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.