Reasoned choice of dewormers for adult cats

Providing your cat with the best possible care is a priority for any responsible owner. Dewormers are an integral part of your feline's health, but choosing the right product can be complex. Understanding the different types of dewormers available, their advantages and disadvantages, is crucial for optimal protection.

The Dangers of Worms in Cats

Parasitic worms can cause numerous health problems in cats, affecting their well-being and quality of life. They can lead to digestive disorders, weight loss, stunted growth, a weakened immune system, and even serious complications. There are several types of worms that affect cats, each with its own symptoms and consequences.

• Roundworms : These roundworms, like Toxocara cati , are often responsible for vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite in cats.
• Tapeworms : These flatworms, like Dipylidium caninum , can cause digestive disorders, weight loss, and a lack of energy. They are often transmitted through fleas.
• Hookworms : These roundworms, like Ancylostoma caninum , attach to the cat's intestine and can cause bleeding, anemia, and stunted growth.
• Heartworms : These parasites, like Dirofilaria immitis , develop in the cat's heart and lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and heart failure. They are transmitted by mosquitoes.

Deworming Pipettes: A Practical and Effective Solution

Deworming pipettes are a practical and effective solution for fighting worms in cats. They contain active substances that kill or repel worms, without the need for ingestion, which avoids vomiting and facilitates administration.

Mechanism of Action and Active Substances

Deworming pipettes work by gradually releasing the active substances onto the cat's skin, which are then absorbed into the blood and spread throughout the body. The most common active substances include praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, and milbemycin oxime. These molecules act on worms at different stages of their life cycle, ensuring effective protection.

Advantages of Pipettes

• Ease of application: simple and quick, suitable for all owners, even the most novice.
• No ingestion: minimizes the risk of vomiting and resistance from the cat.
• High effectiveness: effective protection against a wide range of intestinal worms.
• Continuous protection: pipettes offer prolonged protection, generally one month, ensuring continuous protection.

Types of Pipettes

There are two main types of deworming pipettes:

• Single-use pipettes : to be applied only once, effective against worms present at the time of application.
• Monthly application pipettes : to be applied every month, providing continuous protection against worm infestations.

The choice between the two types of pipettes depends on the level of risk of infestation and your cat's habits. A cat that spends a lot of time outdoors, for example, may benefit from monthly protection.

Application Tips

For optimal application, it is crucial to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

• Select the correct dose : according to the cat's weight, use the appropriate pipette, respecting the manufacturer's instructions.
• Choose a suitable location : a dry and clean place, avoid damp areas, such as wet fur or sensitive areas such as the cat's eyes and mouth.
• Apply the pipette to the cat's skin : on the back, between the shoulder blades, separating the fur to reach the skin.
• Gently massage the application area : to promote the absorption of active substances, ensuring that the cat cannot lick the area.

Consequences of Incorrect Application

Incorrect application can lead to an overdose or ineffectiveness of the dewormer. It is therefore crucial to carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure optimal protection.

Choosing the Right Pipette for Your Cat

The choice of the right deworming pipette depends on several factors, so it is important to consider your cat's specific needs.

Key Factors for Choosing

• Type of worms to treat : depending on the worms present, choose a pipette adapted to fighting the specific worms. For example, a pipette containing praziquantel will be effective against tapeworms, while a pipette containing pyrantel pamoate will be more effective against roundworms.
• Cat's age : some dewormers are not suitable for kittens or older cats. Always consult your veterinarian to choose the most appropriate pipette based on your cat's age.
• Cat's health status : if your cat suffers from health problems, consult your veterinarian before using a dewormer. Some dewormers may interact with other medications or treatments.
• Cat's lifestyle : a cat that spends time outdoors is more likely to contract worms than an indoor cat. An outdoor cat may require more frequent protection.
• Owner's preferences : ease of application, price, frequency of application. Some owners prefer monthly application pipettes for more peace of mind, while others prefer single-use pipettes for more flexibility.

Practical Selection Guide

Here is a comparison table of some pipettes available on the market to help you make your choice:

Product Name	Active Substance	Protection	Approximate Price
Seresto®	Imidacloprid and flumethrin	8 months	40€
Bravecto®	Fluralaner	12 weeks	30€
NexGard®	Afoxolaner	1 month	20€
Advocate®	Imidacloprid and moxidectin	1 month	25€

Prices are indicative and may vary depending on points of sale and promotions. It is important to note that these pipettes are not all available in all countries.

Importance of Veterinary Consultation

Veterinary consultation is essential to choose the dewormer adapted to your cat's specific needs. Your veterinarian can determine the type of worms present, the level of risk of infestation, and choose the most effective dewormer. They can also advise you on the frequency of application and precautions to take.

Prevention and Monitoring

Prevention and regular monitoring are essential to avoid worm infestations.

• Stool examination : regularly check your cat's stools for the presence of worms or worm eggs. If you notice signs of infestation, consult your veterinarian.
• Cat observation : observe your cat for any signs of illness, such as loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of energy, coughing, or breathing difficulties. These symptoms may indicate a worm infestation.
• Home hygiene : regularly clean your cat's litter box and disinfect its environment to eliminate worm eggs and intermediate parasites.
• Healthy diet : offer your cat a balanced and quality diet, adapted to its age and activity level. A healthy diet strengthens its immune system and makes it less vulnerable to infections.
• Flea control : fleas can be vectors for certain types of worms. Use antiparasitic treatments to protect your cat against fleas.

Alternatives to Pipettes

Although deworming pipettes are a practical and effective solution, there are other alternatives available.

Deworming Tablets

• Advantages: high effectiveness, available in several dosages. They are also often more economical than pipettes.
• Disadvantages: difficulty of administration (resistance to ingestion, bitter taste), need to break the tablet for small doses, not always suitable for cats that are difficult to make swallow.

Oral Suspension

• Advantages: ease of administration, more acceptable taste for some cats, possibility of mixing the suspension with food.
• Disadvantages: risk of vomiting, unpleasant taste for some cats, does not keep as well as tablets.

Injections

• Advantages: high effectiveness, long duration of action (several months). Their effectiveness is comparable to that of pipettes. They are generally well tolerated by cats.
• Disadvantages: medical intervention required, stress for the cat, high cost. They require a trip to the veterinarian, which can be inconvenient for some owners.

Regular use of dewormers is essential to ensure the good health of your cat. Consult your veterinarian to determine the most suitable treatment for your cat and to obtain personalized advice.