Deworming

Most cats are exposed to parasites at some point in their life. If they are infected and left untreated, this can be detrimental to their health and quality of life. Not to mention you can catch some of them too!

What are some types of parasites found in cats?

Internal parasites – Tapeworm, roundworm, lungworm, hookworm, and heartworm.
External parasites – Fleas, ticks, and mites.

If my cat has worms, what symptoms should I look for?

Bloated abdomen, diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, tapeworm segments and more. Some animals do not have any symptoms at all!

Are worms dangerous to humans?

Yes, some endoparasites can be transferred from animal to human.

What is the deworming schedule?

Deworming is usually done monthly in dogs and cats. If the animal is at a lower risk (i.e. is an indoor animal), they are often only dewormed once every three months.

Are there any side effects of deworming medication?

Specific side effects may vary depending on the type of medication prescribed. However, the most common side effects your cat may experience as a result of taking deworming medication would be gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea. Hypersalivation (AKA drooling) is also a possible side effect, although not as common. It is not uncommon to visually see the presence of parasites in your pet’s feces or vomit shortly after taking antiparasitics. It is a sign that the medication is doing its job and ridding your cat of intestinal parasites.