| Frequently asked questions
How do I administer a spot-on wormer?
Just squeeze the spot-on solution onto the back of the cat's neck.
How often do I have to worm my cat?
Ideally, cats should be wormed at least every 3 months. Monthly worming is recommended for cats that regularly hunt, as they may catch birds and mice which may be infected with roundworms or tapeworms. Regular worming will not only kill worms, but will also help to reduce the number of worm eggs shed into the environment.
What types of worms do spot-on wormers kill?
It is important to remember that different wormers kill different types of worms. However, spot-on wormers kill every type of intestinal worm commonly found in UK cats, including roundworms, hookworms and tapeworms.
Will there be any side effects, such as sickness, and can it be avoided?
Although unlikely, salivation and vomiting may occasionally occur. This is thought to occur as a result of the cat licking the application site immediately after treatment, which is why we advise applying the spot-on solution to the back of a cat's neck, a location it's less likely to reach.
Is it safe to use in pregnant or lactating cats?
Yes, the spot-on solution is safe to use even in pregnant or lactating cats.
At what age should I start worming my kitten?
Any newly-acquired cats should be wormed. Kittens should be wormed from the age of 8 weeks, with further treatment every 3 months. Spot-on wormers are safe for use in kittens from 8 weeks of age.
Can I, or my family, catch worms from the pet?
Yes, certain worms are capable of being transmitted from your pet to humans. For example, if your cat is infected with roundworms, the roundworm larvae can infect your family by migrating into different parts of the human body and cause serious health effects. Children are at a particularly high risk of infection because they can pick up worm eggs and larvae from contaminated soil.
Why do I have to worm my pet?
Regular worming is important because worms pose a health risk to both your pet and to you and your family. Worming also reduces the environmental reservoir of eggs so it helps prevent the spread of worms. It's important to kill worms before they reach maturity and start producing a large number of eggs.
How can I tell if my cat has worms?
In the early stages of infection it's very difficult to tell, so even if your cat isn't displaying symptoms of worm infection, the worms can cause health problems. Mature roundworms can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and loss of appetite, as well as a pot-bellied appearance and poor growth in kittens. Mature tapeworms start shedding egg-filled segments, which can cause irritation and lead to the cat dragging its bottom along the ground ("scooting").
My cat often catches mice. Does this make worm infection more likely?
Cats that regularly hunt may catch birds and mice which may be infected with roundworms or tapeworms. Monthly worming is recommended for cats that regularly hunt. This is becasue they are more susceptible to picking up a tapeworm infection from eating infected small mammals such as mice, voles and even fleas accidentally consumed when cats are grooming themselves!
I am going to take my pet abroad. What do I need to do?
If you intend to take your cat or dog abroad under the PETS scheme, remember that you must have the animal treated against tapeworm and ticks before your return. The treatment must be carried out not less than 24 and not more than 48 hours before your return journey, and you must get an official certificate of treatment from the vet who carries it out.
This regulation is designed to prevent the establishment in the UK of the fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis), which is endemic in most of mainland Europe, and which represents a significant hazard to human health. For more information click here.
Please contact us if you can't find the answers to your questions.
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