Is Cat Parasite Prevention Really That Necessary in Winter?

The majority of our beautiful state enjoys a sub-tropical climate. We have hot, humid summers and super mild winters that enable residents to spend as much time outdoors as they like (or not!). What this means for cat parasite prevention is that our efforts to keep bugs at bay must be a year-round affair. Without a consistent approach to disease prevention, the cats we know and love could be at risk. Not on our watch!
Not Just a Nuisance
Bugs, particularly those that spread terrible diseases, aren’t just a nuisance. Responsible for infecting countless numbers of mammals every year, a single bite from a parasite can result in an unexpected fatality if preventive measures aren’t enforced on a year-round basis.
Life Cycle
In colder states, parasites are known to die when (or shortly after) the first frost occurs. However, our seasonal low temperatures typically somewhere above freezing, and bugs remain a constant threat to feline well being. Even if your cat stays indoors, parasites can enter the house on your clothing, through open doors, broken screens, and on other animals in the house.
While fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes have awful reputations, they aren’t the only ones threatening cat health. Other external parasites, like mites, as well as intestinal parasites, like hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms can result in truly frightening side effects. Several of these parasites can even infect humans.
A Word on Heartworm
As a dedicated cat owner you know that heartworm disease is a potentially fatal disease in cats. If infected, there is no cure or treatment for the disease. Unfortunately, feline heartworm disease is often misdiagnosed as asthma or allergies.
One bite from a mosquito transmits the disease. The microscopic worms are deposited in the bloodstream before maturing in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels, resulting in organ damage, heart failure, and lung disease over the course of months and years.
Cat Parasite Prevention
The great news is that heartworm disease, blood diseases transmitted by ticks, and the harmful effects of fleas are all preventable! When faced with the alternative, year-round, monthly parasite prevention medication is one of the most cost-effective and important measures you take for your cat.
Options
We are happy to work with you on which parasite prevention product works for your cat’s age and lifestyle. At your cat’s next wellness exam, we can address their needs and the importance of year-round cat parasite prevention.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know.
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…We must say that Dr. Jennifer Palmer…is the BEST. Her medical experience, bedside manner, candor, and quest for knowledge…is immeasurable. She goes beyond the call of duty to ‘reach-out’ for answers and health options you may not be aware of.
I was shocked at how little we knew even after more than a decade of cat ownership and regular vet visits. I really can't say enough about how thrilled we are with Dr. Palmer and Cat Care of Vinings. We just feel so fortunate to have you in our lives and are most grateful. Thank you all for all that you do! :-)
The veterinarians and staff here are very professional, caring and thorough (they check for things other vet clinics don’t). They genuinely love their clients (i.e. cats)…
The quality of treatment and unbelievable care with which my kitten was treated are priceless to me especially as kitten moves into her later years. I wouldn’t take her anywhere else.
This veterinary clinic changed my cat's entire life…[he had] severe dental problems… I was reluctant to…do the procedures… I cannot stress how happy I am… Everyone treats the cats with love and care, and they treat the people with respect and offer great advice.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
The staff are always welcoming and hospitable. Doctors will go out of their way to make sure your cat is taken care of and comfortable. They always return your calls and even call to check up on your cat after an appointment.
I am extremely fortunate to have taken her to Cat Care of Vinings… They take time to listen…answer questions, offer guidance…compassion, and give frequent and welcome updates.
The Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
I have had cats my whole life and have used many veterinarians over the years. Cat Care of Vinings provides the best care I have ever received for my 'kids' - cats
Cat Care is exactly what it says. The whole office is geared toward all felines… There are cat trees, and cat friendly furniture throughout. But is what is more important is the feline expertise…
These people love your pet almost as much as you do… This seems less like a business and more like a labor of love. [They]…always keep you in the loop of what is happening…and put both you and your pet at ease…providing first rate care for you cat.
Where do I begin? There are so many positives about Cat Care of Vinings…this entire practice is on a whole other level… The environment is relaxing and the staff are comforting and supportive.
…more information than the previous…places… Also,…we did not feel like they were pressuring us into paying for expensive procedures that may or may not work… [They] actually showed care and concern for our kitty…
Dr. Michael Friedlander is experienced, capable, kind, and caring with my cat and with me. Her staff is also excellent. Besides the excellent care for my cat, Michael also educated me on what I need to do to take care of my cat, such as vaccinations and heart worm prevention. This is a top notch feline veterinary hospital with a top notch staff!
At Cat Care of Vinings, every person…demonstrated care. Everything was well explained… I received phone calls updating me on his progress and asking how he was after I took him home. They are compassionate and knowledgeable about cats and that is what really matters.
CCV is a warm, quiet environment that helps my nervous cat feel more comfortable… The vet techs and office staff are skilled, helpful and friendly. A+