Deworming is an essential step to guarantee the health of your adult cat. It eliminates internal parasites, such as roundworms, tapeworms, and heartworms, which can cause digestive problems, growth retardation, and serious health issues. The frequency of deworming and the dosage vary depending on the type of parasite, the age of the cat, its lifestyle, and its overall health. It is therefore crucial to consult your veterinarian for personalized advice and to choose the dewormer suitable for your cat.
Understanding Internal Parasites
Internal parasites can affect cats of all ages, but they are particularly common in kittens and cats living outdoors. These parasites can cause various symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, a dull coat, and general weakness. Some parasites can even cause respiratory problems, heart problems, or damage to internal organs.
- Roundworms: Roundworms, such as ascarids (Toxocara cati) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum), are common parasites in cats. They can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and a poor overall condition. Kittens are particularly vulnerable to ascarid infestations, which can be transmitted through breast milk.
- Tapeworms: Tapeworms, such as (Taenia taeniaeformis), are often transmitted by ingesting infested fleas. They can cause digestive problems, loss of appetite, and anemia.
- Heartworms: Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause serious heart damage and even death. Symptoms of a heartworm infestation may not be visible immediately but may appear gradually with signs of coughing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and edema.
Importance of an Adapted Dosage
The dosage of the dewormer must be adapted to the cat's weight and the type of parasite. Underdosing can lead to treatment ineffectiveness, while overdosing can cause significant side effects. It is therefore crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult your veterinarian to determine the appropriate dosage.
Types of Dewormers for Adult Cats
There are different types of dewormers available for adult cats, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The choice of dewormer type will depend on the type of parasite to be treated, the cat's health, and the cat's lifestyle.
Broad-Spectrum Dewormers
Broad-spectrum dewormers are effective against several types of internal parasites. They are generally used for routine deworming and can be administered every 3 to 6 months depending on the cat's lifestyle. It is important to note that broad-spectrum dewormers are not always effective against all types of parasites, especially heartworms. A veterinarian may prescribe a broad-spectrum dewormer if your cat is at risk of infestation by multiple types of parasites.
Specific Dewormers
Specific dewormers are intended for a particular parasite. They are used to treat specific infestations and are usually prescribed by a veterinarian. For example, a specific heartworm dewormer will be used to treat an infestation by Dirofilaria immitis.
Oral Dewormers
Oral dewormers are available as tablets, capsules, pastes, or oral solutions. They are usually administered once and are effective in eliminating internal parasites. Most cats easily accept deworming pastes, which can be mixed with food. Tablets can be administered directly into the cat's mouth or hidden in a treat. It is important to choose an oral dewormer suitable for the cat's size and swallowing ability.
Topical Dewormers
Topical dewormers are applied directly to the cat's skin, usually between the shoulder blades. They are available as spot-ons or pipettes. These products are effective in preventing flea and tick infestations, but they are not always effective against internal parasites.
Determining the Adapted Dosage: Key Factors
The dewormer dosage is determined based on several key factors. A veterinarian is best placed to determine the appropriate dosage for your cat.
Cat's Weight
The dewormer dose is usually calculated based on the cat's weight. For example, a 4 kg cat will need a different dose than an 8 kg cat. It is important to refer to the manufacturer's instructions to determine the exact dose based on your cat's weight.
Cat's Age
Some dewormers are not suitable for kittens. It is important to check the manufacturer's instructions to know the minimum recommended age for the product's use.
Type of Parasite
It is essential to choose a dewormer suitable for the type of parasite. A dewormer against roundworms will not be effective against tapeworms. It is crucial to consult a veterinarian to identify the type of parasite and choose the appropriate dewormer.
Deworming Frequency
The frequency of deworming depends on the type of parasite and the cat's lifestyle. For cats living indoors and not at risk of infestation, deworming every 3 to 6 months may be sufficient. For cats living outdoors and likely to be exposed to parasites, more frequent deworming may be necessary. A veterinarian can advise you on the most appropriate deworming frequency for your cat.
Cat's Medical History
Certain medical conditions may require an adjustment to the dewormer dosage. For example, a cat suffering from liver problems may require a lower dose or a specific type of dewormer. It is important to consult a veterinarian to determine the most appropriate dosage for your cat's health condition.
Practical Tips for Deworming
Here are some practical tips for deworming your adult cat:
- Choose a suitable dewormer: Consult a veterinarian to choose the dewormer best suited to your cat's needs.
- Administer the dewormer correctly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to administer the dewormer. For oral dewormers, you can mix the paste with food or use a syringe to administer it directly into the mouth. For topical dewormers, apply the product to the skin between the shoulder blades.
- Precautions to take: Avoid contact with the cat's eyes and mouth. Keep the dewormer out of reach of children.
- Monitor the cat: After deworming, monitor your cat for any potential side effects. If you notice any abnormal signs, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Deworming is an important element of your cat's health. By following your veterinarian's advice and using a suitable dewormer, you can help protect your feline against internal parasites and ensure a healthy and happy life.