After how long can you deworm a cat? - briefly
Cats should be dewormed every 3-6 months, depending on their lifestyle and exposure to parasites. However, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice tailored to your cat's specific needs.
After how long can you deworm a cat? - in detail
The frequency of worming a cat is an essential aspect of feline health care, and it depends on several factors, including the type of wormer used, the cat's age, overall health, and exposure to parasites.
Cats can be infected with various types of intestinal worms, such as roundworms (Toxocara cati), hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme), and tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis). The most common dewormers used in cats are macrocyclic lactones, which include milbemycin oxime and selamectin. These products have a broad spectrum of activity against intestinal worms and also protect against heartworm disease.
For kittens, the general recommendation is to start deworming at 3-4 weeks of age, as they can be infected with roundworms from their mother's milk or environment. Kittens should then be treated every 2-4 weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age and should receive a minimum of three treatments during this period. After the initial series of treatments, kittens should be dewormed every 3-4 months until they are 6 months old.
For adult cats, the frequency of worming depends on the product used and the cat's lifestyle. Cats that go outdoors or have a high risk of exposure to parasites may need more frequent treatments than indoor cats. For example, if using a monthly heartworm preventative like milbemycin oxime or selamectin, adult cats should be dewormed every month. However, if using a different product with a longer duration of action, such as emodepside and praziquantel (Profender), the frequency may vary. It is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best worming schedule for your cat based on its individual needs and risk factors.
In addition to regular deworming, it is crucial to maintain good hygiene practices, such as cleaning litter trays regularly, preventing access to raw meat or fish, and controlling fleas, as they can transmit tapeworms. Regular fecal examinations are also recommended to monitor for the presence of intestinal parasites and adjust the worming schedule as needed.
In conclusion, the frequency of deworming a cat depends on various factors, including the type of wormer used, the cat's age, overall health, and exposure to parasites. It is essential to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best worming schedule for your cat based on its individual needs and risk factors.