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Question
I currently have a household of cats that I saved. 2 of them are feral mothers whom I cannot touch or really even approach. I have been treating all of my non-feral cats with Advantage for about a year, however, I just found what the internet says is a tapeworm near the butt of one of my cats. I read that this comes from ingesting a flea with the tapeworm. I can take my non-ferals into the vet to be treated but I cannot touch or trap the feral cats. I may be able to trick the one feral to eat off a long handled spoon in which I will have hidden the de-wormer. But, I can't get close enough to her to get the Advantage on her. The other feral won't even come near me at all, even if I have chicken or tuna and I can't get close enough to her at all to even think about squirting any Advantage anywhere near her.
If I get my non-ferals and the 1 feral cat treated for worms, the one feral may still have them and/or fleas correct? And, then she will just keep re=infecting everyone so that I will end up having to de-worm the cats monthly? Please advise.
Hi Michelle,
Use Revolution4Cats on the ones you can get.
http://www.revolution4cats.com/default.aspx?sec=Product%20Overview
After yours have been dewormed this will keep them parasite free. This will take care of any and all problems you will have with the ones you can get to. Now about the one who you can't treat. There isn't too much you can do for that one. Here's a link that is chock full of info about feral cats.
http://www.feralcat.com/
Even they say there is nothing you can do to prevent reinfestation on the one unless you can get flea meds on it every month. They do have a good section on trapping them. But this is a lot of work for not much success. The next best thing you can do is just make sure the others are protected. And Revolution will take care of that. Good luck.
Ciao, Karen
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Answers by Expert:
Karen Craft
Expertise
I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!
Experience
I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care.
Some thoughts to carry with you.
A Cat's 10 Commandments
My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
Give me time to understand what you want of me.
Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.
Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you.
If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong.
Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old.
On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so.
Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.
Education/Credentials
I have an A.A.S.
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