How often should cats and kittens be given deworming tablets?

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How and when is the best time to deworm adult cats and kittens?

One of the most common problems that owners of furry friends must solve is worms in cats and dogs. Moreover, this problem concerns not only animals walking on the streets, but also those who sleep on the couch with us.

Infection with worms occurs due to contact with other sick animals or due to contact with larvae on the street. At home, larvae can enter the room on people’s shoes. Cats can also become infected with worms by eating raw fish and meat.

Therefore, it is always useful for cat owners to know what cat deworming is, what to do when an animal gets sick, and what preventative measures are taken.

Symptoms of worms in cats

At the initial stage of infection with worms, symptoms may not be visible; signs of the disease, as a rule, appear in the acute or chronic stage of the disease.

Symptoms that may indicate a cat is infected with worms:

• vomit,
• feces – with blood, there are disturbances in the stool in the form of constipation or diarrhea,
• worms or their larvae are visible in the feces,
• bloating,
• itching near the anus, the animal rubs this place on the floor,
• increased appetite or vice versa, lack of it, body weight decreases,
• profuse lacrimation,
• lethargy and fatigue, apathy,
• retarded growth and development in kittens,
• tousled fur,
• enlarged liver and yellowing of mucous membranes.
• convulsions.

When and how often to give dewormers to kittens

Small kittens are especially vulnerable to infection with worms, so veterinarians advise preventive deworming.

1. The first anti-worm medications are given to kittens at the age of 2 and 4 weeks.
2. Until kittens reach 16 weeks of age, deworming medications should be given to them every 2-3 weeks.
3. Until the age of 6 months, prevention of helminths in kittens should be carried out once a month.
4. From 6 months to a year, deworming medications are given to young cats every 2-3 months.

After this, anti-worm medications are given to cats as needed, and it is advisable to carry out prophylaxis at least twice a year.

Deworming tablets for cats: when to give and how often

Note that in addition to tablets for deworming, medicine against helminthiasis can be in the form of a suspension, drops on the withers, you can choose what is best for the cat and will be convenient for you.

• You should read the instructions carefully. The dosage of drugs depends on the weight of the animal: if you give a minimal amount of the drug, it will not work, and an overdose will harm the body.
• If your pet has digestive problems, consult your veterinarian first.
• Veterinarians usually recommend doing this in the morning, before the first feeding, when the cat is hungry and more likely to accept the pill.

How often should cats be given deworming tablets?

1. For prevention, once every three months, that is, 4 times a year, give the cat an anthelmintic. Do not miss the appointment, even if the cat does not leave the apartment.
2. Some drugs need to be given 2 times – the second tablet 10 days after the first was given. Read the instructions for use carefully or ask your veterinarian to advise you. This is necessary because this medicine first kills the adult worms, and then their larvae.
3. Sometimes deworming needs to be done outside of the schedule. For example, before vaccination or surgery. Parasites weaken the animal’s immunity, making it more difficult for it to produce new antibodies.

All animals in the room should be given anthelmintic at the same time.

Contraindications to deworming

Different drugs have their own contraindications, the most common of which are:

• Presence of infectious diseases.
• The rehabilitation period after illness.
• Pregnancy and lactation.

Age: pay attention to the age at which this or that drug can be given. Some of them are allowed for kittens from 3 weeks of age, and some – only from 2 months.

1. Prevention of worm infection
2. Do not feed your cat raw fish and meat.
3. Avoid contact of the cat with stray animals.
4. Clean your cat’s litter box regularly.
5. Disinfect cat areas regularly and wash cat bowls thoroughly.
6. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the furry.
7. After coming from outside, put your clothes and shoes in a closed closet.
8. Use flea repellent, especially if your cat is outdoors.