Treatment of worms in Sphynx cats
Parasitic worms are a common problem for Sphynx cats. Kittens should be regularly examined by a veterinarian and undergo regular deworming, and adult cats ...
With the development of worm larvae in the body of the Sphynx cat, the parasite releases a huge amount of toxic substances, feeds on internal organs, blood, lymph, immunity decreases, your pet becomes lethargic, drowsiness and loss of appetite increase. If you start the development of worms, this can provoke serious illnesses, and in rare cases, a fatal outcome is also possible.
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How do cats get worms?
There are several ways your cat can become infected with worms, including accidentally ingesting worm eggs or being bitten by an infested insect. Roundworms are transmitted from a mother cat to her kittens, and tapeworms are transmitted from fleas. Heartworm is transmitted to cats by mosquitoes. Cats can also become infected with worms from contact with contaminated cat feces when ingesting small animals in the wild.
Types of worms in cats
Several types of worms can exist in cats, including:
- Roundworms: These parasites live freely in the intestines, where they can cause digestive problems and gas buildup. If young kittens become infected with them, they can stop their growth and development.
- Tapeworms: Anchored in the small intestine, tapeworms feed on the nutrients that pass through your cat's digestive tract. These common intestinal parasites are most commonly found as segments of tapeworms in cat stools.
- Hookworms: Hookworms use their hook-shaped mouth to attach themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall. There they feed on cat blood and tissue fluid. The infection can lead to severe anemia.
- Heartworm: They are not as common as intestinal worms in cats, but infection can still occur. Heartworm disease can cause significant damage to the heart and lungs, making it a major health issue.
Symptoms of worms in cats
Symptoms that your cat may be facing a worm infestation may include:
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Cats may have vomiting, diarrhea, bloody or tarry stools, or bloating.
- Itching and discomfort in the back of the body: You may notice excessive licking of the area or movement of the booty.
- Weight loss: This may be due to loss of appetite due to gastrointestinal discomfort or loss of nutrients due to worms feeding in the cat's intestines.
- Change in wool quality: A cat's coat is a good indicator of a cat's health. An infected cat may have a bad, sloppy, or unhealthy coat.
- Worms in your cat's feces or vomit: They will look like little white strings of spaghetti or rice grains.
- Breathing changes: With more advanced infections, cats may cough or wheeze, or may have difficulty breathing.
Prevention and regular deworming are important to keep cats from developing a more severe infection. This applies to both street and domestic cats. Cats may also not show signs of worms, so it's important to deworm regularly, even if they're fine.
How to get rid of worms in Sphynx cats
If left untreated, worms can lead to serious health problems for your cat, so it's important to understand how to eliminate a worm infestation.
Take your cat to the vet
The most effective method is to examine the cat at the veterinarian, with tests, determining the type of worms, and prescribing treatment by the doctor. Most Sphynx owners ignore this procedure and use combined preparations (worming pills). For prevention purposes, at least once a quarter, two weeks before vaccination and before mating, it is necessary to treat your pet.
Give your cat the prescribed medicine
Give the prescribed deworming agent as directed. Don't skip a single dose. Deworming drugs must be given at specific times to kill all worms and all their eggs. To give a cat a pill, tilt its head back and inject the pill as far down the throat as possible. Put some water in her mouth to help him swallow the pill. Stroke the outside of the cat's throat to encourage swallowing. The easiest way to give an animal a deworming pill is to hide the pill in food (fish, minced meat). You can crush and dilute the tablet with milk or water and pour this suspension into the animal with a teaspoon. All kinds of medicines should be given in the morning on an empty stomach one hour before meals.
Tablets from worms for Sphynx cats:
- Tablets "Febtal";
- Tablets "Azinoks";
Complex preparations for worms for Sphynx cats:
— Suspension «Prazitel»;
— Preparation "Canicquantel plus"
Complex anthelmintics for Sphynx cats:
- Tablets "Milbemaks";
- Tablets "Alben C";
- The drug "Kaniverm";
- The drug "Polivercan"
Treat your cat with a flea remedy
Because infested fleas can pass the worms on to your cat, it's important to use flea medication as well. Check with your veterinarian to find out which type is best for your cat. If your home is infested with fleas, take steps to eradicate them with one of the many flea products on the market or call an exterminator.
Protect the people in your home
Some helminths that affect cats can be transmitted to humans. To prevent this, discuss your cat's regular deworming plan with your veterinarian. Practice good hygiene by collecting litter boxes and throwing away dirty litter, wash your hands after handling cats and litter boxes, and make sure children wash their hands after playing with and petting cats. If you have children who may have been exposed to cat feces, check with their pediatrician for possible testing and treatment.
How to prevent worms in cats
The best way to prevent deworming in cats is through regular checkups and deworming medications. Experts recommend preventive examinations every 6-12 months. This will give them the best chance of identifying and treating the infection at an early stage. For kittens, these examinations should be carried out at least four times during the first year of life. The frequency of checkups for your cat may vary depending on her lifestyle and any other health related factors.
Kittens should start prophylactic treatment at 2 weeks of age. Repeat this treatment every two weeks until they are 2 months old and then monthly until they are 6 months old. At this time, they should be switched to year-round broad-spectrum pest control. They will receive this treatment along with year-round heartworm prophylaxis throughout their adult lives. Be sure to discuss preventive measures with your veterinarian at the same time as your cat's routine vaccinations.
If your cat has recently had a worm infestation, you need to take steps to thoroughly clean your cat's environment to prevent re-infection. Replace the litter box and wash any bedding it may have used. Vacuum the furniture and the entire house thoroughly. If there are other cats in the house, they may also need treatment.
Conclusion
Parasitic worms are common in cats, but they can lead to health problems if not dealt with properly. To prevent your cat from getting worms, you should follow a regular deworming regimen, including year-round preventive treatments, including heartworm prevention, and annual veterinary checkups. If you suspect that your cat is infected with worms, contact your veterinarian. They will be able to prescribe an effective dewormer that kills the adult worms, eggs and larvae, stopping their life cycle and resolving the problem. It's also important to practice good hygiene in your home, including washing your hands after handling cats and litter boxes, as some worms can be transmitted to humans.
