How to deworm a cat: when to do it, how often, the best drugs and folk remedies

Every pet needs to be dewormed regularly. Parasites cause serious harm to the health of animals, and are doubly dangerous for kittens. Because of them, the body is deprived of nutrients, the immune system cannot produce antibodies to infections.

Veterinarians recommend quarterly deworming of kittens. Therefore, the owner must know how to properly carry out the treatment and which drugs are safe for babies.

How do worms affect a kitten's body?

Worms multiply quickly, affecting the entire body, sucking nutrients from it. Parasites release toxins, poisoning pets that are not yet fully grown. This also happens during the decomposition of dead worms, which are not all excreted in the feces. Intoxication can cause allergies. With a decrease in immunity, the animal becomes easy prey for viruses and infections.

Some worms attach themselves to hollow internal organs. At the same time, they injure the mucous membranes, provoke the appearance of ulcers and tissue necrosis. When there are a lot of worms, the parasites cause obstruction and blockage of the intestines. This often provokes a breakup. The worms multiply quickly, gradually infecting internal organs, which is deadly for the kitten.

Rules for giving pills

A cat is a wayward creature, resisting any violent actions on the part of its owner. Inexperienced fellinologists believe that their pet will take the tablet (tabula) offered to him or that they will be able to force the animal to swallow a tasteless wheel. A solid dosage form that gets onto the root of the tongue causes profuse salivation.

The cat manages to spit out the pill. If the owner does not notice the treachery, the pet will remain unwormed and will be sick. When the fellinologist is not sure that the cat has swallowed the medicine and forces the animal to take a second tablet, an overdose may result, causing poisoning.

The first way to give the pill

The operator is positioned on the floor, kneeling. The cat is placed with its muzzle away from you and secured so that it cannot escape.

The tablet is clamped in the fingers of the right hand (if the operator is right-handed) or placed in a tablet dispenser. Another hand is placed on the cat’s head, tilted back, and simultaneously pressed on the articulation of the jaws. When opening the mouth, the tablet is pushed onto the base of the tongue. The mouth is forcibly clamped, the throat (faucibus) is stroked from top to bottom, waiting for the swallowing reflex.

They unclench their jaws, making sure that there is no pill in their mouth. A variant of this method is to place the cat on a windowsill or table.

The second way to give the pill

The pet is wrapped in a towel, fixing its paws. Place the animal on your left hand and place the tablet in its mouth using the method described above.

The third way to give the pill

The animal is placed on your knees with its muzzle facing you. They stroke the belly, relaxing and calming the cat. The left hand is placed on the head, thrown back, and the mouth is opened with the help of the thumb. Place the prepared tablet in the oral cavity. Stroke the throat with the fingers of the right hand. Observe the sip and check whether the medicine is swallowed.

With this method, you should be wary of involuntary movements of the cat's hind limbs. Therefore, the speed of manipulation must be combined with moderation of pressure on the animal so that it does not persist too much.

Giving pills to kittens is easier, because they do not have the strength to resist. However, it is necessary not to make a mistake with the dosage, and also to ensure that the solid dosage form does not injure the baby’s throat.

Where does a kitten get worms?

Worm larvae and eggs can be found on the ground and grass, so they can easily be brought home on shoes.

Other causes of worm infection in kittens:

• in utero - from a sick mother;
• when a cat licks her offspring;
• upon contact with affected domestic animals;
• eating raw or undercooked fish and meat;
• through intermediate carriers (lice eaters, lice and fleas).

Kittens can pick up parasites if they walk freely on the street or live in a dirty room.

Why worm a cat?

The following are the reasons why a cat should be dewormed (wormed):

• helminths deprive the cat of some nutrients and vitamins, which causes stunting, exhaustion, and anemia;
• worms overcome the placental barrier and are transmitted to kittens, in which the infestation is severe and often leads to death;
• parasites produce toxic waste products, causing intoxication;
• there is a chance of human infection from a pet;
• cats that live at home become infected by eating raw meat, fish or eggs that the owner brings from the street on their soles.

