Deworming

Most cats carry intestinal worms at some point, and most show nothing at all. A kitten can be hit harder: slow to grow, dull in the coat, round in the belly. And a few of these worms pass to people, children most of all. Regular deworming keeps them out of your cat and out of your home. Here is how it is usually done; your vet sets the exact plan for yours.

What they are

Three kinds turn up most. Roundworm is the common one, picked up from the ground or from hunting; in kittens a heavy load shows as a pot belly and poor growth. Hookworm is caught from the soil or from prey and quietly drains a cat. Tapeworm comes almost always from a swallowed flea, so you may see small rice-grain segments near the tail, which is why controlling fleas is half of controlling tapeworm.

The schedule

Kittens carry the highest risk, so they are wormed early and often: every two weeks from around two to three weeks old until a little after weaning, with the mother treated alongside her first litter. From there it settles. An indoor cat who does not hunt may need worming only a few times a year, led by the odd fecal test; a cat who roams or hunts needs it more often, up to monthly. Your vet will land on the right rhythm.

In Egypt

Worms are more common here than the global average, and the eggs survive well in warm soil and sandboxes, which is what makes the household side matter: wash hands after the litter tray and the garden, and keep children's play areas clean. None of this is cause for alarm, just the reason the routine is worth keeping.

Choosing a wormer

A wormer is matched to what your cat needs covered: roundworm and hookworm always, tapeworm when fleas are in the picture. Rather than chase a particular brand, ask your vet what is stocked locally and right for your cat's weight. Dosing is by weight, and a cat should never be given a dog's wormer without a vet's say.

When to see your vet

A routine fecal test once or twice a year, sooner if you see worms or rice-grain segments, if your cat is vomiting or losing weight, or if a kitten is not thriving. If anyone in the home develops an unexplained eye or skin complaint, mention the cat to your doctor.

This is a starting point, not a prescription. Every cat is different, and your veterinarian chooses the right products and timing for yours. We are always glad to point you the right way.