Winning the War Between Cats and Parasites With Year Round Prevention

Organisms that live on or inside other species at their host’s expense aren’t welcome in our homes, but sometimes they come in without an invitation. All these blood suckers need are hosts to feed from, and cats are easy targets no matter the season. The war between cats and parasites rages on year round, but parasite infestations are easy to prevent.
Planning Ahead
At your cat’s annual wellness exam we will discuss the best practices to use against parasites. The good news is that medications to guard against parasites are more affordable than treating the various potential diseases transmitted to your cat. Depending on your cat’s age and lifestyle we will determine the most effective prevention.
All cats, indoor and indoor-outdoor, should be protected from parasites. The ongoing battle between cats and parasites hinges on how these pesky bugs affect our feline friends.
The Outside
The following external parasites attach to a cat’s hair or skin:
- Fleas – The small jumping parasites suck the blood of all mammals, so if your home gets infested human family members may also be targeted. Fleas cause itchy skin, but they can also transmit internal parasites, tapeworms, and pathogens into the bloodstream.
- Ticks – Harbored by wooded or grassy areas, ticks attach to a roaming feline’s legs or abdomen. Even if your cat doesn’t go outside, ticks can come inside the home via pant legs or shoes. Serious infections like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain fever are deposited directly into the bloodstream from blood-sucking ticks.
- Mites – These tiny insects live on the skin and cause severe irritation, pain, hair loss and secondary bacterial infections. Ear mites commonly feed on a cat’s auditory canal, so if you see your cat shaking their head or scratching their head and ears excessively they may need help.
The Inside
Parasites that get inside your cat’s organs can be incredibly dangerous to their health.
- Roundworms – Found in water and soil (even bagged commercial potting varieties) the eggs of these internal parasites roam throughout their hosts until they reach the intestines. They can grow to six inches long, causing serious abdominal discomfort and vomiting in cats.
- Tapeworms – Cats that eat prey infected by tapeworms may lose weight or appear lethargic. Take a close look in the litter box for evidence of these intestinal worms.
- Hookworms – These intestinal parasites can enter the body through the feet or when a cat eats larvae. Weight loss, anemia, dull coat and blood passed in their stool all indicate that a cat and parasites are fighting it out.
- Coccidia – These single-celled organisms aren’t worms, but they do live in their host’s intestinal lining and cause diarrhea. Cats may pick these up from eating birds or mice, or when they come into contact with the stool of infected animals.
- Heartworm – Transmission of these horrible worms is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworm disease is untreatable in cats, and can be fatal. As a result, year round prevention is essential.
Cats and Parasites
You can win the war against cat parasites with year round prevention medication. Testing for parasites every year should be part of the defense against potential infections and infestations.
If you have questions about cats and parasites, please let us know.
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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…
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.
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!
…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.
…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…
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.
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 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.
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.
Knowledgeable, caring vets and a very supportive team. Highly recommended based on my personal experiences…
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 Vets have taken time to know and understand both my kitties. All clinic staff are caring, knowledgeable, and generally first rate.
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)…
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
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.
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.
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+