How to remove worms from a cat at home: drugs and folk remedies

The drug acts on round and tapeworms. The most effective way to get rid of worms is in the form of a tablet or suspension. The active substance disrupts the vital functions of parasites, as a result of which they die. It is recommended to poison helminths with the following veterinary drugs:

• "Drontal";
• "Pyrantel";
• "Albendazole";
• "Milbemax";
• "Kaniquantel plus"

For anthelmintic therapy to be effective, you must follow the rules for using antiparasitic tablets:

• Medications are given in the morning on an empty stomach, having correctly selected the right dose for the animal.
• After 10 days, the drug is given again.
• Antiparasitic tablets are used before vaccination 2 weeks, as well as 14 days after birth and before lambing 21 days.
• Treatment against worms in a kitten can be done 3 weeks after its birth.
• After using anti-parasitic tablets, after 4 hours you need to give the cat a sorbent to drink to remove the toxins that the poisoned parasites secrete.

Antihelminthic drops

The drug is applied in places inaccessible to licking.
Medicine in the form of drops helps get rid of worms well. It is applied to the withers, but you only need to drip onto the skin, otherwise the drug will not work. The skin absorbs anthelmintic drops, they enter the bloodstream and paralyze the parasites. After 2 weeks, the cat must be treated again. In most cases, worms in pets are removed with the following drugs:

• "Advocate";
• "Inspector";
• "Stronghold";
• "Profender".

Folk remedies

You can cure a cat of worms using alternative medicine. Home remedies have fewer side effects than over-the-counter veterinary medications. They expel helminths from kittens, pregnant and elderly cats, but such anthelmintic therapy lasts much longer. Sometimes allergic reactions are possible. Most often, the following folk remedies for worms in cats give a positive result:

• Onion water. Chop 1 small onion and pour a glass of boiling water over it. The mixture is infused for half an hour and given to the pet to drink once a day. This remedy will remove helminths within 1 month.
• Burdock. Take the root of the plant, cut it into small pieces and pour half a liter of water. Boil for 5 minutes, turn off the heat and leave for another 2 hours. Burdock can help remove all types of worms from kittens. The product is given to cats to drink twice a day, 50 ml.
• Vodka. Take 50 g of tansy flowers, add a glass of water and leave in a water bath for half an hour. Add 20 ml of vodka to the cooled solution. Give your pet 1 teaspoon of medicine twice a day. A product containing vodka cannot drive out parasites with chronic infestation, since the body of such cats is weakened, and alcohol will further aggravate the situation.

What are worms?

Answering this question, it would be more correct to say: “not what they are,” but “who are worms”!
Worms (helminths in cats) are endoparasites, worms that live and reproduce in the body. These include nematodes (the most common in cats), tapeworms and flukes. Infection in cats occurs through the eggs of worms or larvae.

Cats have their own species-specific parasites. There is a group of especially dangerous helminths that pose a threat to human health.

What do worms look like in cats?

What do worms look like in kittens and cats?

Helminthiases (diseases caused by worms in cats) are very common. This situation is due to insufficient information among owners about the importance of the problem and, perhaps most importantly, to the large species diversity of cat worms.

Modern parasitology distinguishes 3 types of endoparasites:

• Flukes
  (trematodes) are a dangerous, but not very common group of worms in cats. The worms are small in size, rarely exceeding 5 cm in length. Their body shape resembles a willow leaf. On the ventral side there is one or several suckers and in the depth of the sucker there is a mouth. During the development cycle, flukes have permanent hosts (most often fish and shellfish) and intermediate hosts (cats, dogs, other animals, humans).
• Tapeworms
  (cestodes) - they are very well adapted. Tapeworms in cats are long and flat. The body is in the form of a ribbon consisting of segments (cells) fastened together. Their length can be more than 3 meters! At one end there is a “head” with special suction cups and hooks that allow it to be securely attached to the intestinal mucosa. To reproduce the cestode in cats, the segment is separated from the tail end, releasing it into the environment with feces. Another animal or person swallows this member and also becomes infected with the parasite.
• Roundworms
  (nematodes) are the most common group of cat helminths. The size of roundworms in cats can vary, from a few millimeters to a meter. Outwardly, they look like a small earthworm, but this type of worm in cats is white or beige.

Diagnostics

How to determine that a cat has helminthiasis and not some other disease, infectious or non-infectious, in which the same symptoms appear?

This is a very important question, because if you start treatment in an adult, and even more so in a kitten, who has picked up another infection, it can end in death. An accurate diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian based on a stool analysis.

