FLEAS | TOWNSEND VET CLINIC ALBURY WODONGA

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Fleas are not only an itchy nuisance to your pets. Each flea that finds a way into your home sheds hundreds of eggs into the environment each day. If an infestation takes hold in your house, it can be a nightmare to resolve! Cats with outdoor access tend to be the main culprits when it comes to introducing flea infestations into the house. Prevention is simple. We recommend applying Revolution monthly to your cat.

Check your chosen product carefully prior to application. Some flea products designed for dogs are toxic when given to cats. 

There are several types of worm that can live in the intestinal tract of kittens, including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and tapeworm. Worms cause diarrhoea, weight loss, dull coat, lethargy and anaemia. Kittens may ingest worm eggs from the environment or they may be infected by their mum before birth. 

It is recommended to start worming kittens from 2 weeks of age. They require worming fortnightly until 12 weeks, then monthly until 6 months of age, and then every 3 months for life. It is important to note that some intestinal worms can be passed on to humans, particularly children. If worming is up to date and strict hand hygiene is encouraged around kittens, then this risk is minimal. 

Revolution is our product of choice in cats, but it does not cover for tapeworm. In kittens, we tend to cover with an additional all wormer (usually a Milbemax tablet) when they are most vulnerable to worms. Worming products can be purchased across the counter at the clinic. 

If you are planning on travelling with your cat, please ask us about tick prevention. Tick paralysis is a life-threatening disease that is commonly seen in many areas of Australia, but is particularly prevalent on the East Coast. It causes progressive paralysis of the muscles, including the muscles needed to breathe, and can lead to respiratory failure and death if left untreated.