The development cycle of most helminths from egg to mature individual lasts from 3.5 to 4 months. Therefore, veterinarians recommend quarterly deworming.

Infection of a cat with tapeworms

What do worms look like in kittens?

There are three categories of worms: tapeworms, round flukes and flat flukes. They differ in habitats, life cycles, and routes of penetration. Two types of parasites are more common in kittens: tape parasites (cestodes) and round parasites (nematodes).

Cestodes

Cestodes are long tapeworms that live in the intestines and are attached with hooks to the mucous walls. Infection occurs only with larvae; eggs are not dangerous. Worms cause the disease cestodesis. In places where parasites attach, tissue necrosis and ulcers form. In kittens, tapeworms cause various diseases, often dipylidia.

The most common is the cucumber tapeworm. A kitten becomes infected when it swallows an infected insect (usually fleas). Broad tapeworm is rare, as infection occurs through river water and raw fish. But it is not given to kittens, only when the pets accidentally eat it without heat treatment.

Infection with echinococci and alveococci also occurs rarely. Their temporary carriers are rodents and rabbits. But these worms are the most dangerous, since pets become not only intermediate, but also final hosts.

Nematodes

Nematodes are roundworms that most often live in the gastrointestinal tract, but can also be found in other organs. Parasites move throughout the body regardless of the stage of development. They cause diseases that are difficult to treat. Kittens can become infected through their mother's milk by eating the feces of sick animals.

In small pets, parasites provoke the development of anemia, which is dangerous for a fragile organism. There are many types of roundworms, but roundworms and Toxocara are more typical for cats. Hookworms and heartworms can be detected.

Dipylidiasis

Dipilidiosis is caused by cestodes living in the small intestine. Intermediate hosts are lice eaters and fleas. They become infected and swallow parasite eggs. The kitten then eats the insects, biting them out of the fur, and becomes ill. The pet becomes apathetic, exhausted, and his appetite is impaired.

The disease is accompanied by alternating constipation and diarrhea. The animal's fur becomes disheveled and its eyes water. Itching of the anus appears. Trying to get rid of it, the kitten often rubs its butt on rugs and carpeting.

Toxocariasis

Toxocariasis is usually diagnosed at the age of 2-3 months, less often the disease appears after six months. Infection occurs when pets ingest worm eggs in water or food. Then the larva hatches, attaches to the intestinal mucosa, and penetrates the blood vessels. Spreads to the lungs and heart.

The larva begins to develop and migrates to the trachea and bronchi. When coughing it gets into the mouth. The parasites re-enter the intestines after ingestion, and there they become sexually mature. The full development cycle of worms is about a month. Kittens are primarily infected from the milk of an infected mother.

Release form of anthelmintic drugs

Release forms should be considered separately. Each type has its own advantages and contraindications.

Tablets are the most popular medicine for worms. The drugs are in tablet form and are enteric-coated. Packed in cardboard boxes. According to the direction of action, tablets are divided into 2 types - narrowly targeted products that affect a specific type of parasite (round, tape) and universal, broad-spectrum products. Accordingly, the medicine contains one active component or a complex of them.

The mechanism of action of tablets on parasites is of 4 types:

• paralysis of muscle tissue;
• narcotic effects on nerve cells;
• obstacle to the metabolic process;
• destruction and burning of the outer protective shell of the parasites’ body (the most dangerous option, which can cause intoxication of the animal’s body).

It is rarely possible to give tablets to a kitten in one piece. First, the drug is crushed to a powder state, dissolved in water or broth and forcibly injected into the mouth through a syringe (without a needle).

Important! Emptying of the stomach must occur within 12 hours, otherwise intoxication of the body will occur!