At the slightest suspicion that your pet has worms, collect her feces in a tightly closed jar (it should be clean and dry) and take it to the veterinarian for analysis (until this time, store it in the refrigerator). At the pharmacy you can buy a special jar for testing.

How to determine if a cat has worms?

Types of worms in cats

Now that we have looked at what types of parasites exist, we suggest looking at a table that shows the main types of worms in cats.

Localization of helminths

Roundworms in cats

Roundworms are the most common class of endoparasites. The disease caused by infection with roundworms is called nematode disease.

More than 30 types of roundworms are known in cats. The species composition varies greatly depending on the region of residence. Below we will look at the ubiquitous and most dangerous helminths.

Toxocara (roundworm)

Toxocara, also known as roundworms, are common in kittens and adult cats. Toxocara сati is of greatest importance, T. Leonine and T. Canis are less common. In appearance they resemble round noodles of light yellow color. Their length starts from 3 cm and reaches 10 cm.

They are localized in the small intestine and can sometimes take root in the bile ducts and pancreas.

Toxocara worms belong to geohelminths - in this group of parasites, eggs are released into the environment with feces. 1 gram of feces can contain up to 40000

eggs!

Outdoors, under favorable conditions, a larva develops from an egg. A cat can swallow it with water, or as a result of hunting mice and birds, which are carriers of the larvae.

Toxocara is no less dangerous for kittens. Babies can become infected with worms through mother's milk or in utero, through the placenta.

Are roundworms transmitted from cats to humans?

Yes, a person can become infected with roundworms from a cat. The greatest threat is T. Leonine.

Hookworms

Hookworms
Hookworms in cats are dangerous small worms that feed on blood. Capable of causing anemia. Outwardly, they resemble a thread, 5mm -13mm long. Ancylostoma tubaeforme is typical for cats; A. Caninum and A. Braziliense are less common.

The main habitat of adult worms is in the intestines. Larvae can develop not only in the intestines, but also live in the skin.

Hookworms are also classified as geohelminths. But you can become infected with them not only by ingesting the larvae, but also by getting the larvae into the pores of the skin.

Kittens can become infected with hookworm through their mother's milk. Intrauterine route of infection does not occur.

Cat hookworms are also dangerous to humans.

Heartworms

Heartworms in cats are perhaps one of the most dangerous types of roundworms. They also pose a threat to human health! In Russia, dirofilariasis is common. The length of adult helminths living in the heart can reach 30 cm.

Infection with this parasite occurs through the bite of a mosquito, flea, louse, tick, horsefly or any other blood-sucking insect. Larvae - microfilariae - enter the bloodstream. They can only be detected by microscopy of a blood smear.

As they grow, they are localized in the subcutaneous tissue, where they can crawl freely, or in the ventricles of the heart, causing heart failure.

Tapeworms in cats (cestodes)

Tapeworms
Tapeworms are a fairly common guest in the body of cats. Diseases caused by flatworms in cats are called cestodias.

As a rule, they do not cause serious pathologies, but in large quantities they can lead to exhaustion.

All tapeworms are dangerous for the pet owner, but since the development of cestodes occurs with the participation of intermediate hosts, it is not necessary to have a pet at home for infection; it is enough, for example, to eat uncooked river fish.

Cucumber tapeworm in cats

Infection with cucumber tapeworm is called dipylidia in veterinary medicine. The length of the tapeworm is about 70-80 cm.

The development cycle of cucumber tapeworm in cats is complex. The intermediate hosts of parasites are flea larvae and lice eaters, therefore, cats that are neglected to treat fleas are at risk.

Not only a cat, but also a person can become infected, children are especially susceptible. It is important to follow a schedule of preventative flea treatments for your pet.

Wide tape on a cat

Broad tapeworm
Broad tapeworm is one of the largest worms in cats. Its size in the body of cats reaches 1-2 meters. In the human intestine it can grow up to 10 meters. The disease is called diphyllobothriasis.

A cat can become infected by consuming freshwater raw fish. Scalding and freezing does not kill the parasite. The only effective way to protect river fish is boiling for 10-20 minutes.

Echinococcus

Echinococcus in cats is a dangerous parasite with a complex development cycle. The cat is the definitive host and is in the sexually mature stage. Releases eggs into the environment. They infect intermediate hosts (herbivores, pigs and humans). As the parasite develops, dangerous echinococcal blisters appear.

Trematodes (opistarchosis and liver fluke) in cats

These are small flatworms - flukes. They are localized in the intestines, gall bladder and liver. For cats, the most important parasite is the cat fluke (Opisthorchis felineus). They pose a serious danger to humans and cause the disease opistarchosis.

Liver fluke is rare in cats.

