It is important to follow these cat care tips to help prevent heartworm disease from troubling your little pet. Although this disease is more prevalent in dogs than cats, your pet cat is still at risk with 10% to 15% of worldwide heartworm cases striking cats. Your little pet can become a host for parasites spread by mosquito bites that carry heartworm disease from one animal to the next.
Heartworm parasites find their way through the bloodstream into the animal’s heart, lungs and other organs and inflict serious damage. In spite of the name “heartworm,” most cats experience more lung damage and breathing problems than heart damage. A cat’s immune system may eventually destroy the parasites or keep them in check, at least, but it’s hard to be sure of that.
Since there is no vaccination available and the treatment for advanced stages of heartworm disease is uncertain, it is best to take preventative measures to keep your pet cat free of all parasite infestations.
Preventive Medication for Heartworm is Available
There are effective preventive medications that you can buy with a prescription from your pet’s veterinarian. The correct type and dosage is based on your pet’s age, weight and the condition of his or her health.
Your pet must also be tested for heartworm disease before administering any medication because medications for prevention and treatment are not the same. Preventative medication administered to an already infected cat will not help.
Watch for Adverse Reactions to Medication
Medication to prevent heartworm disease can be administered as a once-a-month chewable pill or a topical application, or a twice-a-year injection. These medications rarely have side effects, and have been used for decades to prevent heartworm in cats. However, it is wise to watch for adverse responses, which may include diarrhea and vomiting. You should also stay alert for allergic reactions such as hives, facial swelling and itching.
If your pet shows any sensitivity, suffers a seizure or goes into shock after use of any medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.
There are New Topical Medications
New, advanced medications not only protect your feline friend from heartworms but can also prevent other problems like mites, fleas and ticks. Some brands can protect your pet from both internal and external parasites with just one monthly application. Two examples of such medication are moxidectin and selamectin. These work by penetrating deep into your cat’s skin and accumulating in the oil glands where they will slowly dispense to provide full protection.
When you apply topical medications, be careful not to get any in your eyes or on your skin. Wear disposable gloves to avoid skin contact. Apply the medication directly on your cat’s skin and not on the fur. Follow instructions carefully, and keep your cat inside the house for 30 minutes after application. Reactions rarely occur; if they do, your pet will begin panting, trembling, drooling, vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. Immediately contact your vet should you see any of these symptoms after applying the medication.
Some Final Points:
- Keep your pet healthy. A strong immune system can effectively fight this disease.
- Get rid of mosquito breeding grounds around your home as heartworms are spread by mosquito bites from infected animals.
- Don’t give any medication to your pet without first consulting your veterinarian.
- Keep any pet medications out of reach of children.
- Read and follow the instructions carefully before administering any medication.
- Observe your cat after any preventative treatment to make sure there are no side effects, and call your vet at once if there appears to be a problem.
- Do not give more than one preventive medication at a time.
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