When you bring a new kitten into your home or if your own cat has a litter, it is important for the health of your new kitten(s) and your family, to make sure that your kitten(s) is treated for both worms and fleas.
Here’s all you need to know about worms and fleas in relation to kittens.
Do All New Kittens Have Worms?
It is common for a kitten to be born with worms. They can be passed on through a mother cat who has worms, especially through her milk whilst feeding.
What Kind Of Worms Are Kittens Susceptible To?
The most common types of tapeworms that infect cats are called Dipylidium caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis. However, there are other ways in which a kitten can come into contact with worms. Dipylidium is passed on to cats by fleas. Young fleas (larvae) ingest the eggs of the worm and infection is passed on to a cat when it swallows an infected flea during acts like cleaning themselves.
Should You Give Your Kitten Flea And Worm Medication?
What if your new kitten won’t be interacting with other animals or if they stay inside? Does your kitten only need flea and worm medication if they go outside?
Even if your kitten is going to be a strictly indoor cat, it is still advised that you treat your kitten for worms and fleas. It won’t do them any harm and it will keep them protected.
What are the signs that your kitten has fleas or worms?
If your kitten loves to explore outside your home, then it is highly likely they will come into contact with fleas or worms while they are roaming outside. In this case, if you notice that they are scratching at themselves a lot more than normal, then you will need to get them some flea medication before the fleas can infest your home. If you notice that your kitten is vomiting up worms, then you should take them to the veterinarian in order to get dewormed. This is routine for newborn kittens up to 6 months old.
How Often Do You Need To Give Your Kitten Flea And Worm Medication?
As newborns, kittens need manual flea removal where you pick them out of their fur. After 4 weeks’ old, you can begin to use medication from the shop. Once you give your kitten flea medication, it will take care of that infestation of fleas. You will need to make sure to clean your home thoroughly in order to prevent the fleas from staying alive long enough to hatch more eggs and result in another bout of fleas. In the case of de-worming, you will need to take a kitten to the veterinarian every two weeks from 6 weeks’ old to three months, and then once a month from 3 months until 6 months.
Should You Give Your Kitten A Flea Bath?
Flea baths can be good for small kittens in order to remove all the fleas from them quite quickly, especially since they need manual flea removal until they are 4 weeks’ old. It is recommended to soak, lather, and rinse your kitten up to their neck at least two or three times in order to make sure they are completely free of fleas. Don’t be alarmed if all the fleas suddenly swarm your kittens face and head, as those will be the only parts of your kitten that are dry.
How Much Does It Cost To Deworm A Kitten?
As previously mentioned, you can bring your kitten into the vet to be treated for worms. You can also purchase worming medication from your local pet care store where you’ll be assisted as to which medication works best or which would suit your breed of cat. Different medicines come in a variety of costs, depending on brand and seller etc.
Deworming is not a once off thing, regular treatment is needed to prevent re-occurrence.
Frontline Flea And Tick Medication. How Long Does It Take To Kill Fleas?
One of the most searched for flea medication in Ireland seems to be “Frontline”, this specific brand can be found in most pet care stores. Frontline also kills fleas within 24hrs and kills ticks within 48hrs.
Tip:
It is always a good idea to wash your hands (and your children’s hands) after playing with new kittens. Worms can be passed on from animals to humans. If you own any animal it is a good idea to keep worm medication for humans at home too.
