Why Cats Need Annual De-Worming and Parasite Prevention

You may be wondering why you must regularly bring your kitty to the cat hospital for de-worming and parasite checks after your cat veterinarian already gave him such protection as a kitten. But while those initial medications were indeed critical, they do not last forever. As your cats early protection against parasites begins to fade, he once again grows vulnerable to a variety of potential health risks. At All About Cats Veterinary Hospital, we want to make sure cat owners understand the importance of annual de-worming and parasite prevention. Here are just a few of the parasites that threaten your cats health:

Roundworms

Cats frequently ingest the eggs of these spaghetti-like intestinal parasites from several different sources. After exposure to the feces of infected animals either outside or in a shared litterbox, cats can ingest the parasites when they lick or clean themselves. They can also ingest the parasites when hunting rodents and birds. Infested cats can even transfer the larvae to their kittens through their milk. Symptoms of infection include a bloated abdomen, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea and weight loss. The eggs can survive for months in fecal matter.

Heartworms

Cats become infected with heartworms from mosquito bites. They find a home inside the cats heart and lungs, causing respiratory problems and possible heart failure. While cats are able to get treatment to kill heartworms, a toxic reaction as the worms leave the body can prove fatal. Annual preventative care from a cat vet is the only surefire protection against this parasite. One of the main symptoms of heartworms in cats is chronic vomiting.

Fleas, Ticks and Mites

These external parasites can transfer serious diseases. Fleas can give your cat intestinal tapeworms (yet another parasite), while ticks can transfer Lyme disease and mites can cause serious ear infections. Our cat hospital can prescribe oral or topical medications to keep the pests away.

Stomach Worms

Even indoor cats are at risk for stomach worms. These worms can be ingested when a cat eats a cricket or a cockroach. Cats should be continually checked for parasites, whether they are outdoor/indoor or strictly indoor pets.

Our Animal Hospital Makes Prevention Easy

At our veterinary hospital, we provide Las Vegas cat vet care and preventative medicine to keep your feline companion healthy. Our team of cat veterinarians can devise a schedule of annual evaluations, de-worming and other parasite prevention to keep your cat healthy, year after year.

Has your cat ever had parasites? How was it treated?