Fleas, ticks and worms, oh my! Protect your cat from all the creepy crawlies this year

    

As Memorial Day ushers in the unofficial start of summer and we throw open the windows, it's crucial to safeguard our feline friends against the pesky parasites that lurk in the warm weather. Fleas, ticks and worms pose significant health risks to cats—even your indoor cat. But with proper prevention and care, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable summer season for your cat.  

 

Fleas: The dreaded itch

Fleas are not only bothersome but can also cause severe discomfort and health issues for your cat. These tiny parasites thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly infest your home. To protect your cat from fleas:

• Use a veterinarian-approved flea preventive product designed specifically for cats.
• Regularly groom your cat with a flea comb to check for signs of fleas or flea dirt (small black specks).
• Wash your cat's bedding and vacuum your home frequently to eliminate flea eggs and larvae.

Ticks: Tiny yet dangerous

Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They can transmit serious diseases to your cat, including Lyme disease and cytauxzoonosis. Even if your cat never spends time outdoors, these blood-sucking parasites can be brought into your home by other pets or even you! It's essential to take preventive measures:

• Use a tick preventive recommended by your veterinarian, especially if your cat spends time outdoors.
• Check your cat for ticks regularly, paying close attention to their ears, neck and between their toes.
• Remove any ticks promptly. Use tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and pull it straight out with steady pressure.
• Schedule yearly veterinary visits where your veterinarian can perform blood tests to screen for tick-borne disease.

Worms: Internal invaders

Intestinal worms like roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms can pose significant health risks to your cat, leading to weight loss, diarrhea and other complications. These parasites can be contracted through contaminated soil or infected prey. And parasite eggs are easily tracked into your home on your shoes. Cats, being fastidious groomers, can ingest these eggs from their feet while grooming. Even if you don’t see worms in your cat’s feces, it may contain microscopic worm eggs that can cause infection in people.

These preventive measures are crucial:

• Ensure your cat is on a regular deworming schedule as recommended by your veterinarian.
• Keep your cat indoors or supervise outdoor excursions to reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated environments.
• Dispose of your cat's feces promptly and regularly, as it can contain worm eggs. Clean the litterbox(es) daily. 
• Discourage your cat from hunting and ingesting rodents, and use rodent control measures in your home and yard.
• Schedule regular fecal tests with your veterinarian to test for intestinal parasites.

Heartworms, transmitted by infected mosquitoes, grow and lodge in an infected pet’s heart, lungs and pulmonary arteries, where they cause illness—and even death. Some cats may seem perfectly normal until the disease turns fatal, making regular testing very important. To reduce the risk:

• Repair window screens. Mosquitoes can sneak into your home through tiny holes. 
• Remove standing water from your yard to reduce mosquito populations.
• Keep your cat on year-round heartworm preventives.

Speak to your veterinarian about the best flea, tick, heartworm and internal parasite preventives to protect your cat year-round.

Find everything you need to protect your cat against parasites so you can enjoy the things you love to do together, worry-free. >>