Symptoms of worm infection

Symptoms of infection depend on the type of worms and their location. Common signs of parasite infection include changes in behavior. Pets become apathetic, lethargic, and nervous. Their appetite decreases, is completely absent, or becomes excessive.

Pain may occur, the intensity of which depends on the degree of helminthic infestation and the number of worms. If the infection is severe, the kitten vomits worms. At the beginning of the invasion, such symptoms are absent. Gradually, the coat becomes dull, becomes scraggly, dermatitis often develops, upset stools, and sudden weight loss are observed.

Signs of helminthic infestation in a kitten, depending on its location:

To the general signs of the presence of worms, specific ones are often added, depending on the location. In kittens, signs appear quickly. Sick pets lag behind in development from other animals. If the helminthic infestation is not treated on time, the infected kittens die.

Treatment of worms in kittens

Medicines and dosage are selected depending on the degree of infection and the type of worms. This is determined during an examination by a veterinarian and is confirmed by laboratory tests of blood and feces. The drugs are available in two types - external and oral. They are selected according to the age and weight of the kitten. For example, very small children cannot swallow a tablet, then drops and suspensions become the best alternative.

In difficult cases, medications are administered intramuscularly. For little ones, they choose a wide-spectrum action that destroys several varieties of worms at once. There are complex anthelmintics that simultaneously kill external parasites, which can cause the appearance of helminths.

Deworming tablets for kittens

The tablets are given in the morning with food. The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the pet. During primary deworming, the procedure is repeated after 10-14 days. If the helminthic infestation is not severe, then once is enough.

Each deworming drug for kittens has its own advantages and disadvantages:

1. "Prasicide +" . It is active against tapeworms, roundworms, flatworms, and mixed infestations. Refers to the means of moderate danger. Incompatible with medications containing pyrantel and praziquantel. Overdose may cause side effects. Kittens are given Prazicide+ only from 3 weeks of age.
2. "Drontal" . It contains two active components that destroy most types of worms. Advantage: given to kittens from 2 weeks of age. The tablets are crushed and dissolved in water. Dosage – ¼ per 1 kg of weight. Give in the morning on an empty stomach.
3. "Troncil K" . It contains two active substances that help kill round and tapeworms. Kittens are given "Troncil K" from three months. The dosage is similar to Drontal. Another advantage of Troncil K is the absence of side effects.
4. "Milbemax" . It is produced in the form of multi-colored tablets. But they can only be given to kittens from six months of age. The medicine contains two active substances that destroy different types of worms and tapeworms. Additionally, Milbemax restores digestion and has almost no side effects. It is very convenient to distinguish the dosage by color. Pink tablets are intended for kittens from 0.5 to 2 kg. Pets less than 500 g are given half.

You can replace the tablets with Polyvercan . It belongs to the broad-spectrum group with two main active components. "Polivercan" is produced in the form of a cube that easily dissolves in water. The advantages of the medicine are that it can be given to your pet from the age of one month.

How to give a kitten a pill for worms

If you feed a whole tablet to a kitten, then the animal is wrapped in a blanket or blanket. Place him on his knees, pressing the pet's back to him. Then they hold it with one hand and open the mouth with the other. Place the tablet closer to the root of the tongue. Close the mouth and hold it there, stroking the throat, causing a swallowing movement. To perform the procedure, it is advisable to have two people, with one holding the pet.

A kitten may choke on a large tablet. Then it is crushed and mixed with a small amount of food (wet food, minced meat). Another way is to crush the tablet, stir it in 1 tbsp. l. water. Wrap the kitten in a blanket. Use a syringe (without a needle) to draw up the solution and pour it into the pet’s mouth – behind the cheek. In this case, the muzzle must be held with the other hand.

Deworming drops for kittens

If the kitten spits out tablets, does not eat food with suspension, powder, or is contraindicated in taking anthelmintics orally, then drops are used. IN-AP is considered one of the best . They treat pets from 2 months. The drug is applied once - at several points from the withers to the middle of the shoulder blades. After treating the kitten for parasites, this area should not be wetted for 48 hours.

