.

List of the most effective anthelmintics for cats

It is easier to use external agents, suspensions in syringes or “sugars”, which quickly dissolve in water. Tablets are used less frequently, as the cat may constantly spit them out or choke. If she suffers from bouts of vomiting, the medicine will come out along with the masses. In this case, it is recommended to give an injection.

Folk remedies for worms in cats

Folk remedies are characterized by low toxicity and, accordingly, low effectiveness. Therefore, they can be given to pregnant women, weakened pets and small kittens. The products are gentle and a good alternative to chemicals. However, it takes from a week to a month to expel worms using these methods.

For this we use:

1. Garlic . It is considered the most effective. The clove is crushed and added to food. The course of treatment is a week. If the cat does not eat food with garlic, then you can do an enema with a tincture of the plant.
2. Tansy and wormwood . A tablespoon of crushed plants is poured into 250 ml of boiling water, left for an hour, then filtered. The product should be given in the morning, on an empty stomach, an hour before meals. The course of treatment is a week.
3. Freshly squeezed carrot juice . It is administered as an enema, once a day. The course of treatment is 1.5 weeks.
4. Pumpkin seeds . Helps cope with any type of worms. The seeds are cleaned, crushed and filled with warm water. Infuse for half a day and strain. A little honey is added to the product. The mixture should be given 30 minutes before meals or made into enemas.
5. Tansy flowers . An infusion is made based on them. Peppermint, wormwood, wild carrot seeds and buckthorn bark are added to tansy. For infusion, take 2 tbsp. l. mixture and pour in 250 ml of boiling water. Then the product sits for an hour and is filtered. The cat needs to be given the resulting liquid three times a day for 3 days.
6. You can also rid your cat of worms using onions . A small head needs to be crushed into a pulp and filled with a glass of warm water. Then give the liquid for a week in the morning, on an empty stomach.

How to give the tablet to cats and kittens?

If you want to cure a kitten, it is better to immediately buy a liquid suspension. When it is necessary to cure worms in an adult animal, tablets should be given in one of the following ways:

• The cat should sit with its back to you; it is better to sit it on your lap, since when trying to escape, the animal begins to back away. With one hand you should unclench the cat's jaws, with the other you should put the deworming drug into the mouth. Then stroke the animal's throat to trigger the swallowing reflex;
• You can crush the tablet and dissolve it in liquid. Pour the resulting mixture from a syringe without a needle behind the cat’s cheek, gently hold its muzzle so that it does not spit out the medicine;
• the cat is ready to swallow even an unloved treat if you show extra affection, pet it and talk to it. The crushed tablet can be mixed with liquid food, boiled minced meat or chopped meat, then given to a kitten or cat;
• You can treat a particularly violent pet for helminths in this way - wrap it in a blanket, leaving only the head exposed. Place the cat with its back facing up to prevent choking. After that, use method 1 or 2;
• You can worm a cat without it even realizing what happened. To do this, you can use a small piece of butter into which you need to roll the tablet. Place this pellet in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Use the swaddling method, making sure your cat swallows the oil.

Medicines for helminths

Infection with helminths requires treatment using special anthelmintic drugs. The drugs are available in different forms:

• pills;
• drops;
• suspensions;
• special pastes.

Tablets are a common dosage form of drugs for parasite infestation. Such medications are coated and are intended to be swallowed without first being crushed (although crushing is not prohibited). The active substances enter directly into the digestive tract, where they begin their action. Such tools have several advantages:

• long shelf life;
• large selection of drugs.

There are also disadvantages: the tablets do not attract animals with their taste, they act slowly and take a long time to be absorbed in the stomach. They are great for preventing worm infections. This category includes drugs such as Milbemax, Prazicide, Pratel, Kanikvantel, Azinox, Febtal, Enwire.

The drops have a universal action. They are used not only for mandatory deworming - the drugs can destroy skin parasites. The anthelmintic drug is applied to the withers, where the animal cannot lick it off. This is the best solution for both preventive deworming and treatment. This category includes the drugs Palladium Golden Defense, Advocate, Stronghold and others. Drops should not be applied to mucous membranes.

Suspensions, unlike tablets, are fast-acting. If an animal is infected and constantly vomits, then it is recommended to deworm it with just such means. Advantages of suspensions:

• are quickly absorbed;
• suitable for small breeds;
• easy to dose and administer;
• attracts animals with scent.

A dosing syringe is used to administer the medicine. Manufacturers use flavorings, so dogs and cats readily swallow the drug. For deworming dogs, medications must be selected taking into account how willing the pet is to agree to take the medicine. Otherwise, you will have to spend more time on treatment. This group includes the drugs “Procox”, “Febtal-combo”, “Prasicide” in the form of a suspension.

Another interesting form of preparations is pastes. The paste is a concentrated suspension, so these two forms of drugs have similar pros and cons. The paste is excellent for mandatory and repeated deworming. There are many well-known brands here, among them Dirofen.

To deworm a kitten or puppy, it is recommended to choose a special product with a gentle effect.

If after treatment the animal is poisoned

As a rule, possible complications after treatment for worms arise due to poisoning of the body, provoked by the decomposition of dead parasites inside the cat. Malaise sometimes occurs due to inaccurate dosage of medications used to treat an infected pet, as well as due to intolerance to a particular medication. If vomiting occurs, the cat has difficulty breathing, muscle tremors or increased lethargy are observed, it is necessary to urgently call a veterinarian.

