If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. |
|
|
Thread Tools | Display Modes |
|
#1
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
Hi, I was just wondering if de-worming a cat that doesn't actually
demonstrate any obvious signs of infection can have any averse effects on it's health? Is it also possible that any future worms might have developed a resistance toward the medication if I regularly medicate? |
#2
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
My question to you is, why would you need to worm a cat regularly?
Does it live outside? Has it had worms before? Some worm medications can be quite toxic. After all, the medication has to kill the worms but not the cat. Many medications are specific to the kind of worm the cat has, so giving a different medications will not kill another worm. Best advice is to contact a veterinarian to get a dose of the proper medication. Most likely, you'll be asked to bring in a stool sample to check for parasites. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
Rene S. typed with one finger:
My question to you is, why would you need to worm a cat regularly? Does it live outside? Has it had worms before? I've taken in a stray kitten which I think is about 11-12 weeks old (it's getting pretty cold here now, and he/she would've been likely to have frozen to death soon). I'm in the process of worming it right now. It'll be living indoors from now on, but I was told the other day by a pharmacist to worm the kitten every three months. That's why I was curious to know if this actually is a good idea, from the cat's point of view. I feel like it would be treating something preventively using antibiotics. Best advice is to contact a veterinarian to get a dose of the proper medication. Most likely, you'll be asked to bring in a stool sample to check for parasites. I will. Thanks for the answer. // Stefan |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
I've taken in a stray kitten which I think is about 11-12 weeks old (it's getting pretty cold here now, and he/she would've been likely to have frozen to death soon). I'm in the process of worming it right now. It'll be living indoors from now on, but I was told the other day by a pharmacist to worm the kitten every three months. In some cases, a kitten/cat may need multiple doses of a de-wormer to completely eliminate the parasites, but I have never heard of worming every three months "just because," especially since this kitty will be staying indoors. |
#5
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
"Rene S." wrote in message ... I've taken in a stray kitten which I think is about 11-12 weeks old (it's getting pretty cold here now, and he/she would've been likely to have frozen to death soon). I'm in the process of worming it right now. It'll be living indoors from now on, but I was told the other day by a pharmacist to worm the kitten every three months. In some cases, a kitten/cat may need multiple doses of a de-wormer to completely eliminate the parasites, but I have never heard of worming every three months "just because," especially since this kitty will be staying indoors. a Pharmacist is not a vet. I have never heard of every three months unless they get them again Rule of thumb WHEN IN DOUBT CALL YOUR VET. This rule will save your furball always Unless the worms come back which sometimes does happens specially if you get a flea infestation do you have to redo the medication. I live in Florida and even though my furballs are indoors. The fleas travel on you and it leds to them sometimes getting the tapeworms when I see them one little pill and they are gone. If I am correct I am sure one of the regulars will correct me if I am wrong Advantage makes a multi formula that does ear mites heart worm tapeworms ticks and fleas |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
"Rene S." wrote in message ... I've taken in a stray kitten which I think is about 11-12 weeks old (it's getting pretty cold here now, and he/she would've been likely to have frozen to death soon). I'm in the process of worming it right now. It'll be living indoors from now on, but I was told the other day by a pharmacist to worm the kitten every three months. In some cases, a kitten/cat may need multiple doses of a de-wormer to completely eliminate the parasites, but I have never heard of worming every three months "just because," especially since this kitty will be staying indoors. Agreed. My cats are indoor cats. I adopted Holly almost 13 years ago and Duffy more than 5 years ago. Holly developed a tapeworm several years ago, but that was the only sign of worms in either cat in all these years. Neither cat had been outdoors prior to adoption, so that is a difference between these two and the OP's description. I do take a fresh fecal sample with me for their annual exams. MaryL |
#7
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
"Stefan P." wrote in message ... Hi, I was just wondering if de-worming a cat that doesn't actually demonstrate any obvious signs of infection can have any averse effects on it's health? Is it also possible that any future worms might have developed a resistance toward the medication if I regularly medicate? My vet has done it for the cats I have taken in from the wild. That is the only time she offers it unless there is a sign of an infection. Droncit is safe and powerful and I have not heard of resistance issues. If a cat has fleas, tapeworms are almost a certainty at some point. Tapeworms complete their life cycle through fleas. You should not have to regularly medicate. On average I have treated my cats maybe once every 2 years when I see segments clinging to their backsides. Paul |
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
On Oct 20, 9:05 am, "Paul M. Cook" wrote:
"Stefan P." wrote in message ... Hi, I was just wondering if de-worming a cat that doesn't actually demonstrate any obvious signs of infection can have any averse effects on it's health? Is it also possible that any future worms might have developed a resistance toward the medication if I regularly medicate? My vet has done it for the cats I have taken in from the wild. That is the only time she offers it unless there is a sign of an infection. Droncit is safe and powerful and I have not heard of resistance issues. If a cat has fleas, tapeworms are almost a certainty at some point. Tapeworms complete their life cycle through fleas. You should not have to regularly medicate. On average I have treated my cats maybe once every 2 years when I see segments clinging to their backsides. Paul We adopted a stray a few years ago and even she wasn't de-wormed because there was no evidence of any kind of parasites. I agree with those who are saying there is no reason to regularly worm a kitten or cat. Your vet can test for parasites and prescribe something only if the kitten needs it. Why go through the expense and discomfort for the kitten if there are no parasites? -yngver |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
"yngver" wrote in message ... On Oct 20, 9:05 am, "Paul M. Cook" wrote: "Stefan P." wrote in message ... Hi, I was just wondering if de-worming a cat that doesn't actually demonstrate any obvious signs of infection can have any averse effects on it's health? Is it also possible that any future worms might have developed a resistance toward the medication if I regularly medicate? My vet has done it for the cats I have taken in from the wild. That is the only time she offers it unless there is a sign of an infection. Droncit is safe and powerful and I have not heard of resistance issues. If a cat has fleas, tapeworms are almost a certainty at some point. Tapeworms complete their life cycle through fleas. You should not have to regularly medicate. On average I have treated my cats maybe once every 2 years when I see segments clinging to their backsides. Paul We adopted a stray a few years ago and even she wasn't de-wormed because there was no evidence of any kind of parasites. I agree with those who are saying there is no reason to regularly worm a kitten or cat. Your vet can test for parasites and prescribe something only if the kitten needs it. Why go through the expense and discomfort for the kitten if there are no parasites? A quick shot of droncit is cheap and does not cause any discomfort for the cat. One shot is usually all it takes. Paul |
#10
|
|||
|
|||
Superflous de-worming?
On Mon, 20 Oct 2008 13:16:26 +0200, Stefan P. wrote:
Hi, I was just wondering if de-worming a cat that doesn't actually demonstrate any obvious signs of infection can have any averse effects on it's health? Never forget that parasite medicines are poison only slightly less poisonous to the host as to the guest. |
Thread Tools | |
Display Modes | |
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Worming a pregnant Cat | sheelagh | Cat health & behaviour | 3 | July 7th 07 05:19 PM |
Worming a pregnant Cat | sheelagh | Cat health & behaviour | 0 | July 7th 07 01:25 PM |
De-worming for cats | ilovecats | Cat health & behaviour | 1 | November 20th 06 05:37 PM |
de-worming for cats | elizabethzotani | Cat health & behaviour | 10 | October 16th 06 11:33 AM |
worming | looby_lou | Cat health & behaviour | 2 | August 1st 06 04:24 PM |