Should you worm an indoor cat?
As a caring pet owner, you want to ensure the health and well-being of your feline friend and one question we get asked regularly is whether or not to worm an indoor cat.
Whilst it may seem unnecessary to treat a cat that never goes outside, there are several reasons why vets say it's important to prevent intestinal burdens before they become a worry for you and your family.
How do cats get worms?
Although cats love exploring, many owners prefer to keep their pets safe and happy indoors.
Even though your cat may never venture outdoors, there are still ways they can pick up worms. Indoor cats may be exposed to parasites by ingesting contaminated food or water, or through contact with other animals, such as visiting pets or even pests like mice or insects.
Fleas are also common problem for cats, even if they never go outside. They can carry tapeworm eggs, which can be ingested by your cat during grooming.
What are the risks of worms in indoor cats?
Do I need to worm my indoor cat?
While it's true that indoor cats have a lower risk of contracting certain types of worms compared to outdoor cats, they are still susceptible to certain parasites.
What are the signs that my indoor cat has worms?
Some common symptoms include:
- Weight loss
- A bloated abdomen
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- A dull coat
Some cats infected with worms may not show obvious symptoms. In severe cases, untreated worms can lead to serious complications and even death, so we reccomend regular worm counts for peace of mind.
Prevention is key when it comes to keeping your indoor cat worm-free and here are some simple steps you can take:
- Keep your cat's living environment clean and hygienic.
- Regularly clean and disinfect litter boxes.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after handling your cat or cleaning the litter box.
- Prevent your cat from hunting insects or coming into contact with other animals that may carry worms.
- Use a daily supplement to maintain gut vitality, naturally.
An effective alternative to artificial chemicals. Verm-X Cat Treats are gentle enough to be used everyday, working over a more natural timescale, harnessing a unique combination of herbs to cultivate a healthy digestive system for your cat.
Verm-X Crunchies for Cats provide daily control and protection of intestinal hygiene with the herbal formulation of Cinnamon, Garlic, Thyme, Peppermint, Fennel, Cleavers, Nettles, Slippery Elm, Quassia, Cayenne, plus Dried Seaweed, Salmon Oil, Fish Stock, Vitamins & Minerals.
Peace of mind
Preventing worms in your cat provides peace of mind knowing that you are doing everything you can to keep them healthy. It's a simple and effective way to ensure your cat's well-being and prevent any potential health issues.
Further reading:
Adopting a Cat for the First Time: Tips for New Cat Owners
Ask a Vet: Is Wormwood Safe for Pets?
Ask a Vet: Natural Ways to Calm Pets with Anxiety
Happy Pets on a Budget | Tips to Save Money
