Cats often get intestinal parasites. These parasites can make cats sick. Non – prescription deworming treatments offer a way for cat owners to help their pets. This article will explain about cat parasites, types of non-prescription treatments, how to use them, and more.
Types of Intestinal Parasites in Cats
Roundworms are common in cats. They look like small pieces of spaghetti. Kittens often get roundworms from their mother cats. These worms live in the intestines. They eat the food that the cat digests. Too many roundworms can make a cat’s stomach hurt. They can also make a cat vomit or have diarrhea.
Hookworms are tiny but harmful. They attach to the inside of a cat’s intestine. Hookworms suck the cat’s blood. A cat with hookworms may become weak. Its gums may turn pale. The cat might also lose weight and not want to eat.
Tapeworms break into small segments. You can sometimes see these segments around the cat’s bottom or in its feces. They look like small grains of rice. Tapeworms grow by taking nutrients from the cat’s body. They can make a cat uncomfortable and cause it to scratch its bottom a lot.
Whipworms live in the large intestine of cats. They are hard to detect. Whipworms can cause diarrhea. The cat’s feces may be soft and have blood in it. These worms can make a cat feel very sick if not treated.
Coccidia are another type of parasite. They are tiny organisms that live in the intestines. Coccidia can cause diarrhea, especially in kittens. Kittens with coccidia may become weak and dehydrated.
Signs Your Cat Has Intestinal Parasites
One sign is a change in the cat’s poop. The poop may be soft, runny, or have blood in it. You might also see small worms or worm segments in the feces. This is a clear sign that your cat has parasites.
Cats with parasites may vomit often. They may throw up food or liquid. Some cats eat a lot but still lose weight. This happens because the parasites take the nutrients from the cat’s food.
A cat’s coat can show if it has parasites. The fur may look dull and rough. The cat may also be less active than usual. It might sleep more and not want to play. Some cats with parasites may have a pot – bellied appearance.
Non-prescription Deworming Treatments Available
Ivermectin is a common ingredient in non-prescription dewormers. It can kill many types of worms, like roundworms and hookworms. Ivermectin works by attacking the nervous system of the worms. This makes the worms unable to move or function.
Fenbendazole is another popular option. It can treat roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Fenbendazole stops the worms from using food for energy. Without energy, the worms die and pass out of the cat’s body.
Pyrantel pamoate is often used to treat roundworms and hookworms. It makes the worms’ muscles relax. When the muscles relax, the worms cannot hold on to the cat’s intestine. Then, the worms are passed out in the feces.
Some non-prescription dewormers come as tablets. These tablets are easy to give to cats. You can hide the tablets in food. Other dewormers are in liquid form. You can use a syringe to give the liquid to the cat. There are also deworming pastes. These pastes can be spread on the cat’s skin or given directly in the mouth.
How to Choose the Right Non – prescription Dewormer
First, look at the signs your cat shows. If you see roundworm – like shapes in the poop, choose a dewormer that works on roundworms. If your cat has diarrhea and you suspect coccidia, find a treatment for that.
Check the age of your cat. Some non – prescription dewormers are not for kittens. Make sure the dewormer is safe for your cat’s age. Also, consider the weight of your cat. The dewormer label will tell you how much to give based on weight.
Read the label carefully. Look for the active ingredients. Make sure the dewormer can treat the type of parasites your cat has. Check the expiration date. Do not use a dewormer that has expired.
Preparing to Use Non-prescription Dewormers
Before using the dewormer, read the instructions again. Make sure you understand how to give the dewormer and how much to give. Get everything ready. If it is a tablet, have some soft cat food to hide it in. If it is a liquid, get a clean syringe.
Find a quiet place. A small room with no distractions is good. This helps you focus on giving the dewormer to your cat. You may also want to have some treats. Treats can help calm your cat and make it easier to give the dewormer.
If your cat has other health problems, talk to a vet first. The vet can tell you if the non – prescription dewormer is safe for your cat.
Giving Non-prescription Dewormers to Your Cat
If the dewormer is a tablet, hide it in a small piece of soft cat food. Make sure the tablet is completely covered. Then, give the food to your cat. Watch to make sure your cat eats all of the food.
For liquid dewormers, draw the correct amount into a syringe. Hold your cat gently. Open its mouth a little and put the tip of the syringe on the side of the mouth. Slowly push the liquid into the cat’s mouth. Be careful not to give the liquid too fast.
If you are using a deworming paste, follow the instructions on the package. Some pastes are spread on the back of the cat’s neck. Others are given directly in the mouth. Make sure you apply or give the right amount.
Dosage and Frequency
The dosage of non-prescription dewormers depends on your cat’s weight. The label on the dewormer will have a chart. Find your cat’s weight on the chart. It will tell you how much dewormer to give.
For kittens, the dosage is usually less than for adult cats. Kittens may need to be dewormed more often. They can get worms from their mother. Kittens may need deworming every two to three weeks when they are young.
Adult cats may need deworming once or twice a year. But if your cat goes outside a lot, it may need more frequent treatment. Outdoor cats are more likely to get parasites from other animals.
Aftercare After Deworming
After giving the dewormer, watch your cat’s poop. You may see dead worms in the feces. This is normal. It means the dewormer is working. Keep an eye on the poop for a few days.
Check your cat’s appetite. A cat that was not eating well because of parasites should start to eat more. Also, watch your cat’s energy level. It should become more active as the parasites are removed.
If your cat still has signs of parasites after a few days, or if its symptoms get worse, see a vet. The vet can do more tests and give stronger treatment if needed.
Possible Side Effects of Non-prescription Dewormers
Most cats tolerate non-prescription dewormers well. But some cats may have side effects. One common side effect is an upset stomach. The cat may vomit or have diarrhea. This usually goes away after a day or two.
Some cats may be less active or not want to eat for a short time. This is also normal and should pass soon. In rare cases, a cat may have an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling of the face, hives, or trouble breathing. If you see these signs, take your cat to the vet right away.
Preventing Intestinal Parasites in Cats
Keep your cat’s living area clean. Wash its bedding often. Vacuum the floors and furniture. This helps get rid of parasite eggs that may be in the environment.
Do not let your cat eat things outside. Outdoor cats may eat dead animals. These can carry parasites. If your cat goes outside, watch it closely. Do not let it hunt or eat small rodents.
Get your cat vaccinated on time. Some vaccines can help protect against certain parasites. Also, keep your cat away from other cats that may have parasites. If you have multiple cats, check all of their health regularly.
When to See a Vet
If you are not sure if your cat has parasites, see a vet. The vet can do tests to find out. If your cat has a lot of parasites or seems very sick, take it to the vet right away.
If the non – prescription dewormer does not seem to work, or if your cat has bad side effects, see a vet. The vet can give stronger treatment or advice on what to do next.
Conclusion
Non-prescription deworming treatments can help keep cats healthy. By knowing about cat parasites, choosing the right treatment, and using it correctly, you can help your cat. But always be careful. If you have any doubts, talk to a vet. With good care, your cat can stay free from intestinal parasites.
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