Treating Cat Fleas And Worms In Cats

Fleas, Worms and Tick Control

Fleas

Fleas are the most common external parasite that affect cats. The biggest sign to look for in detecting them is if your cat is scratching a lot. They will also probably be acting somewhat under the weather and over-grooming themselves.

We offer the following treatments available individually and as part of our Membership Plans.

Treatment against fleas

Advantage® is a spot on preparation containing imidacloprid for the prevention and treatment of flea infestations on cats. Cat fleas are killed within one day following treatment and one treatment prevents further flea infestation for four weeks. The product can be used as part of a treatment strategy for flea allergy dermatitis. Imidacloprid has a high affinity for the nicotinergic acetylcholine receptors in the post-synaptic region of the central nervous system (CNS). The ensuing inhibition of cholinergic transmission in insects results in paralysis and death.

Advocate® is a spot on preparation containing imidacloprid and moxidectin. Imidacloprid is effective against larval flea stages and adult fleas. Flea larvae in the cat’s surroundings are killed after contact with a cat treated with the product. Moxidectin is a parasiticide which is active against many internal and external parasites. Advocate is indicated for cats suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections: For the treatment and prevention of flea infestation (Ctenocephalides felis), treatment of ear mite infestation (Otodectes cynotis), prevention of heartworm disease (L3 and L4 larvae of Dirofilaria immitis) and treatment of infections with gastrointestinal nematodes (L4 larvae, immature adults and adults of Toxocara cati and Ancylostoma tubaeforme).

Worms

Worms are internal parasites of which the most common forms found in cats are tapeworms and roundworms. They live in the gut and cause a range of symptoms including chronic diarrhoea, constant hunger and weight loss.

Treatment against worms

Drontal® is the most popular range of wormers used for pets in the UK. Drontal Cat Tablets (20 mg praziquantel, 230 mg pyrantel embonate) provide a combined roundworm and tapeworm treatment for cats and kittens.

Droncit® Spot-On (20 mg praziquantel) is a tapeworm treatment for cats applied directly to the skin on the back of the neck. The application to the skin makes it ideal for use in fractious cats, helping avoid having a fight on your hands. It is also for hunting cats which require frequent treatment. It is effective against all the common tapeworms found in cats in the UK, and also the fox tapeworm that is prevalent in mainland Europe.

Profender® is a spot on preparation containing emodepside and praziquantel for cats suffering from, or at risk from, mixed parasitic infections caused by roundworms and tapeworms. Emodepside is a semi-synthetic compound belonging to the new chemical group of depsipeptides. It is active against roundworms (ascarids and hookworms). In this product, emodepside is responsible for the efficacy against Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina, and Ancylostoma tubaeforme.

It acts at the neuromuscular junction by stimulating presynaptic receptors belonging to the secretin receptor family which results in paralysis and death of the parasites. Praziquantel is a pyrazinoisoquinoline derivative effective against tapeworms such as Dipylidium caninum, Echinococcus multilocularis, and Taenia taeniaeformis. Praziquantel is rapidly adsorbed via the surface of the parasites and acts primarily by changing the Ca++ permeability of the parasite membranes. This results in severe damage to the parasite integument, contraction and paralysis, disruption of metabolism and finally leads to the death of the parasite.

For more information on cat parasites, visit the Bayer Animal Healthcare website.

We can give advice on the most effective parasite treatment combinations for your cat. Please contact us for more information.