Flea and Worm Control in Cats

Just like dogs, cats experience problems with parasites such as fleas and worms. These parasites can cause serious side effects and diseases if not treated properly. For instance, worms can destroy your cat's immune system, and fleas can cause skin infections. There are several ways to control fleas and worms in your cat once your cat is diagnosed. Also, there are ways to prevent fleas and worms before they start invading your cat's body.

  1. Flea Identification

    • Fleas are tiny insects that feed off of animal blood by attaching themselves to an animal's skin. They carry disease, and they can cause itching, skin infections and allergies. Fleas are almost impossible to see with the naked eye. They look like small brown or black flecks of dirt.

    Flea Prevention

    • Detecting the onset of a flea problem, and preventing it early, can eliminate the need for costly treatments later on. Well-groomed cats are less likely to be affected by fleas. Keep your cat's fur clean, and brush it regularly. Inspect through your cat's fur daily to make sure there are no fleas present. Cats that stay outside for long periods of time can be exposed to flea-infected soil and dirt, so monitor the amount of time your cat is left outside. Also, cat bedding and the surrounding areas should be cleaned often.

    Flea Medication

    • Flea medications for cats include topically applied liquids and orally administered tablets. The liquids are applied to your cat's skin once a month to kill and control fleas. Tablet medications, along with topical medications, can be purchased from your veterinarian. There are cheaper over-the counter remedies, but they are usually not as effective. Also, many of the medications serve the purpose of killing fleas while simultaneously preventing worms.

    Worm Identification

    • There are three types of worms that invade cats: roundworms, hookworms and tape worms. All types are similar in appearance. They look like cylinder-shaped, iridescent colored pieces of thread, and they can be seen clearly in a cat's fecal matter.

    Worm Prevention

    • Cats can contract worms from rodents, so try to keep your cat from hunting rodents, and prevent rodents from coming around your home. Keep your cat away from other pets that are infected with worms. In addition, you can use monthly medications to prevent worms from developing in your cat's system. Fleas carry worms, so maintain a flea prevention program and a worm prevention program simultaneously for your cat.

    Worm Medication

    • If your cat has worms, medications come in several forms: tablets, pastes and spot-ons. Tablet medications are administered orally once a month. Spot-ons, or topical treatments, are also administered once a month, but they are dropped directly onto your cat's skin. Pastes usually come in different flavors, and they are mixed into your cat's food. Also, if the worm infestation is severe, your vet may choose to administer medication through injections. It is best to confer with a vet to determine the best worm treatment for your cat since some medications require a prescription.