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Cats/re:worming kitten

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Expert: - 3/12/2009


Question
I purchased a kitten one week ago and it was reportedly wormed and treated for fleas, I have just noticed a long worm in her faeces and wonder if the treatment would still be taking effect and how long this usually takes to eliminate as I was advised to worm her again in two weeks time.

Answer
Alana,

Not all dewormers kill all types of worms. I'd recommend that you take the sample of feces containing the large worm to the veterinarian so that s/he can identify the worm in question - it sounds like a tapeworm to me and dewormers like Strongid T (commonly given via syringe, the dewormer itself is a yellow color and is often butterscotch flavored to make it more palatable for the cats) are used to eliminate the more common roundworms and hookworms. I believe that Drontal (comes in a pill form and is usually administered by the veterinarian, the dose depends on how much your kitten weighs) is the name of a very effective broad spectrum dewormer used for cats that have tapeworms or other worms not flushed from the system with the more commonly used dewormers. If your vet recommends the use of a stronger dewormer s/he may advise against using the next dose of the dewormer you were given, it just may eliminate all of the worms in this baby's tummy. Another possibility is that the kitten was given the wrong dose of dewormer for his/her weight or s/he may have been given an over the counter dewormer rather than the more effective prescription dewormers prescribed by vets. I generally recommend that pet parents choose dewormers and treatments for external parasites that have been prescribed for them by their veterinarian because there are fewer laws requiring the handling and sale of over the counter products. With a prescription dewormer your kitten will be guaranteed to get an appropriate dose of a prescription dewormer that's been handled appropriately and chosen for the specific type of worms s/he has. It's possible that your vet may recommend a dewormer different from those which I have described, if so the kitten's parasite burden, type of parasites, age, weight or overall condition may be the reason for recommending a different medication.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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