Features of other anthelmintic drops for kittens:

1. "Profender" . Drops can only be used for kittens from 8 weeks. The dosage is selected by weight. "Profender" destroys worms at different stages of development. It is also used for the prevention of cestodiases and nematodes. It is compatible with any medications except anthelmintics.
2. "Stronghold" . These drops are applied to kittens from 6 weeks. For convenience, lilac pipettes are produced. They are for large kittens weighing 2-2.5 kg.
3. "Advocate" . The drops are colorless and odorless. Dosage – 0.1 mg/1 kg of weight. The downside is that it is used for kittens from 9 weeks, and the active ingredients only kill roundworms.

Drops are complex products that destroy external and internal parasites. You need to know how to treat a kitten for fleas and worms so that it does not lick the medicine. The solution is applied to the withers - from the point between the ears to the middle of the back.

Worm injections for kittens

If you need to get an injection for worms, it is better to consult a veterinarian. The slightest mistake can lead to the death of your pet. Injections are given in extreme cases, when other methods are impossible or are not suitable for some reason.

The following injections are most often used to worm kittens:

1. "Ivomek" . This is a strong drug that acts against all types of helminths and scabies mites. The dosage is calculated based on body weight. Ivomek cannot be used if your pet has an infectious disease. After the injection, you may experience frequent urination and vomiting, but this goes away quickly.
2. "Novomek" . The same powerful remedy as Ivomek destroys all types of helminths and scabies mites. The dosage is calculated based on the kitten's weight. Novomek is characterized by high efficiency and low toxicity. It is suitable for treatment and prevention of helminthic infestation.
3. "Ivermek" . Destroys internal parasites and helps drive away external ones. After injection, the effect lasts for two weeks, so a single injection of the solution is sufficient. At the same time, medications that support liver function are prescribed. Ivermek is administered to kittens only from 3 months.

The dosage is calculated based on the weight of the animal. When it is necessary to treat a kitten for parasites, the concentration of the drug is reduced by diluting it with saline solution. Injections are given intramuscularly. These are not vaccinations; they are used only to treat helminthic infestations.

Anti-worm suspensions for kittens

The suspension is the best option for deworming a kitten. First, determine the dosage based on the weight of the animal. Then the substance is shaken, drawn up with a syringe (without a needle), and poured into the food or behind the pet’s cheek.

Different deworming suspensions for kittens have pros and cons:

1. "Prasicide-plus" . It contains three active components at once. "Prasicide-plus" destroys tapeworms and roundworms at any stage of development. The deworming medicine for kittens tastes good, so they willingly eat it. Prazitsid-plus suspension is given as early as 3 weeks. The medicine is considered the safest. The dosage is calculated by weight - if the kitten is less than 1 kg, give 0.1/100 g. Minus - this suspension cannot be fed to emaciated pets.
2. "Dirofen paste" . This is a combined remedy against roundworms, tapeworms, and mixed infestations. It begins to act quickly and is eliminated from the body within 24 hours. Kittens are given deworming medication only at 3 weeks. A single application is sufficient to remove worms.
3. "Dironet Junior" . Consists of two active components. Destroys tape and roundworms at any stage of development. Dironet Junior differs from other drugs in the presence of sodium ribonucleate. This component helps to quickly restore mucous membranes damaged by worms and strengthens the immune system. It has a low risk of side effects. Can be given from three weeks. Dosage – 1 ml/1 kg of weight. When the kitten is less than 0.5 kg, the suspension is mixed with boiled water.

Prazitel has proven itself well as the best deworming remedy for kittens. It contains two active components and destroys tape and round parasites. The active ingredients are excreted along with feces and urine within two days. Can be given to kittens from 3 months of age. Dosage by weight – up to 1 kg 0.1 ml/100 g, body weight more – 1 ml/kg. Prazitel should not be given in the presence of infectious diseases or during recovery from them.

