Feline Dewormer: How to Choose the Best Medicine

Worms are common parasites that can affect the health of cats, causing from digestive symptoms to more serious complications. To protect the felines, preventive vermifugation is recommended, but choosing the appropriate remedy requires attention to factors such as weight, age and estilo de vida of the animal. According to experts, only the veterinarian can indicate the safest and most effective product for each case.

Among the most frequent parasites are scars, round worms that settle in the intestine of the cat and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite and weight loss. Some species can also infect humans. The most common genus in these animals is the Toxocara, which also affects dogs.

Another relevant group is the ringworms, round worms of the genus Ancylostoma, which attach to the wall of the cat's gut. Cestodes, known as tapeworms, are flatworms whose transmission of the most common type, Dipylidium caninum, occurs when the animal ingests infected fleas. Some species of tapeworms can also affect humans.

Wide spectrum worms fight more parasites

Because round worms and flatworms are fought by different substances, most cat worms combine two active principles, which is called broad spectrum action. This combination allows you to treat and prevent mixed infestations with a single product.

There are several types of vermifuges, each with an indication for specific situations. Therefore, only the veterinarian will be able to indicate which is best for your pet. To do this, the professional may request laboratory tests of blood and stools.

Factors that influence the choice of vermifuge

The current weight of the cat is a fundamental criterion: the dose of all vermifuges is calculated by weight. Therefore, weigh the cat before each deworming, since the wrong dose can cause intoxication or reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

Age also matters, as each product has minimum age and weight of use, informed in the telenovela. The puppies follow a scheme of their own, with more doses than the adults.

The estilo de vida of the animal should be considered: the cat that has access to the street or lives with other animals has more contact with parasites. Even the cat who lives alone inside the house needs a worm-repellent, because worm eggs can come through clothes, bags and shoes.

Available formats and health status

Vermifuges are available in different formats: tablets, topical pipettes, applied to the neck, and oral (liquid) suspensions, common for puppies because they allow smaller doses. See tips on how to give worms to cats without stress.

The state of health of the cat also influences the choice: weakened cats, with chronic diseases or in treatment with other medications may need adjustments in the choice or in the dose.

The worms below are among the most suitable for cats and combine active against round and boring worms. The choice between them should be made with the veterinarian, and the use should always follow the telenovela.

Frequency of vermifugation and warning symptoms

In adult cats, the worm is usually repeated every 3 to 6 months, according to the animal's routine. Puppies receive doses more frequently in the first months of life. The exact range is defined by the veterinarian.

Since there are several different species of the parasite, the symptoms vary greatly. However, as worms lodge in the intestine and harm the health of the animal as a whole, pay attention to signs such as bloated abdomen, which you understand best in content about cats with bloated belly; and lethargy, that is, tiredness and discouragement out of the ordinary.

Many cats with worms do not show signs at first, so preventive vermifugation remains important even when your cat looks healthy. If you notice any of these symptoms, look for the vet before giving any vermifuge, as these signs may also have other causes.

Diagnosis and professional guidance

When receiving a kitten with suspicion of worms in his office, the professional responsible will perform tests for the diagnosis. The main one is stool examination, but analyzing the cat’s symptoms can also help.

Never give your cat vermifuge on its own. Diarrhea, vomiting and weight loss can also have other causes than worms, and the right dose depends on the current weight of the animal. Use the product always according to the veterinary surgeon's instructions.

To ensure the health of your feline, consult a trusted veterinarian and keep the vermifugation up to date. Prevention is the best way to avoid complications and protect your family as well, as some parasites can be transmitted to humans.

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