how parasites affect cats

Kittens can be exposed to worms in the womb and through nursing. Deworming should start around 2–3 weeks old, and they should receive an additional dose every two weeks until 8–12 weeks old. This helps remove any worms that the kitten was re-exposed to from the environment.

Also, deworming only treats worms in the intestines, but not all worms stay there. If the deworming misses these migrating worms once, it can catch them on the next dose.

Fleas are very fast, small, wingless insects. If you can't find the flea again to confirm an infestation, you can also look for the flea “dirt.” These small brown-black flecks, usually found on skin and hair, are actually flea feces. Once fleas are in the home, they multiply rapidly. It’s important to begin a flea preventive to stop a flea outbreak.

Talk to your vet about what product is best for your cat and lifestyle. Your vet may also want to discuss deworming and offer some tips about how to treat your home safely to remove all flea life stages.

All cats are at risk for parasites. Outdoor cats definitely run more risk of contagion, but even indoor cats can develop an infestation that needs veterinary care. The danger isn’t just other cats — it’s infected prey, poop particles, water, fleas, mosquitos, ill health, and even cysts that kittens can pick up in the womb.

Parasites may be common, but living with parasites isn’t normal for cats. Kittens and cats can’t simply “fight off” worms, fleas, mites, and other bugs — they need special care to help prevent and cure severe infestations. Talk to your veterinary team about what we recommend to help treat and protect your feline friends.

Trying to treat parasites at home without a vet can be dangerous for your cat. Different parasites need different kinds of veterinary treatment, even when the symptoms look the same. Plus, many home and “natural” remedies — including tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, and garlic — don’t actually work. Many can hurt or even kill a sick cat.

You can trust your veterinary team to have the tests, tools, and expertise to inform a diagnosis and treatment plan for your cat. Ask us about effective parasite prevention meds to help protect your cat!

Many parasites can affect both pets and people. The best way to protect yourself (and your entire pet and human family) is good parasite control and careful home and pet hygiene.

Give your cat year-round parasite protection. Clean up and bag kitty litter promptly. And always thoroughly wash your hands after touching your cat or their waste, even if they seem perfectly healthy.

Parasites need veterinary treatment by your veterinary team — many “natural” remedies can hurt your cat. We’re here to help with effective parasite treatments and safe and trusted parasite prevention for cats. 

Treatment: We’ll do a complete exam of your cat before we discuss testing and treatment. Depending on your cat’s symptoms, we may recommend deworming, oral medications, topical medications, or other coat care recommendations. 

Follow all directions and bring your kitty back to see us if requested so we can make sure their recovery is going as planned. Depending on their infestation, your cat may need a few rounds of tests or medications to help keep them parasite-free. 

Prevention: You can help protect your cat against fleas, ticks, worms, and heartworm with year-round parasite control. Ask us which options are a great choice for your special friend’s species, location, and lifestyle.