In this article on our site we are going to talk about the different ways in which we can deworm a cat, both internally and externally. Although our feline lives at home and without access to the outside, it can still suffer from the presence of parasites, since we can carry them ourselves or they can be transmitted through another animal. Therefore, as caregivers, we must know the different antiparasitic products that exist, their forms of use and frequency.
According to living conditions and age, the veterinarian will indicate a suitable deworming schedule to drive away annoying parasites. Keep reading and discover with us how to deworm a cat, baby and adult.
Types of parasites in cats
Before explaining how to deworm a cat, we must bear in mind that we are basically dealing with two types of parasites: theexternal , such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes or lice, and the internal , among which the intestinal worms, although we can also find worms in the lungs or the heart.
For sale we can find very different products to deworm cats, ranging from pills to collars or pipettes. In the following sections we will explain the pros and cons of all of them, as well as their different uses and forms of application.
You should know that parasites, in addition to the discomfort they cause due to their action on the body, can transmit other parasites such as tapeworm or even serious diseases such as haemobartonellosis, which causes potentially fatal haemolytic anemia.
When to deworm a cat for the first time?
As soon as a cat comes home, the first thing we should do is go to the vet, since it will be this professional who will explain how to deworm our cat depending on its circumstances. Of course, a first deworming always must be both internal and external
Around two or three weeks of life, depending on the type of product, the kitten can start internal deworming. This means that even if we adopt a baby cat, it is still necessary to deworm it. In fact, parasites in kittens can lead to problems such as diarrhea or anemia. For these little ones, paste or syrup is usually used for internal deworming, administered for several days, and spray for external deworming.
Next, we will review the main antiparasitics, which we should always use according to veterinary advice.
Cat pipettes
The pipette is the best known and most used antiparasitic product. It consists of a plastic device that contains the deworming liquid inside Learning how to deworm cats with a pipette is very simple, since you only have to break the upper part of the pipette and spill its contents on the head, at a point where the cat cannot reach it with its paws, separating the hair well so that it comes into direct contact with the skin. Let's examine its advantages and disadvantages:
- Cat Pipette Pros: Very easy to use and store, well accepted by most cats. Pipettes are usually effective for removing fleas and ticks, but some are also active against internal parasites, facilitating complete deworming. One application is enough, approximately every 4-6 weeks, to maintain a preventive effect that eliminates fleas and ticks when they bite the cat. After its use, the parasites begin to die between 24-48 hours later. There are pipettes that also act on flea eggs, preventing their hatching and therefore reducing their presence in the environment. They can be used from two months of age.
- Cons of pipettes for cats: Some cats may squirm at handling or be bothered by the odor of the liquid. They cannot be bathed in the 2-3 days before and after use to achieve complete diffusion throughout the body.
As we can see, the pros are much greater than the cons, so this is a highly demanded antiparasitic product due to its effectiveness and ease of use. To purchase the pipette for cats and carry out internal and external deworming, we can go to online sales stores, such as MiPipeta, where we find a wide variety of antiparasitic products.
Cat deworming tablets
Another option for deworming cats is pills or tablets. Usually used for internal deworming, we can also find them with an anti-flea effect quickly, for those cats that suffer serious infestations. They act in a matter of hours, but it is important to know that, in general, they do not have a preventive effect. In other words, cat deworming pills do not prevent the animal from suffering an infestation, but they do eliminate the parasites once they are in your body. Likewise, its regular use controls the presence of parasites in the environment, reducing the chances of contagion. In summary, these would be the advantages and disadvantages:
- Pros: Internal worm pills are given every 3-4 months, fighting a wide spectrum of parasites. They can be used from six weeks of age.
- Cons: It is not easy to give tablets to cats. If yours is one of those who usually reject this type of product, you will have to manage to get him to ingest it, hiding the pill in his favorite food, for example.
Cat deworming sprays
Antiparasitics can also be used as a spray, specifically those that combat fleas and ticksThey are used by spraying the product on the cat's body until it is completely wet. They are handled with gloves, in well-ventilated rooms and making sure that we reach the whole body. They offer protection that lasts about four weeks. If we want to know how to deworm a cat with a spray, we must take into account the following disadvantages and advantages:
- Pros: its protective effect lasts approximately one month and can be used from eight weeks of age.
- Cons: Its application is cumbersome and cats are often startled by the noise of the sprayer.
There are also other liquids with an antiparasitic effect: the shampoos, which can be used occasionally, since many cats do not accept them well. degree the bath or the subsequent drying, which must be exhaustive. They kill the fleas that are currently on the animal.
Collars to deworm cats
Finally, another option for us to decide how to deworm our cat is collars. Its use is simple, since we will only have to put them on the neck and adjust them. These are its pros and cons:
- Pros: Easy and quick to use, they usually offer lasting protection for 4-8 months, depending on the brand.
- Cons: Collars can snag, especially if the cat has access to the outdoors. If we opt for them, we must make sure that they include a anti-choking device Another drawback is that some cats do not accept wearing anything around their necks. Also, they cannot be used before 10 weeks of age.
Side effects of deworming products for cats
Now that we know how to deworm a cat, we must insist that we can only use the products indicated by our veterinarian, since it is very important to respect the dosages and the protocols for use. Otherwise, we may not achieve the desired effect or even cause intoxication We must be especially careful with pipettes and always make sure that the one we use is suitable for cats. The symptoms of intoxication would be the following:
- Hypersalivation.
- Incoordination.
- Tremors.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Respiratory problems.
If we observe any of these signs we must go to the vet immediately, since it is an emergency.
On the other hand, if the collar produces any reaction, of course, we must remove it. Flea pills can cause episodes of hyperactivity that resolve spontaneously. On the contrary, tablets for internal parasites have a wide safety margin.
How long does it take to deworm a cat?
After reviewing all the antiparasitic products on the market, their forms of administration and frequency of use, as well as their possible side effects, we will have to choose which is the most suitable for our feline, always under the recommendation of the veterinarian. To do this, we can choose how to deworm a cat based on the time in which the product begins its action, especially if the animal has already been infested, since not all products act equally quickly. Thus, we must be guided by the following data:
- The pipette takes about 24-48 hours to take effect and it lasts for 4-6 weeks. The collar takes approximately the same time but its activity reaches 4-8 months.
- The spray can instantly kill parasites on the cat's body and offers protection for about four weeks.
- The tablets against fleas act from 4 to 24 hourssince ingestion.
- The antiparasitic tablets take effect as they pass through the digestive system.