Infection occurs through intermediate hosts - mollusks and freshwater fish. People and animals living in the Volga, Dnieper and Don river basins are at risk.

Causes of helminthiasis infection

Among the reasons why you may need anthelmintic for cats are:

• the presence of parasites on the skin and fur (lice eaters, fleas and others);
• the animal eats food contaminated with helminths - a good anthelmintic for cats may be needed after stale meat, low-quality fish, etc.;
• Infection may be caused by dirty, stagnant water;
• the problem may appear after contact with sick animals that have not undergone treatment;
• kittens can become infected with helminths even before birth, in the womb of an infected mother.

The sooner the cause of infection is identified and eliminated, and antihelminthics for cats are prescribed, the faster the pet’s condition will improve.

Symptoms of worms in cats

Signs of worms in cats and kittens are very diverse. Helminthiasis is a widespread disease that, as a rule, manifests itself only in the later stages, when the number of worms reaches unimaginable limits. Symptoms are mainly related to the location of the parasites.

Gastrointestinal helminths are characterized by periodic digestive disorders. It manifests itself as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or, conversely, constipation and lack of appetite. There may be streaks of blood in the feces.

Infected cats have dull hair that falls out easily, a sagging belly, itching in the anal area and, if the liver is affected, yellow mucous membranes.

When cats are infected with lung and heartworms, the symptoms are specific: cough, anemia, heavy abdominal breathing, unattractive appearance.

In all cases, dermatitis may develop, bald patches and a rash may form. In severe cases, against the background of helminthic infestation, cats may develop toxicosis and neurological diseases. Kittens and young pets will have growth retardation.

Having discovered such symptoms, the owner is faced with questions: “What to do if a cat has worms, and what danger threatens when worms are found in a cat’s feces?”

Drops on the withers

Anthelminthic drops are more often used for the comprehensive destruction of endo- and ectoparasites in cats. They are applied to the skin in the withers area in the dose indicated in the instructions.

If there are young children or other pets in the house, the treated animal should be isolated from them for 1-2 days. Another disadvantage is the need for monthly processing.

These medications should not be applied to wet or damaged areas of the cat’s skin. Despite the fact that the period of breastfeeding is not included in the list of contraindications, veterinarians advise against treatment. If a kitten accidentally licks the medicine from its mother's fur, it may be poisoned.

Why are worms dangerous for cats?

A cat's health is at risk when there are high numbers of worms in the body. As we have already understood, the symptoms when cats are infected with worms are very non-specific. They can also be confused with bacterial, viral and non-communicable diseases. Regular prevention is important to prevent critical disorders.

• Can a cat, cat or kitten die from worms?

Worms in cats and kittens can cause death if the infestation is severe, but, as a rule, owners manage to notice the symptoms and cure the animal.

Folk remedies for parasites

Traditional medicine will help rid your pet of worms. There are many recipes that are effective against helminthiasis and are absolutely safe for the health of the animal. They can be used for small kittens and pregnant cats. The only drawback is the lengthy treatment.

The most famous anti-worm remedy is garlic. One clove per day is enough for a cat. Garlic is crushed and given along with food daily for a week.

A herbal decoction prepared from tansy and wormwood flowers has a good antiparasitic effect. Mix 2 tablespoons of each component and pour 250 ml of boiling water. Give your cat 3 tablespoons in the morning for three days.

Pumpkin seeds are the most popular remedy for the treatment of helminthiasis. You can prepare an infusion from them: peel 300 g of seeds, keeping the shell, crush, add 50 ml of water and 15 g of honey. Feed the resulting mixture to the pet for an hour, after 30 minutes give an enema.

Grind 5 g of seeds, add the same amount of pork fat (can be replaced with sunflower oil) and give the cat a drink. You need to do this for 5 days in a row. Before treatment, allow the animal to fast for a while.

Onion infusion. Cut the onion into 4 parts, add a glass of hot water and feed the cat for a week.

Garlic can be used for enemas

An enema of garlic tincture helps get rid of parasites in a cat. To prepare the solution, chop 6 cloves of garlic and add a glass of water. Let it brew for 2 hours.

It is necessary to use the listed products only after consulting a doctor.

Treatment of worms in cats

Treatment of worms in cats is quite effective. There are several active ingredients that, in the right combination in a deworming medicine for cats, can affect all classes of parasites. They are called broad-spectrum anthelmintics.

The active ingredients of deworming products for cats include the following substances and their combinations.

Old, but still effective:

• Pyrantel pamoate / Embonate
• Paraziquantel
• Fenbendazole
• Ivermectin

More modern and safer:

• Moxidectin
• Oxibendazole

The newest substances that rarely show side effects and affect almost all worms:

• Milbemycin oxime
• Niclosamide
• Emodepside

Treatment is always carried out in a course. This is 2 or 3 times the use of drugs, with an interval of 7-14 days. Sometimes higher doses are required.

