If you're a cat parent, you probably know that deworming your cat is an essential part of keeping them healthy. You might be wondering how to do it and whether you can do it yourself.

Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of deworming your cat—both internal and external—so you can easily do it at home.

When Should You Deworm Your Cat?

You should start deworming your kitten at around two months old. There are two types of deworming to be aware of: internal deworming and external deworming.

Internal deworming targets common parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. External deworming focuses on fleas, lice, and ticks. Deworming is typically done for the first three months, with both internal and external treatments given together once a month. After that, you can do it every three months once your cat reaches six months of age. The medication dosage should be adjusted according to your cat's weight.

Internal Deworming Process

Internal deworming is usually done with tablets or granules. Giving medication by mouth can be tricky because cats aren't always willing to cooperate. If your cat isn't too fond of taking pills, here are some tips to help get the job done:

1. Break the Medication into Smaller Pieces: Break the deworming tablet into small pieces and place them at the back of your cat's throat, near the base of their tongue. Gently hold their mouth closed and give them a little water with a syringe to help them swallow the pill.

2. Mix the Medicine with Food: If the instructions don't require your cat to fast, you can crush the pill and mix it with their food. This way, your cat may not even realize they're taking medicine!

3. Dissolve in Water: Some deworming medication can be dissolved in water and administered with a syringe to your cat. However, this method doesn't always work as some cats may spit it out.

If you want an easier option, there are deworming drops available that can treat both internal and external parasites at the same time. These drops are super convenient and save you from having to deal with multiple medications.

External Deworming Process

External deworming is typically done with topical treatments like sprays or drops. This is much easier for us as pet owners because all we need to do is apply the treatment directly to your cat's skin.

To apply a topical treatment, gently part your cat's fur between the shoulder blades and apply the medication directly to the skin, following the line down to the tail. This is easy to do and doesn't require much effort. You can buy these medications online or in pet stores.

Important Tips for Deworming

1. Follow the Doctor's Instructions: Always follow the vet's advice regarding the dosage and frequency of deworming. This ensures your cat gets the right amount of medication.

2. Avoid Bathing Right After Deworming: Don't bathe your cat within a few days of applying external deworming treatments. If you absolutely have to bathe them, do it a few days before or after applying the medication.

3. Apply the Medication Directly to the Skin: When using a topical treatment, make sure the medication is applied directly to the skin and not on the fur. This ensures the treatment is effective.

4. Wait After Vaccinations: If your cat has just had a vaccination, wait a few days before giving them mouth deworming medicine. External treatments are usually fine after vaccinations, though.

5. Prevent Licking: After applying the external treatment, make sure your cat doesn't lick the spot. You can use an Elizabethan collar (the cone) if needed. If they accidentally lick some of the treatment, don't worry too much—just offer them more water to help flush it out.

6. Only Deworm Healthy Cats: Make sure your cat is in good health before giving them deworming medication. If they're feeling under the weather, it's better to wait until they recover.

Is Deworming Really That Easy?

As you can see, deworming your cat is actually quite simple! You can easily manage both internal and external deworming at home without having to spend extra money at the vet. Plus, by taking care of this at home, you'll feel more confident as a cat parent, and it's always nice to have another skill in your pet care toolbox!

So, next time your cat needs deworming, you can do it all on your own—saving money and keeping your feline friend healthy and parasite-free. Let's make sure we're giving our cats the best care possible, Lykkers!