There are many different types of worms that cats can suffer from, ranging from the infamous tapeworm and roundworm to lesser-known ones. In order to keep your cat healthy, they should be wormed regularly, preferably up to four times a year.
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A tapeworm is a flat worm that can be found in a cat’s gastrointestinal tract and can grow to great lengths. Cats can become infected with tapeworm eggs through fleas as they lick themselves when cleaning their coats and accidentally ingesting infected fleas. The ingestion of just one infected flea is enough to cause a tapeworm infestation. Because of this, it is very important to prevent fleas on your cat. Apart from fleas, it is also possible for cats to contract tapeworm for small rodents as cats may hunt, kill and ingest infected rodents. Once cats eat an infected rodent, tapeworm eggs make their way into the cat’s gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to a tapeworm infection.
Like tapeworm, roundworm lives in the cat’s digestive tract. Roundworm can be acquired through ingestion of infected prey or faeces. Even just coming into contact with roundworm eggs in their environment could lead to a roundworm infestation.
Despite the fact that worms can be very harmful to your cat’s health, symptoms of infection are not always obvious. Because of this, it is important that your cat is regularly dewormed or ask your veterinarian to routinely check a stool sample. Cats suffering from a serious worm infestation most likely will have clinical symptoms, such as repetitive vomiting, diarrhoea, poor coat conditions or weight loss.
Almost all kittens become infected with worms at least once before they reach six months. It is important to treat your kitten with wormers regularly. Please note: kittens have a different worming schedule than older cats. This lasts until they reach six months, after which they should receive a worming treatment every three months. This regular preventive and curative method of treatment will help avoid serious health problems that can be caused by worms. Products such as Drontal Cat can be used to treat many different types of worms. Always be sure to read the instructions on the packaging carefully before use.
Of all the roundworm infections that occur, around 20% of infections are seen in indoor cats as worm eggs can be transported by footwear and brought into the house. It is highly advised to give indoor cats a worming treatment every three months.
Worms are not just harmful to animals, they can also cause health problems for you and your children. Roundworms are the most contagious type of worms for humans, closely followed by tapeworms. Infections in young children most commonly occur when they ingest worm eggs when playing on the grass or in the sand. Some children discover the world by putting things in their mouth, but even children that do not do this are susceptible as they play with sand or grass and put their hands in their mouths after, potentially transferring worm eggs. Because of this, it is important for all members of the family that you regularly treat your cat against worms and fleas.
Vetsend offer several herbal wormers that can be used for the prevention of a worm infection. These products are based on natural ingredients that contribute to a good overall intestinal health and ensure that the intestinal environment does not stimulate the growth and development of worms. Verm-X Cat is an example of a herbal worm treatment for cats. Please note that these products are exclusively preventive and do not kill worms as regular worming treatments do. When using these herbal remedies, it is best to continue using regular worm treatment at least twice a year or have a regular stool examination carried out by your veterinarian.
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