Types Antiparasitic for Cats: what are they, why are they required


The antiparasitic for cats are essential products to ensure that your cat has a good health. Therefore, it is worth taking the necessary precautions.


What are antiparasitics?

These are, broadly speaking, products that are sold in different formats and manage to combat parasites that have settled in the bodies of cats or dissuade those who intend to do so. You can buy these products in establishments specialized in veterinary medicine. On the other hand, it will be, precisely, your veterinarian who will give you the appropriate indications about which antiparasitic for cats to administer and in what dose. These indications will depend on the physical conditions of your pet and the kind of parasite that has infected them or whose attack you intend to avoid.


What cat parasites do these products fight?

As for the parasites whose effects are prevented by the products that we have introduced and, later, we will review, there are two essential types of them. Pay attention:

  • In the first place, the internal parasites of cats, which are able to lodge in the animal’s organs, such as the lungs and intestines. The most relevant are tapeworms and worms, which can cause health problems for your cat from within its body. For example, the tapeworm can absorb substances from inside the animal’s body, which can cause excessive weight loss and other fatal inconveniences.
  • Second, external parasites in cats are those that do not enter the cat’s body, but stay on its surface. Consequently, they cling to their skin and fur. Fleas and ticks will bite and suck the blood of these animals, just as they would with us. On the other hand, there are mites that, although they do not feed on the cat’s blood, will cause discomfort. Those that cause scabies are good examples of these drawbacks, since their presence makes the animal unable to stop scratching.

Types of antiparasitics for cats

Next, we present the different classes of antiparasitics for cats that you can find. Many of them are used to eradicate more than one parasite. First, take note of the ones that fight internal parasites.

Antiparasitic pills for cats

It is, without a doubt, the most specific internal antiparasitic for cats. It is good for fighting tapeworms of the intestines and worms. The doses and their frequency will depend on the weight of your pet. Your vet will give you the correct advice in this regard. On the other hand, if you notice that the animal has trouble taking the pills, you can ask your veterinarian to provide you with an oral paste that contains its effects.

Antiparasitic pipettes

If the cat does not show a good predisposition to pills, another solution is to opt for pipettes. These, for their part, serve both internal and external parasites. The method of application consists of removing the fur and administering the pipette on a couple of points on the feline’s skin.

The content will spread through the sebaceous glands and, in general, throughout the body. In this way, the cat will be protected from parasites for several weeks.

Antiparasitic collars

The antiparasitic collar for cats, like the rest of remedies against external microorganisms, is applied topically. Its dermatological effect has been successfully tested for many years, which has made it very popular with owners, and keeps ticks and fleas away from your pet for months. The duration of the effects depends on the specific product you buy.

Antiparasitic sprays

These products are applied after tick, lice, and flea attacks have already occurred , but can also be used as precautionary protections. Especially in the cases of puppies, who are more vulnerable to these infestations.

Lotions and shampoos

They are liquids that will fulfill two functions: protect against parasites and keep your cat’s fur and skin clean.


Tips to keep in mind to keep parasites away from your cat

You can go to the veterinary clinic, where they will recommend a deworming plan. Although there are programs through which your cat will be protected throughout the year, make sure to visit your trusted veterinarian every three months. He will check if your cat has suffered any infection from parasites.

These deworming plans, on the other hand, will be tailored to your cat’s special circumstances. We refer, for example, to the area in which you live (since there will be threats from parasites different from those in others) and the size and breed of the animal.

Although your cats spend practically their entire lives at home, you have to be careful with these types of infections. Be aware that parasites can get into your home in many ways. Without going any further, they may have been transported by insects or yourself.

And, in addition, these microorganisms are not only dangerous for cats, but also for your own health. Not surprisingly, zoonotics can be spread to people. And, among other transmissions, we must highlight the one produced by scratches, which allows the Bartonella bacteria to enter your body, which is found in the body of cats infected by fleas.


Can you give dog dewormers to a cat?

You should not do it, since antiparasitics for dogs contain permethrin, insecticidal substances that are highly toxic to cats . So much so that the intense symptoms (fever, seizures, hypersalivation …) appear in a few hours.

Also be careful if your cat lives with a dog, since the first should not contact in any case with this type of insecticide administered to the second. If such contact occurs, veterinary attention must be immediate.

In short, parasites make a dent in the health of our cats, so we must prevent their effects and ask our trusted veterinarian to recommend the ideal antiparasitic for cats to combat them.


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