Parasite Prevention for Cats

Prevention is the best approach in protecting your cat against deadly heartworms, intestinal parasites, and flea and tick infestations. Your veterinarian will help you find the product that is right for your pet based on his or her needs.

External Parasites: Fleas, Ticks, & Mites

Fleas thrive when the weather is warm and humid, although they can also be active in cooler weather. All cats are susceptible to flea infestations. Beyond the skin irritation and discomfort, flea infestations can also cause deadly infestations, flea-allergy dermatitis, flea-related anemia, and the transmission of tapeworm parasites if ingested.

Ticks can spread serious infectious diseases to pets and people. Cat owners should inspect their cats regularly for ticks, large and small, especially after being outside in wooded or grassy areas. 

Ear and skin mites are extremely contagious in cats and pass from animal to animal. If there are multiple pets in one household, each one should be taken to the vet and checked for mites. Left untreated, mites can lead to other serious secondary infections. Mites are not easily seen and the following symptoms could be a sign that your cat has mites:

• head-shaking
• scratching at ears
• dark waxy or crusty discharge from the ear
• inflammation
• irritation
• hair loss from excessive scratching
• pus. 

Internal Parasites: Intestinal Parasites & Heartworm

Roundworm, hookworm, Lungworm, and Cryptosporidium are all common in cats. There is a possibility that some of these parasites may be transmitted to you and your family if your cat becomes infected.

Mosquitoes can spread heartworm, a harmful disease that can affect cats. As its name implies, heartworm lives in the blood of a cat’s heart and blood vessels. Talk to your vet about heartworm disease in cats and their recommendation for the best heartworm preventative for your cat.

Life is better for your cat and family without parasites. Let us help you choose your flea, tick, heartworm, and intestinal parasite preventatives today - call us at (636) 677-9790