In this article on our site we are going to talk about Ivermectin for cats, a drug that has been used for decades. Registered for use in cattle, there are now other more specific, effective and safer products that have been studied in cats and are therefore more recommended. Next, we will explain in which cases ivermectin is used and what are the precautions that we must take into account, since, like any medication, it can have adverse effects.
What is ivermectin for cats?
Ivermectin is a macrocyclic lactone that has been used since the 1980s in cattle, sheep, goats or horses. Its antiparasitic activity has extended its use to companion animals such as dogs and cats. Ivermectin works by paralyzing and thereby killing parasites. It is marketed in several formats so that in the market we can find ivermectin in paste, pipette or for oral or injectable administration, not registered for use in pets.
Administration on the skin can cause alopecia and desquamation in the area. Selamectin or moxidectin are other widely used lactones that are often used in pipettes and are an alternative to ivermectin for cats.
What is ivermectin used for in cats?
Applications of ivermectin in cats are based, as we have said, on its effect against some parasites. Thus, it is capable of eliminating nematodes and mites, with which it can be used as an internal dewormer against roundworms and in the treatment of diseases caused by mites, both in inside the ear and on the skin. An example is its use in ear mange caused by Otodectes cynotis mites, or ivermectin for cats with notoedric or sarcoptic mange, skin conditions also caused by mites. Its application in the treatment of infestations by external parasites such as fleas and ticks is controversial, so other antiparasitics that eliminate and prevent these reinfestations are recommended.
In addition, we must highlight its application in the prevention and treatment of dirofilariosis or heartworm, a parasite capable of staying in this organ, in the lungs and in veins that go to the liver. This worm enters the body in immature forms that are transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Due to the importance of the organs it affects, it is a potentially fatal parasitosis. The use of ivermectin in animals suspected of suffering from filariasis must be done under strict veterinary supervision, since a dose that rapidly kills the microfilariae can trigger a severe anaphylactic reaction.
Dosage of ivermectin for cats
Both the amount to be administered and the frequency of the dose of ivermectin for cats are highly variable, since it will depend on the reason for which we use it. It is therefore very important that, in all cases, before giving the cat ivermectin we consult the veterinarian, even if we have already given it to him before. Of course, having used ivermectin in other animals does not imply that it will have the same effect in the cat. Next, we will examine the possible adverse reactions.
Ivermectin toxicity to cats
If we follow the veterinarian's instructions, the use of ivermectin will be safe for our cat, unless it is allergic to the product, which is not very common. Otherwise, the side effects of ivermectin in cats can be very serious. Thus, an inadequate dosage can cause intoxication that produces symptoms such as the following:
- Incoordination.
- Vomiting and diarrhea.
- Depression.
- Tremors and exaggeratedly large movements.
- Dilated pupils.
- Hypersalivation.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Decrease temperature.
- No reflections.
- Paralysis in the hind legs.
If after administering ivermectin we see any of these signs, we should immediately go to the vet There is no antidote against ivermectin, so so the treatment is based on the establishment of fluid therapy and the necessary drugs to control the symptoms. Recovery may take several weeks.
Contraindications of ivermectin for cats
Finally, before administering ivermectin for kittens we must consult the veterinarian, since the smallest kittens could be intoxicated. An overdose will be more dangerous in them. In the same way, we should not give ivermectin again to a cat that has shown to be allergic to it. Special precaution also deserves pregnant and lactating cats, since ivermectin passes into milk.
