Intestinal parasites like roundworms can seriously harm our beloved cat. In fact, it's no coincidence that preventative treatments are recommended two or three times a year on average, depending on the antiparasitic medication and whether or not the cat goes outdoors.
For this reason, I'm going to talk to you about them, the roundworms, so you know what the symptoms are and the most effective treatment to eliminate them from your four-legged friend's body.
What is a biosimilar
Roundworms, whose scientific name is Toxocara cati , are intestinal parasites that measure between 4 and 8 cm in length . They are very common in cats, as they can be transmitted from mother to kittens through milk, or by ingesting eggs. Once inside the animal's body, they multiply in the large intestine, and then the larvae migrate to the liver and lungs, eventually settling in the small intestine.
It should be noted that their eggs can not only live up to 3 years in the environment, but can also affect people , so treatment is very, very necessary.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are:
- Swollen wind
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Cough
- Pneumonia
- Increase in food intake
These are particularly common and dangerous in kittens , but adult cats should also be monitored.
How are they removed?
Fortunately for everyone, cats and people alike, intestinal parasites, whatever their type, are easily eliminated with oral antiparasitic medications or spot-on treatments that also target them , such as those from Stronghold or Advocate. These spot-on treatments are similarly priced, or even slightly more expensive, than a good antiparasitic pill (around €10-15), but they have the advantage of also being effective against fleas, ticks, and other parasites.
If there are other symptoms, such as pneumonia or vomiting, these should go away with treatment, but still the vet will surely choose to give him medications that will help him feel better.
Image - Petsonic.com
However, prevention is the best cure. Talk to your trusted specialist so that you know how often to give your cat an internal antiparasitic, as the frequency will not be the same if it goes out or if it is home.