Spring's in full swing down under, and as Aussies everywhere welcome the warmer vibes, our feline friends are up against some uninvited guests. Here's the lowdown on the usual suspects: fleas, ticks, and worms.
Fleas
What are they?
Meet the flea: tiny, wingless parasites that feed off the blood of their hosts. They have hard, flat bodies, making them tricky to squish and can jump long distances between hosts to give your cats an itching issue.
Where are they found?
These little jumpers have an open invite across Australia, thriving particularly in warm, humid climates. In tropical spots like Queensland, they’re there year-round, but places like Victoria and Tasmania see them truly come alive in Spring and Summer.
Symptoms
- Flea Dirt: Tiny black specks (flea poop) may be visible on your cat’s skin or in its bedding, and turn reddish-brown on a damp paper towel
- Red Bumps: flea bites can leave behind tiny red bumps
- Scratching and Biting: cats will excessively scratch and bite their skin in attempt to stop the itch
- Hair Loss: Persistent scratching can lead to hair loss, especially around the neck and tail
- Anaemia: In severe cases, especially with kittens, fleas can cause significant blood loss leading to anaemia. Symptoms include pale gums, lethargy, and weakness
Prevention and Treatment
Flea treatment comes in various application types to suit your cat’s needs, from topical treatments, to oral medications and even flea collars. Flea shampoos can also be used in addition, but don’t provide long-term protection on their own.
Remember to regularly vacuum your home, wash your cat’s bedding in hot water and use flea sprays when treating severe infestations. If there are other pets at home, ensure that all furry friends are treated to prevent fleas transferring between them.
Ticks
What are they?
Ticks, the uncool cousins of spiders, also have a thing for cat blood. While some are mere annoyances, others can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease and tick paralysis.
Where are they found?
These bloodsuckers love bushy, wooded, and grassy areas, especially along the eastern coast from North Queensland to Victoria. If you're in one of those locales, especially during Spring and early Summer, it's time for a tick-check!
Symptoms
- Visible Ticks: You might spot a tick on your cat, often around the head, neck, and ears
- Redness and Swelling: The bite area might look red and swollen
- Loss of Appetite: Affected cats may eat less or show a complete loss of appetite
- Lethargy and Weakness: Your cat might seem more tired than usual
- Tick Paralysis: Some ticks can cause paralysis, making it hard for your cat to walk or even breathe. This needs immediate vet attention
Prevention and Treatment
Tick medication also comes in various forms, such as topical treatments, tablets and tick collars. If your cat often ventures outdoors, we recommend regularly checking for ticks around the head, neck, ears and feet.
Worms
What are they?
Worms are sneaky internal parasites that can cause all sorts of trouble in your cat’s tummy.
- Roundworms: Long, white, spaghetti-like worms often found in the intestines. Kittens can acquire them from their mother’s milk
- Tapeworms: Flat and segmented, can show up around your cat’s butt or in their poop
- Hookworms: Tiny and thin, they hook onto the intestines and can cause bleeding
Where are they found?
These sneaky critters are a nationwide concern, whether from a soil patch, a flea, or that bird your cat so proudly presented last week.
Symptoms
- Diarrhoea: Can cause digestive upset
- Vomiting: Affected cats may vomit, sometimes expelling worms
- Weight Loss: Despite having a good appetite, infested cats may lose weight due to the parasites consuming nutrients
- Bloated Abdomen: Particularly in kittens, a swollen or bloated abdomen is a common sign of roundworm infestation
- Visible Worms in the Litter Box You may see segments of tapeworms or whole roundworms in your cat’s poop
- Anaemia: Hookworms can cause significant blood loss, leading to anaemia
Prevention and Treatment:
Deworming medications can come in topical, tablet or liquid form, administered on a monthly to tri-monthly basis. Remember to maintain good hygiene by regularly cleaning litter boxes and disinfecting areas where your cat spends time to prevent re-infestation.
How to Pick the Right Treatment
- Age Matters: Not all treatments are one-size-fits-all. Make sure it's age-appropriate.
- Dietary Habits: Cats that relish raw or hunted meals might unwittingly invite some parasite. Quality matters!
- Location Insights: Different Aussie spots have their own pest lineups. Stay informed!
- Indoor vs. Outdoor: Your window-sill sunbather has different needs than your garden explorer.
- Multi-pet Dynamics: More furballs? Ensure they're all covered!
Flea, Tick and Worm Comparison Table
We aim to provide accurate information, but product details can change. Always check the product's label and consult your veterinarian to ensure the best parasite prevention for your cat.