There are a number of worms which can affect cats, the main ones being roundworms and tapeworms. If these are not eradicated early they may cause serious health problems, especially in kittens and young cats. There are a variety of worm treatments which can be used, so owners should find out which is best for their particular cat.
Types of Cat Worms and How to Recognise Them
Cats can be infested with worms and show no obvious signs, particularly in the case of adult cats. However, often the first sign is an increase in appetite and a general loss of condition. Most kittens acquire roundworms from their mothers, but there may be no obvious signs, so they should be de-wormed regularly. The owner can check a cat’s anus for bits of tapeworm, which look like long grains of rice.
What Worm Treatment Should You Use?
Worming products can be bought in pet shops and supermarkets. However, it is important to check that they are for both roundworms and tapeworms, as many only treat one of these types of worms. Also, the owner should follow the instructions carefully, and not give the cat too large a dose. Many worm treatments can now be bought on the internet, and this may be a way of saving money. But if the cat is sick, it may be preferable to obtain worm treatments from the vet, who will then be able to ascertain that the problem is indeed caused by worms, and not some other disease or condition.
How Often Should You Worm Your Cat?
Kittens should be routinely wormed, preferably under veterinary supervision. Adult cats should be wormed at intervals. Many vets recommend every six months for cats which go outside and hunt, and less often for indoor cats.
How Should You Worm a Cat?
The usual way to worm a cat is by giving it cat worm tablets by mouth. Popular brands are Drontal worming tablets and Panacur cat wormers. Some cats will take these tablets willingly, but worm tablets tend to taste bad, and often cats will spit them out or refuse to take them at all. Panacur also make granules which can be sprinkled on the cat’s food, and this is a good idea for some cats. More recently cat spot-on wormers have been produced, similar to the spot-on cat flea products which are available. The wormer comes as a liquid which is put on the back of the cat’s neck and absorbed through the skin. This is an excellent idea for a cat who refuses any other type of dewormer.
Worming a cat should become part of a caring pet owner’s routine, along with vaccinations, de-fleaing, dental checks etc. If it is done regularly, the result will be a healthy, happy cat, for many years to come.
Source
101 Questions Your Cat Would Ask, by Honor Head, Eagle Editions Ltd 2005
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