Parasites and De-worming Your New Kitten
There are many intestinal parasites that kittens can catch from their environment or from their mother. These parasites are very common in kittens and some of them can infect humans. Routine de-worming kills roundworms (Toxocara).
Other common parasites include tapeworms (Taenia and Dipylidium), giardia and coccidia (rare in the UK) and these can only be treated when diagnosed on a faecal examination. Although heartworm and hookworms are rare in the UK, there are concerns that they could become prevalent in the UK as more pets are taken onto the continent. Roundworms are transmitted to kittens by nursing on their mother, through coming into contact with parasite eggs in the environment or by hunting. Roundworm eggs can live for up to three years in the ground. Giardia and coccidia are spread through environmental contamination. Tapeworms are spread through hunting or ingestion of fleas.
If your kitten has worms, you may not be able to identify the parasite by looking at it. Sometimes roundworms will be evident in the stool as long, spaghetti-like strands. Tapeworm segments (small, white, rectangular, like grains of rice) may be seen around the rectum.
It is recommended that your veterinarian de-worm your kitten at three, five, seven and nine weeks of age and then place her on a monthly preventative product that kills roundworms and tapeworms. Every kitten should also adhere to a monthly flea treatment as ingestion of fleas when grooming causes tapeworms. ONLY use products that are recommended by your veterinarian. Just because it is sold in a reputable shop does not mean it is safe! After 6 months of age you should de-worm your cat every three months.
If your cat is an indoor-only cat, they still need to adhere to these de-worming guidelines. We can bring roundworm eggs as well as fleas into the house on our shoes. Remember that fleas are a source of tapeworms. Few houses are completely free of rodents or insects, which also act as carriers for many parasites.
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Comments (1)
rachel thomas June 23, 2010 1:53 PM
FlagVery helpful site. I will be re-visiting often for more information on other pet matters.
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