Folk remedies for worms in kittens

Folk remedies are non-toxic, they are used as an alternative to synthetic anthelmintics. They are allowed even for weakened kittens. But the duration of treatment is 1 month, minimum – a week.

What is the best anthelmintic for kittens to give from folk recipes:

1. Wormwood with tansy . Take 1 tbsp. l. crushed plants, pour a glass of boiling water over them. Leave for an hour, strain, and give to pets in the morning on an empty stomach. They feed only after an hour. Duration of treatment is a week.
2. Pumpkin seeds . They destroy all types of worms. The seeds are cleaned, crushed, and filled with warm water. Leave for 12 hours, filter. Add ¼ tsp. honey The mixture is fed to the pet half an hour before meals or enemas are given to it.
3. Garlic . For kittens, take ½ clove, chop it, and add it to food. Duration of treatment is a week. When the kitten does not eat such food, an enema is given from a tincture with garlic.
4. An infusion of tansy inflorescences with peppermint, wild carrot seeds, wormwood and buckthorn bark . Take 2 tbsp. l. collection of herbs, pour a glass of boiling water. Then they leave for an hour and filter. The kitten is given the product 3 times a day. The duration of treatment is three days.
5. Freshly squeezed carrot juice . It is used for enema once a day. Duration of treatment – ​​1.5 weeks.
6. Onion infusion . The small head is cleaned, crushed to a paste, and 250 ml of boiling water is poured in. Then pour 1 tsp into the kitten in the morning, before meals. Duration of treatment is a week.

You can also give your kitten a chamomile decoction for a week. It is poured in 1 tsp. three times a day before meals. Alcohol-based recipes are not used for kittens. Any means are first given in small quantities to see how the pet reacts. Some herbs can cause serious poisoning. Therefore, consultation with a veterinarian is necessary first.

When to carry out processing

There is no doubt that anthelmintic measures should be carried out when the first signs of infestation are detected. In this case, you cannot hesitate: the sooner treatment begins, the fewer risks to the cat’s health.

Modern anti-invasive drugs make it possible to deworm kittens from one month of age without harm to their growing body. A responsible owner will strictly adhere to the preventive worming schedule - once every 3-4 months. These activities should be continued throughout the pet’s life.

Quite often situations arise when an extraordinary procedure is necessary. You will have to worm your cat:

• at least 10 days before the intended mating;
• at least 10 days before scheduled vaccination;
• 3–4 weeks before sterilization or castration surgery;
• after the end of lactation of a nursing cat.

How to worm a kitten at home

The kitten is dewormed at home using purchased veterinary or folk remedies. In the first case, you can give tablets, drops, suspensions (for example, Prazitel , Prazitsid , Dironet Junior ). More often they are designed for adult animals, so you need to choose the right dosage so that the kitten does not get poisoned. Only a veterinarian can do this.

There are ready-made preparations that are designed for kittens. Then the dosage is indicated in the instructions. Some medications are given for 2-3 days. But this is an additional burden on a fragile body. Therefore, suspensions are more preferable for them.

You can only give your kitten pills if you know the type of parasite. You cannot choose a medicine at random - it can easily cause harm. To destroy helminths, it is fed twice with a break of 10-14 days, for prevention - once. Folk remedies are safer, but they are less effective and will have to be used repeatedly.

Features of the event

Deworming is carried out to prevent in cats, but primarily in humans, specific diseases caused by various types of helminths.

One of the most dangerous diseases for humans is caused by flatworms - echinococcosis. Cats that eat mice become infected. Helminthiasis is especially common in Siberia. For prophylaxis, the drugs Praziquantel and Epsiprantel are used. They are used all over the world as a 100% effective treatment against tapeworms. Any other anthelmintics containing praziquantel are suitable (dose of at least 5 mg/kg). Animals living in the outbreak area and allowed to go outside are dewormed every month or every 45 days (8 times a year). These drugs are designed to be taken so frequently and do not harm the liver. On the European territory of the country, animals from the group “traveling to the countryside and out of town” need to be treated once a quarter.

