2007-09-18 03:57:25 · 8 answers · asked by kitten 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
In Australia, we deworm with drontal all wormer every 3 months for life. 1 flea bite can give a dog/cat intestinal parasites and it's important to stop them in their tracks and not wait until there are physical signs of the toll worms take on your pet. I am also completely against waiting for a annual checkup to check a fecal sample, how would it be if they'd been bitten by a flea and got worms a DAY after the last years visit? Your pet then gets to spend 12 whole months with them! Other worms can be transmitted by sniffing another dog or cat's waste, very easily transmitted, very easy FIX! :) I found it extremely easy to get Drontal in my years of living in the US which I'm assuming you are.
*Edit - Deworming of course does not apply to heartworm, as you need a preventative for that. Here I'm using Advocate spot on with a separate pill for tapeworm, but there are monthly pills and chewables as well as annual vaccines for heartworm.
2007-09-18 04:46:26 · answer #1 · answered by nikiandneish 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If your cat is current with checkups and vaccines, call the vet and ask if you can just bring in a fecal specimen. They will do a microscopic exam to see what type if any worm eggs are found in the specimen and then they will rx or recommend the appropriate dewormer. OTC dewormers are messy and the dose isn't accurate for all cats, and they only take care of one type of parasite. I use revolution on my cats, as it prevents fleas, ear mites, heartworms, and internal parasites, with the exception of tapeworm. If I see a tapeworm, which is transmitted by your pet either eating a host flea, or eating another animal with tapes, I get drontal from the vet. Tapeworms are seen as segments, look like rice or maggots, on your pet's rump or bedding. Best wishes to you and your kitty.
2007-09-18 12:18:42 · answer #2 · answered by NinjenWV 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should keep your cat on a heartworm preventative, my cat is on Revolution. It controls fleas, heartworm, internal parasites (worms) and ear mites. Cats do not need to me on a dewormer specifically (the heartworm preventative does prevent other worms, usually), unless they have worms - to know if they have worms, you need to have a fecal flotation done at the vet, and if you cat is found to have worms they will wither give you the appropriate dewormer, or they will recommend one to use.
2007-09-18 11:07:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most over the counter wormer's, like the Hartz brand wormer, are only good for round worms. If your cat has tape worms you will probably need to get a specific wormer from your vet.
2007-09-18 12:19:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only meds prescribed by a vet. Over the counter meds will not work on tape worm.
2007-09-18 11:26:50 · answer #5 · answered by Laurie 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A cat should be dewormed at the vet; believe me, you don't want to do it yourself. It's terribly gross and smelly! I did it once! If the cat stays inside (as I think small animals should), one deworming is enough.
2007-09-18 11:05:20 · answer #6 · answered by red 7 · 2⤊ 2⤋
the one the vet gives you after he's checked a stool sample and determines what type of worms, if any, your animal has.
worm meds are given periodically when there is an infestation.
take care.
2007-09-18 11:02:39 · answer #7 · answered by letterstoheather 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
your vet should take care of that for you when you take the cat in. there is nothing you can get from a store really.
2007-09-18 11:03:15 · answer #8 · answered by Tasha 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