4 Signs Your Cat Needs Deworming Treatment Sooner Than Later Watch out for these early signs to save your cat from potential long-term problems

Americans love raising pets, with cats being the second favorite after dogs. Research shows they make great companions, improving mood, offering emotional support, and contributing to the morale of their owners. They may promote socialization among the elderly and physically or mentally disabled people. Not surprisingly, nearly 40 million American households have pet cats.

Along with the rewards of cat parenting come several responsibilities when it comes to raising a healthy feline companion. The first thing you should do is be aware of common health issues in these animals. Intestinal worms are a concern you should watch out for. According to statistics, roundworms are the most common intestinal parasite found in cats, with a prevalence of 25% to 75%.

Knowing the early signs can help you prevent worm infestations and keep your furry companion healthy and comfortable. Early detection also enables you to eliminate these culprits with natural remedies at home. Alternatively, you can start treatment with oral tablets when the infestation is severe.

In this article, we will highlight some signs that your cat requires deworming sooner rather than later. 

Sign #1: Behavioral Changes

Aggression is a common behavioral trait in cats, although owners often take it less seriously than canine aggression. However, if your pet seems more aggressive than usual, it may be harboring intestinal worms. Likewise, a noticeable behavior change is a sign to watch out for. Look for indications like isolation, discomfort, and irritability.

When you notice these early signs, explore effective home remedies for deworming cats for early action. Seek advice from other cat owners to find some remedies they may have tried and tested. You can consider a vet consultation sooner rather than later as a precautionary measure.

Sign #2: Weight Loss and Poor Appetite

Unexplained weight loss and poor appetite may indicate that your feline friend has intestinal worms. Likewise, a sudden disinterest in meals or reluctance to eat is a reason to worry. Monitoring your cat's weight and eating habits enables you to check fluctuations and decide whether they are valid (due to age or changes in diet).

Fortunately, there are several medications to get rid of worms and restore healthy eating habits and optimal weight for your pet. You can try chewable tablets or worm clear drops according to the age and preference of your cat. Most of them start working right after the first dose. 

Sign #3: Lethargy and Weakness

Does your cat seem less energetic than usual? Does it spend more time sleeping? Lethargy and weakness in a normally active and playful pet often indicate an underlying health issue. Intestinal parasites can often sap your cat’s energy, making it sluggish and uninterested in activities it otherwise enjoys.

Fatigue caused by a parasitic infection can affect your pet’s overall well-being. You must address the concern promptly through a deworming treatment. 

Sign #4: Changes in Feces

Cat owners should examine their pet’s feces frequently as a part of the health monitoring plan. If you notice a change in the color, appearance, or consistency, intestinal worms could be the culprit. Other signs to watch out for include visible worms, mucus, or blood in stool. Your pet may also suffer from persistent diarrhea or constipation. 

According to Ann Leone, B.S. in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University, only a vet specialist can accurately diagnose a worm problem and give the medicine your cat needs to get rid of worms. 

Scheduling an appointment is a feasible measure because they can check the type of parasite and recommend medication accordingly. A tapeworm dewormer is the best option if your cat has tapeworms. Similarly, your vet may suggest appropriate products for roundworms or heartworms. 

Although cats are resilient pets, they may be vulnerable to intestinal parasites. A pet who loves outdoor play is particularly at a higher risk. As a responsible pet owner, you should consider these early signs of potential infestations and take proactive measures for timely treatment. Also, build your defenses with proper precautions and an appropriate environment.