Cats are beloved pets, but they can fall prey to parasitic worms. Cat anthelmintics are the go-to solution for many owners. This article will dig deep into whether these medications can truly kill parasites, how they work, and what factors affect their performance.
What are Cat Anthelmintics?
Cat anthelmintics are drugs made to combat internal parasites in cats. These parasites are mainly different kinds of worms. They are available in various forms, like tablets, liquids, and pastes. Each form has its own way of being administered to the cat.
Forms of Anthelmintics
• Tablets: Tablets are a common form. They are easy to store. But getting a cat to swallow a tablet can be a challenge. Some tablets have a coating to make them more palatable for cats. Owners often have to use techniques like hiding the tablet in a favorite treat to get their cat to take it.
• Liquids: Liquid anthelmintics are usually given using a dropper. They can be more convenient for some cats, especially those that are difficult to pill. The liquid can be squirted into the side of the cat’s mouth, carefully avoiding the airway.
• Pastes: Pastes are often used for kittens or cats that have trouble with other forms. They are usually flavored to make them more appealing to cats. The paste is applied directly to the cat’s mouth, often on the back of the tongue.
Types of Parasites Targeted by Anthelmintics
Roundworms
Roundworms are very common in cats. They look like long, white strings. Kittens can get roundworms from their mother before birth or through her milk. Adult cats can pick them up by eating infected prey, such as mice or insects. Anthelmintics target roundworms by interfering with their nervous system or metabolism. This causes the worms to become paralyzed or die, and then they are excreted from the cat’s body.
Hookworms
Hookworms are smaller and thinner than roundworms. They attach to the cat’s intestinal wall. Cats can get hookworms by walking on contaminated soil, as the larvae can penetrate their skin. They can also ingest the larvae. Anthelmintics for hookworms work by stopping the worms from absorbing nutrients. This weakens and eventually kills them, allowing the cat’s body to expel them.
Tapeworms
Tapeworms are made up of segments and resemble small grains of rice. Cats usually get tapeworms by swallowing fleas. When a cat grooms itself and accidentally eats a flea that has tapeworm larvae, the larvae develop into adult tapeworms in the cat’s intestines. Anthelmintics for tapeworms break down the structure of the worm. They dissolve the segments of the tapeworm, and the cat then excretes the remains.
Whipworms
Whipworms are less common in cats compared to the other types. They live in the cat’s large intestine. Cats get whipworms by ingesting soil or feces that contain whipworm eggs. Anthelmintics for whipworms work in a similar way to those for other worms. They disrupt the worm’s normal functions, leading to its death and elimination from the body.
How Do Cat Anthelmintics Kill Parasites?
Disrupting Nervous System
Many anthelmintics target the worm’s nervous system. They work by blocking certain receptors or interfering with the neurotransmitters in the worm. This causes the worm to lose control of its muscles. As a result, the worm becomes paralyzed. Once paralyzed, the worm can no longer attach to the cat’s intestinal wall. It is then passed out of the body through the feces.
Interfering with Metabolism
Some anthelmintics disrupt the metabolism of the worms. They stop the worms from absorbing nutrients properly. Without nutrients, the worms cannot survive. These medications may also interfere with the worm’s energy-production processes. This leads to the weakening and eventual death of the parasite.
Destroying Cell Structure
For tapeworms, some anthelmintics work by destroying the cell structure of the worm. They break down the outer layers of the tapeworm segments. This makes the tapeworm unable to function properly. The dissolved parts of the tapeworm are then eliminated from the cat’s body.
Factors Affecting the Efficacy of Anthelmintics
Type of Anthelmintic
Not all anthelmintics are created equal. Some are more effective against certain types of worms than others. For example, a particular anthelmintic may be highly effective against roundworms but less so against tapeworms. It’s important for cat owners to choose the right anthelmintic based on the type of parasite their cat is likely to have.
Dosage
The dosage of the anthelmintic is crucial. If the dosage is too low, the medication may not be able to kill all the parasites. The remaining parasites can continue to cause problems for the cat. On the other hand, if the dosage is too high, it can cause side effects in the cat. These side effects can range from mild, like vomiting or diarrhea, to more serious, like organ damage.
Frequency of Administration
Regular administration of anthelmintics is important. Some parasites have a life cycle that requires multiple doses of anthelmintics to completely eliminate them. For example, if a cat has a tapeworm infection, a single dose of anthelmintic may only kill the adult worms. The eggs and larvae may still be present in the cat’s body. A follow-up dose is needed to target these remaining stages of the parasite.
Resistance
Over time, some parasites can develop resistance to anthelmintics. This is more common in areas where anthelmintics are over – used. When parasites become resistant, the anthelmintic may no longer be able to kill them. In such cases, veterinarians may need to recommend a different type of anthelmintic or a combination of treatments.
Signs that Anthelmintics are Working
Reduction in Symptoms
If a cat was showing symptoms of a parasitic infection before deworming, a reduction in these symptoms can be a sign that the anthelmintics are working. Symptoms like diarrhea, weight loss, a dull coat, and a pot – bellied appearance in kittens can improve after successful deworming. For example, if a cat had diarrhea due to a hookworm infection, the diarrhea should start to subside within a few days of taking the anthelmintic.
Excretion of Worms
Seeing worms in the cat’s feces after deworming is another sign that the anthelmintics are working. The dead or dying worms are being expelled from the cat’s body. This can be a bit shocking for cat owners, but it’s a positive indication that the medication is doing its job. However, not seeing worms does not necessarily mean the treatment was not successful, as some worms may be too small to see or may have been completely broken down by the anthelmintic.
Signs that Anthelmintics are Not Working
Persistent Symptoms
If the cat’s symptoms of a parasitic infection do not improve after taking anthelmintic, it may mean the treatment was not effective. For example, if a cat continues to have diarrhea, vomiting, or a poor appetite after deworming, it could be a sign that there are still parasites in the cat’s body. The cat may also continue to lose weight or have a dull coat.
Re-infection
If a cat gets re-infected with parasites soon after deworming, it may indicate that the anthelmintic did not completely eliminate the original infection. This could be due to a low dosage, resistance of the parasites, or the cat being exposed to new sources of infection. For example, if a cat is an outdoor cat and continues to hunt infected prey, it may get re-infected with roundworms.
Precautions When Using Cat Anthelmintics
Read the Label
Always read the label of the anthelmintic carefully. The label will provide information on the correct dosage, how to administer the medication, and any potential side effects. It will also tell you which types of parasites the anthelmintic is effective against. If you have any questions about the label, consult your veterinarian.
Follow Dosage Instructions
As mentioned earlier, the dosage is crucial. Do not under – dose or over – dose your cat. Use a measuring device, like a syringe for liquid anthelmintics or a pill splitter for tablets if needed, to ensure the correct amount is given. If you are unsure about the dosage, ask your veterinarian.
Keep Away from Children and Other Pets
Store anthelmintics out of reach of children and other pets. These medications can be harmful if ingested by humans or other animals. Keep them in a secure place, preferably in a locked cabinet.
Observe for Side Effects
After administering the anthelmintic, observe your cat for any signs of side effects. Common side effects include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. If you notice any severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing, seizures, or excessive drooling, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Conclusion
Cat anthelmintics are generally effective at killing parasites. They work through various mechanisms to target different types of worms. However, their efficacy can be affected by several factors. By understanding how anthelmintics work, choosing the right one, and following the proper precautions, cat owners can effectively protect their feline friends from parasitic infections. Regular deworming, based on the advice of a veterinarian, is an important part of keeping cats healthy.
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