2007-03-23 03:48:07 · 12 answers · asked by Heidi. 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
Worm treatment only works on adult worms. But at any one time, any cat or dog has a number of worms in different stages of the life cycle - egg, larvae and adult. So all pets carry some worms most of the time.
Kittens catch them from the mother when they are in the womb (so do pups). Thats why its so important to worm and vaccinate pregnant animals.
The adults die when you worm them, but the eggs go on to hatch out afterwards. Thats why we never just worm once, but have a worming schedule. Give repeated doses at the right time and you'll clear most of them up.
But pets pick up new eggs all the time; every time they go on grass or earth or get bitten by a flea, so you have to keep worming throughout the animals life.
Cats get roundworm, tapeworm (transmitted by flea bites) and toxoplasmosis. So if that concerns you, see the vet, and get a de-flea treatment as well; fleas work the same as worms.
2007-03-23 04:13:09 · answer #1 · answered by sarah c 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Every kitten I have gotten has had worms. I'm not sure if they were born with them or contracted them from their parents after birth. Take them to your vet. The vet will get them an antibiotic that your kitten will need to take daily for about a week. After the antibiotics run out, take them back to make sure the worms are gone. To tell if you kitten has worms, feel their belly. If it's firm and distended, chances are good they have worms, but only your vet can tell you for sure. Good luck!
2007-03-23 15:43:34 · answer #2 · answered by Beckie D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi,
Kittens are not born with worms nor fleas: worms do live in the guts and fleas in the fur of cats.
There is no chance they can cross the placenta.
However, kittens are weak creatures that will catch easily and get overwhelmed with the fleas and worms in their environment. That is why they need regular and proper flea and worm treatment.
Please use veterinary licensed stuff and don't waste your time and money with supermarket stuff. You may visit http://www.vetstoria.co.uk if you intend to purchase reasonably priced stuff.
I recommend panacur for the worms:
http://www.vetstoria.co.uk/templates/shop.php?family=familypet&product=22314
Best wishes
Rik
2007-03-23 11:51:56 · answer #3 · answered by rik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No kittens are not born with worms but if the mother has any she will give them to the kitten when they lick one another. The vet will check this out for you.
2007-03-23 11:09:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Pretty much, if they don't get them transplacentally in utero then they get them soon after when the worms move to the mammary glands and are transmitted in the milk.
You can't kill eggs, you can only control the adult worms and reduce their repopulation by consistent worming.
Some spot on flea treatments such as advocate also prevent worm infestations.
2007-03-23 11:34:55 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes. the kitten can get the worms from the mother while nurseing
2007-03-23 11:30:57 · answer #6 · answered by TRUE OR NOT 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They shouldn't be, if the mother had been treated properly. If they have worms, they need treatment for that AND fleas, from the vet
2007-03-24 13:57:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
sometimes, depending on if their parents had worms. go to a vet and check and see if your cat has worms.
:)
2007-03-23 10:52:26 · answer #8 · answered by Kt. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hello, no kittens are born with worms. why would they be?
2007-03-23 10:52:29 · answer #9 · answered by michelle a 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
it depends if their parents had worms
2007-03-23 11:26:21 · answer #10 · answered by ::h:o:l:l:i:s:t:e:r:: 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