Cat Parasite Control

A variety of both internal and external parasites have evolved to live, often in peaceful harmony, with cats. A few are potentially transmissible to us, or are certainly happy to live on or in us. Fortunately most are simple to prevent, or treat.

Our Cat Parasite Control Policy

Most indoor cats in London need only primary treatment when they enter your home. Further prevention in needed only in exceptional circumstances such as the introduction of new cats or dogs.

Outdoor cats however need routine preventative treatment, especially for fleas.

Common Parasites

Roundworms, the size of small earthworms, are often inherited by kittens either via the placenta or in the first milk. They may be vomited or passed in faeces.
Tapeworms are most often contracted by eating infected fleas. Rice grain sized segments are passed from the cat’s anus.
Giardia is a single cell protozoan parasite contracted by drinking contaminated water. It causes chronically loose stools.
Fleas leave black shiny specks of dirt in the coat, sometimes their eggs too. Fleas are the most common cause of all feline skin and coat conditions. Treat your household with flea birth control and flea killer products to prevent reinfestation.
Ear mites produce gritty, sandy debris in the ears and are often inherited from mothers or contracted from neighbouring cats.
Ticks attach themselves where cats find it hard to lick. They gorge on blood for several days then drop off. Ticks carry a variety of potentially serious diseases.

All of these parasites are eliminated using a variety of prescription ‘spot-ons’ or tablets. If fleas are present treat your household with flea birth control and flea killer products to prevent reinfestation. The nurses will advise according to your pet’s (and your) individual needs.

DANGER: Some ‘spot-ons’ that contain pyrethins, for example Advantix, which is safe and effective for dogs, are potentially lethal for cats. Never use products with pyrethrins either on cats or on dogs that live with cats.