How do deworming drugs work in cats? - briefly
Deworming drugs for cats typically work by paralyzing or killing intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. Common active ingredients like pyrantel and fenbendazole disrupt the worm's nervous system or metabolism, leading to their elimination from the cat's body through excretion.
How do deworming drugs work in cats? - in detail
Deworming drugs for cats function by disrupting the life cycle of intestinal parasites, thereby preventing their reproduction and eventually leading to their elimination from the feline system. The most common types of deworming medications include benzimidazoles, pyrantel, and macrocyclic lactones.
Benzimidazoles, such as fenbendazole, work by binding to the parasite's tubulin protein, which is essential for their cellular structure and division. This inhibits the parasite's ability to reproduce, causing it to die off gradually. Pyrantel functions differently; it paralyzes the parasites by affecting their neuromuscular junctions. Once paralyzed, the worms are unable to hold onto the intestinal lining and are expelled from the body through the cat's feces.
Macrocyclic lactones, including ivermectin and milbemycin, target the parasite's nervous system by increasing the permeability of cell membranes to chloride ions. This leads to hyperpolarization of the nerve cells, resulting in paralysis and death of the worms. These drugs are particularly effective against a wide range of parasites, including heartworms, hookworms, and roundworms.
In addition to their direct effects on the parasites, some deworming drugs also stimulate the cat's immune system, enhancing its ability to combat infestations. For example, praziquantel activates the cat's white blood cells, which then attack and destroy the parasites.
It is crucial for cat owners to follow veterinary advice regarding deworming treatments, as improper use can lead to drug resistance in parasites and potential harm to the cat. Regular deworming schedules help maintain a healthy feline population by reducing the transmission of intestinal parasites.