Protecting your cat against worms

Protecting your cat against worms is vitally important to help maintain a good state of health, as worms are a serious detriment to your cat’s health.

Worming treatment should always be kept up to date as the symptoms are often not shown until the infestation is severe. The symptoms can include diarrhoea, lethargy and weight loss. Worm segments may also be visible from your cat’s bottom and in their faeces, and they may also display a scooting behaviour. In serious cases worms such as lungworm and heartworm can result in death if left untreated.

The most important step you should take to prevent a worm infestation is to use an effective wormer. There are many on the market however it is always best to use a product that has been recommended as some cheap brands are ineffective.
It is important to remember that worms are very easily picked up and even indoor cats are put at risk regularly therefore all cats should be given a worming treatment.

There are four common types of worm that infect cats and include; tapeworm, roundworm, hookworm and heartworm. They are usually ingested by your cat eating mice and birds which contain worm eggs. These eggs will then develop into worms inside your pet and produce more eggs continuing the cycle, unless prevented or treated.

Milbemax protects against the common types of worms and should be administered every three months, however if your cat regularly hunts they may need more regular worming therefore it will be important that you seek advice from your vet. Milbemax comes in tablet form and can therefore be easily hidden in your cat’s favourite food.

Drontal for cats is the only wormer that kills all eight types of worm that can infect your cat and also comes in tablet form. This wormer should be given every three months to ensure you provide adequate protection to your cat.

Profender is the only topical application that protects against tapeworm, roundworm and hookworm. It is a spot on treatment and is easily applied to the skin on the back of your cat’s neck. This treatment is great for cats that seem to always spot tablets and refuse to eat them no matter what foods they are disguised in.

As well as using a worming treatment it is also important to follow these steps to further reduce the risk of infestation:

• Regularly clean faeces from litter trays and the garden
• Try to discourage your cat from killing other small animals as this is a major way worms are spread
• Frequently clean bedding, bowls etcetera and be sure to clean your hands after touching your cat
• Ensure your cat is protected against fleas as tapeworms can be contracted by cats swallowing infected fleas during grooming