Cat Deworming: Spotting Parasites & Understanding the Importance of Regular Treatment

Free First Visit Offer At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we understand the importance of keeping your feline friends healthy and free from intestinal parasites. Our experienced veterinarians, Dr. Ryan Smith and Dr. Reid Forman, are here to guide you through the process of identifying, treating, and preventing these pesky invaders. A light blue heart icon on a white background, symbolizing compassion and care, often associated with veterinarians. A minimalist image featuring a large green curved shape on the right side, reminiscent of a veterinarian symbol, set against a plain white background. A simple, solid blue circle centered on a white background, reminiscent of the calm assurance found in a veterinarian's care. A solid green heart shape sits prominently on a white background, symbolizing the care and compassion of a veterinarian's dedication.

What are intestinal parasites?

Intestinal parasites are worms that live inside a cat’s intestines. Cats can acquire these parasites in various ways:

  • In utero (while in their mother’s womb)
  • Through their mother’s milk
  • From the environment, especially if they go outdoors
  • Through exposure to other infected cats, even indoors

A brown tabby cat stands alert on a patterned rug in a room, looking slightly to the left. Part of a person's legs and shoes are visible in the background.
A brown tabby cat stands alert on a patterned rug in a room, looking slightly to the left. Part of a person's legs and shoes are visible in the background.

What are intestinal parasites?

Intestinal parasites are worms that live inside a cat’s intestines. Cats can acquire these parasites in various ways:

  • In utero (while in their mother’s womb)
  • Through their mother’s milk
  • From the environment, especially if they go outdoors
  • Through exposure to other infected cats, even indoors

An orange tabby kitten with large ears and bright eyes lies on a soft, greenish surface, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred blue, drawing focus to the kitten's curious expression.

Preventing Intestinal Parasites

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we recommend a proactive approach to parasite prevention:

  • Regular deworming for kittens as part of their initial health care
  • Monthly deworming medications for adult cats, especially those with outdoor access
  • Bi-annual or annual deworming for indoor-only cats, based on their lifestyle and risk factors

An orange tabby kitten with large ears and bright eyes lies on a soft, greenish surface, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred blue, drawing focus to the kitten's curious expression.

Preventing Intestinal Parasites

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we recommend a proactive approach to parasite prevention:

  • Regular deworming for kittens as part of their initial health care
  • Monthly deworming medications for adult cats, especially those with outdoor access
  • Bi-annual or annual deworming for indoor-only cats, based on their lifestyle and risk factors

Signs and Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites

While some cats may not show obvious signs, severe cases can lead to:

  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Low protein levels
  • Pot-belly appearance
  • Visible worms in vomit or stool
  • Mild cramping and upset stomach (which may be subtle)

A tabby cat with white markings on its chest and face stands alert on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is softly blurred trees and buildings in warm sunlight.
A tabby cat with white markings on its chest and face stands alert on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is softly blurred trees and buildings in warm sunlight.

Signs and Symptoms of Intestinal Parasites

While some cats may not show obvious signs, severe cases can lead to:

  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Low protein levels
  • Pot-belly appearance
  • Visible worms in vomit or stool
  • Mild cramping and upset stomach (which may be subtle)

A fluffy orange kitten with blue eyes lies on a soft, gray blanket, looking directly at the camera.

Diagnosing Intestinal Parasites

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we use the following methods to diagnose parasites:

  • Fecal sample examination (about the size of a walnut)
  • Microscopic analysis to identify specific parasite types

This allows us to choose the most effective antiparasitic medication for your cat.

Importance of Early Detection and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment of intestinal parasites are crucial because:

  • Some parasites are zoonotic (can be transmitted to humans)
  • It prevents potential health complications in your cat
  • It reduces the risk of transmission to other pets in your household

We recommend annual fecal checks for all cats, regardless of their lifestyle.

A gray kitten with yellow eyes lies on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred with greenery and bright light.
A gray kitten with yellow eyes lies on green grass, looking directly at the camera. The background is blurred with greenery and sunlight.

  • For kittens: As part of their initial health check and vaccination schedule
  • For adult cats: Upon adoption or as recommended by our veterinarians
  • Regularly: Based on your cat’s lifestyle and risk factors

Tapeworms are often transmitted through fleas. To prevent tapeworm infections:
  • Maintain strict flea control measures
  • Use veterinarian-recommended flea prevention products
  • Regularly clean your cat’s living area

While indoor cats have a lower risk, they can still contract parasites. We recommend:
  • Annual deworming, even for indoor-only cats
  • Regular fecal checks as part of their annual health exam

Some intestinal parasites can be transmitted to humans, especially children. To protect your family:
  • Maintain a regular deworming schedule for all pets
  • Practice good hygiene, especially after handling pets or their waste
  • Inform us about all pets in your household, including outdoor cats

A blank white image, reminiscent of a sterile veterinarian's clinic, captures an essence of simplicity and purity.

At Love Animal Hospital & Urgent Care, we’re committed to keeping both your pets and your family healthy. If you have any questions about cat deworming or would like to schedule an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Call us at (657) 756-5683 or visit our clinic at 16161 Springdale St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649. You can also find more information on our website at Love.vet.

Remember, regular check-ups and preventive care are the keys to a happy, healthy cat!