At the Murkosha shelter, worms are poisoned from admitted kittens only after all possible infections have been excluded and under the strict supervision of a veterinarian. Treatment should begin no earlier than 2 weeks after you take the kitten into your home, provided that it is absolutely healthy. Also, you should not immediately use different drugs - for helminths, fleas, ticks, etc., otherwise intoxication cannot be avoided.

Treatment and prevention

Routine prevention of helminths can be carried out at home. But it is advisable that the scheme be initially selected by a veterinarian, taking into account the characteristics of the animal’s habitat. For example, a hunting dog or a domestic decorative dog need radically different deworming drugs. If your pet has already shown symptoms of the disease, do not self-medicate and contact a veterinary clinic. Helminths can affect the liver, heart, lungs, intestines, and if not treated adequately, cause irreparable damage to the health of the animal.

Dozens of companies produce anthelmintics for dogs and cats. It is important to choose the right drug taking into account the age of the animal and find the right dosage of the drug. It is necessary to undergo a procedure before preventive vaccination - every pet owner can carry out therapeutic deworming. How to deworm a dog or cat? In most cases, the process does not require extra effort - you just need to give the animal medicine.

Preventive measures for the appearance of parasites

Worms can appear even in the healthiest cat, so prevention won’t hurt:

• make sure your cat does not suffer from fleas;
• remove raw foods from the animal’s diet;
• regularly replace the filler in the pot, do not forget to disinfect the tray;
• keep your shoes out of reach of your pet;
• adhere to basic hygiene rules - wash your hands thoroughly after interacting with your cat, do not allow licking of the face;
• It is necessary to deworm pets 4 times a year; if a cat walks outside, deworming should be carried out more often;
• Parasite prevention should be done 2 weeks before vaccinations.

This point must be taken into account, since vaccination is the receipt by the animal’s body of a certain set of weak viruses. The cat’s immune system processes the received funds for some time. If parasites are present, the animal’s immunity is already weakened. Therefore, the cat’s body will not be able to properly resist the viruses introduced with the vaccination, that is, the vaccination will lose its effect. In addition, vaccination can cause illness or poor health of the animal.

If you have taken several cats or kittens into your home, prevent and treat helminths for all animals at the same time. Products used for humans should not be used to treat cats.

Types of deworming

There are several types of deworming procedures:

• preventive;
• medicinal;
• planned before vaccination.

Preventive and planned deworming can coincide in time if you schedule the procedures correctly. Preventive and therapeutic differ in the effect of drugs, dosage and regimen.

Helminths are divided into three categories according to their life cycle characteristics:

• geohelminths release immature larvae into the external environment (ground, grass, sand), where they mature and then infect animals;
• biohelminths migrate through intermediate hosts (from fish to dog, from dog to human);
• contagious helminths lay mature eggs, from which re-infection occurs.

Depending on the type of worms, a treatment regimen and preventive hygiene measures are prescribed. For example, if you do not carry out general cleaning with thorough treatment of household items, then infection with contagious helminths will occur again and again, even with adequate treatment.

Why are parasites dangerous?

By settling in a cat's body, parasitic worms cause enormous harm to its health. Intestinal helminths injure the mucous membrane of the stomach and intestines, causing internal bleeding and pain. If they multiply excessively, worms can cause obstruction of the intestinal tube. Parasites take away a significant portion of the nutrients, thereby causing the animal to lose weight and lose immunity. Worms produce a large amount of waste products, which are toxins for the host animal. Intoxication and destruction of the tissues of the affected organs, primarily the liver, begins.

Pulmonary helminths, affecting the respiratory organs at a certain stage, cause shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. This directly makes breathing difficult. Heartworms in cats impair the blood supply to the body. Once in the heart, heartworms do not leave it and ultimately cause sudden death of the animal due to cardiac arrest.

Why do you need to worm?

Once in the animal's body, helminths poison it, damaging many internal organs. If you do not regularly give anthelmintic to your cat, the parasites will form a whole ball of worms in the intestines, which will constantly grow. When the ball reaches a large size, the intestines can rupture, which leads to the inevitable death of the animal.

The parasites eat all the beneficial substances, and the cat begins to experience a deficiency in essential vitamins and microelements. Parasites can live in the kidneys, liver, lungs, heart, which leads to disruptions in the functioning of these organs. The cat's immunity decreases and he is often exposed to infectious diseases.

The helminths present in a cat can be easily transmitted to people, which is dangerous, especially for children. Veterinarians recommend deworming a cat immediately after bringing it into your home and repeating the procedure periodically. This will help maintain the health of the animal and the people around it.

How to determine whether you need to deworm

An adult and strong animal has a high resistance to helminths, so determining the presence of worms can be quite difficult. The main symptoms of infection of a pet with endoparasites are:

• the appearance of lethargy and fatigue;
• signs of the presence of helminths or their eggs in feces;
• intestinal disorder characterized by alternating constipation and diarrhea;
• sudden weight loss;
• the presence of severe bloating and increased density in the abdominal area;
• refusal to eat;
• the appearance of vomiting;
• hair loss or dullness;
• manifestations of restlessness and severe nervousness.

The symptoms of infestation of a pet with worms are very similar to the appearance of signs of other, very dangerous and quite serious cat diseases, so the need to carry out anthelmintic measures must necessarily be supported not only by external manifestations, but also by test results.

This is interesting! A veterinary examination of a pet, confirming the need for deworming, includes not only standard tests, but also a diagnostic examination of the animal by a specialized doctor.