There are several forms of anthelmintics:

• Deworming drops for cats
• Suspensions
• Pills
• Injections

Anti-worm suspensions for cats

Suspension Parasiticide
Suspensions for deworming are one of the most convenient and popular forms of anthelmintic drugs. Their advantage is the ability to accurately dose according to the pet’s weight and ease of feeding. Anti-worm suspensions can be given to kittens and adult cats.

Some of the modern, safe and effective drugs for the treatment and prevention of helminthiases:

• Anti-worm suspension “Parasicide” for cats
• “Clandestine” is a suspension for cats against worms.

How to give a suspension against worms

Giving your cat a deworming suspension is quite simple. The required amount is drawn into a syringe (usually included) and injected onto the root of the tongue, or mixed with food.

Deworming tablets

Deworming tablets for cats are a fairly modern form. Many anthelmintics are available in tablets. They almost always add meat flavorings for better eating.

How to give a cat a deworming tablet

Cats willingly eat tasty deworming tablets on their own. For bitter drugs, it is most convenient to use a device - a tablet dispenser (piller). You can put the tablet on the tongue and make sure that the cat swallows it. For picky cats, you can crush the tablet into powder and mix it with water or a treat.

Injections for worms

Injections against worms are very effective, since the drug immediately enters the bloodstream, which feeds most parasites. Typically used only by veterinarians in a clinical setting. Their use requires careful dosing, and an overdose will undoubtedly cause side effects.

Drops on the withers for worms

Drops on the withers for cats against worms are a new class of drugs. They usually work not only against endoparasites, but also against fleas and ticks. The active substance is absorbed into the blood through the skin, so it is very important to follow the technique of applying drops.

Folk remedies for worms for cats

The effectiveness of folk remedies against worms is questionable. They can help in the first stages of infection, but are completely useless with moderate and severe infestation. Traditional anthelmintics are not safe. Dosing herbal remedies is difficult, and overdose easily causes poisoning. Allergic reactions often occur. Among herbs, wormwood tincture and tansy decoction are recommended.

Garlic clove

Perhaps almost every adult knows about the beneficial properties of this plant. Garlic allows you not only to fight parasites, but also strengthens the body’s immune system, which is often disrupted after getting rid of helminths. This folk remedy can also be used on animals. However, a cat is unlikely to eat garlic if it is offered to it.

To get your pet to eat a clove of garlic (that’s exactly how much it will take to get rid of parasites), you must first thoroughly chop it and then mix it with cat food. You can also cook some meat dish by adding garlic. However, keep in mind the fact that the product will lose some of its beneficial properties during heat treatment.

Prevention of worms in cats

Prevention of infection with worms in cats is perhaps the most important means of helping to preserve the health of the pet and its owner.

To do this, it is necessary to prevent healthy animals from coming into contact with untreated ones, feed them with ready-made or heat-treated food, keep shoes and outdoor clothes in a closet to which the cat does not have access, and keep the litter box clean.

Particular attention is paid to preventive treatment schemes using veterinary anthelmintic drugs:

• For cats that do not go outside and do not have contact with other animals, treatment is recommended 2 times a year, or testing feces for worm eggs.
• For cats that periodically walk outside under the control of the owner and communicate with other treated animals, prophylaxis is carried out 3 times a year.
• Cats that hunt mice, often walk outside, or interact closely with untreated animals are recommended to be treated 4 or more times a year.

Rules for taking anthelmintic drugs

Deworming is prescribed before vaccinations and mating, as well as as a treatment for helminthic infestations. If the animal has recently undergone surgery or illness, it is better to hold off on deworming - the veterinarian will tell you when the procedure can be carried out.

When giving medicine, be sure to follow the instructions. The dose is calculated according to the weight of the animal and its general condition. It is advisable to choose the time in the morning, before feeding, in order to avoid nausea and evaluate the effectiveness of the chosen method the day before.

Don’t yell at the cat or scold her - try to convince her in a gentle and at the same time firm voice that the procedure is not scary, but obligatory. An overly aggressive or active cat can be wrapped in a towel or thick jacket to prevent it from scratching you. Help from a member of the household wouldn't hurt either.

If you have never given your cat medication, ask a more experienced relative or friend to perform the procedure on your cat. A person with extensive experience is able to give a pill quickly and painlessly - so that the mustachioed person does not even have time to understand what happened. Over time, you will acquire the necessary skill and will be able to deworm a cat alone and very deftly.