Praziquantel works against other flatworms. Therefore, prevention of echinococcosis also involves treatment against other types of parasites. The only exception is the cucumber tapeworm, which causes dipylidia. Its carriers are fleas and lice eaters. Therefore, coat care and antiparasitic treatment against insects are also necessary. They use products based on fipronil (Frontline, Fiprist Spot On) and imidacloprid (Advantage).

The second no less dangerous disease transmitted from cats to humans is toxocariasis. The disease is caused by roundworms toxacara. An animal becomes infected through the external environment. Another route of infection is from mother to kittens through milk. In kittens, prophylaxis begins at 6 weeks of age. For deworming at home, use the drugs Milbemax, Milbe Pet, and others with the main active ingredient - milbemycym oxime. As well as medications based on fenbendazole, for example, Febtal, which is approved for pregnant and lactating women. All antiparasitic drugs act on other types of roundworms.

Side effects of deworming

Improperly performed deworming can harm the kitten.

Unsuitable anthelmintics can cause side effects in your kitten:

• nausea, vomiting;
• foam at mouth;
• allergic reactions;
• dyspnea;
• problems with breathing and stool;
• sudden weight loss.

The most common adverse reaction is diarrhea. If it lasts no more than 38 hours, this is normal. This is how the pet’s body reacts to the active substances and accelerates the elimination of dead parasites. When side effects appear (nausea, vomiting, itching, muscle spasms, salivation), this indicates intolerance to the components of the composition. Then you need to change the anthelmintic.

In addition to side effects, improper deworming can lead to serious complications - anaphylactic shock, bleeding, sudden changes in pressure, breathing problems, and kidney function.

Is there a difference between the drugs?

The difference between the drugs lies in the method of administration, composition and targeting against certain types of parasites. Sometimes funds are prescribed in a complex manner.

• pills;
• sugar cubes;
• suspensions;
• pasty products.

Drops are applied externally. Injections are given using injections.

According to the type of helminths against which the action is directed, all drugs are divided into:

• antitrematodes (flatworms);
• anticestodes (tape);
• anti-nematode (round).

Efficiency depends on what active components are included in the medicine and in what quantity. Medicines with a complex composition are more effective than single medications. The release form does not affect the effectiveness. The difference in forms is necessary for ease of administration of the drug and to ensure that the active substances enter the body as quickly as possible.

Can a kitten die from worms?

It is necessary to begin treatment for a kitten as soon as worms are discovered or alarming symptoms appear, then the pet will recover. Dies if therapy is started late, with severe intoxication of the body (especially with weak immunity). Lethal outcome occurs when there is a large accumulation of worms, due to incorrectly selected drugs, due to rupture of a blocked intestine.

If you follow the rules of prevention, the risk of infection with worms is significantly reduced. But if alarming symptoms appear, you need to show your pet to a veterinarian so that he can determine the type of parasites and prescribe medications. Delayed treatment can lead to the death of your pet.

Preventive measures

It is always easier to prevent a problem than to treat it, which means that it is recommended to prevent helminths for the animal. To do this, you will need to give medications against worms, fleas and other parasites once a quarter. Initially, fleas should be removed, and after 3 days it will be possible to give deworming medications.

For prevention, it is recommended to exclude raw fish and meat from the diet, and give only boiled or settled water. It is better to keep indoor cats away from street cats to avoid infection. You need to keep the cat's area clean and treat it with anti-parasite products. The house itself should also be kept clean.

Many worms that infect cats are no less dangerous for people, therefore, if helminths appear in your pet, you must additionally check yourself for the presence of worms.