Feline Parasites: How to Prevent an Infestation This Summer

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson

(photo credit: Muhammad Dhanial / shutterstock.com)


‘Tis the season. For those of us who allow our felines outdoor access to a back yard or deck, parasites can become a seasonal reality. From Giardia that can be picked up from puddles and cat-to-cat contact with an infected feline to Roundworm that your kitty may acquire just by strolling through grass where the eggs have been laid. Then there are nasty ear mites that result in a dark, smelly waxy build-up in your cat’s ear (spoiler alert – it’s mite poop) that has them scratching and shaking their head continuously.


One of the best ways to address feline parasites is to prevent them right from the onset.

Parasite Prevention

Let’s start with one of the easy topical treatments. This simple, once-a-month flea and tick prevention from TevraPet is fast-acting and not only kills adult fleas, ticks, and lice but also eggs and larvae. It’s waterproof, so rainy days or heavy dew are no problem. Best of all, it works quickly and provides total protection from head to toe. I mean, if you can head parasites off at the pass, all the better.


If you’ve already started to spot the tell-tale signs of parasites in your home, you want to take a holistic approach to tackling them. That means not only introducing a flea and tick prevention formula into your pet’s regular maintenance routine, but killing off those that are now settling into your home.


This Wondercide spray with natural essential oils not only kills fleas and ticks but also repels them. It’s safe and can effectively eliminate nearly all adult parasites (including mosquitoes), along with the eggs and larvae. When we talk about the importance of eliminating not just the adults but also eggs and larvae, it’s because hatching is cyclical. You kill off the adults, and within days, new ones appear. By killing all cycles, you won’t run the risk of your home becoming overrun and your pet becoming reinfested. This spray is safe enough to use directly on your pet as well as soft furnishings, bedding, and carpets.


Parasite Elimination

When you suspect your pet has intestinal parasites such as Roundworm, the “prevention” efforts go out the window, and it’s time to fight back. Introducing an effective, easy-to-take medication that can be added to their food or water bowls is the way to go. If you’re not actually certain whether your feline has worms, the warning signs include vomiting, weight loss, and a potbellied appearance. You may even notice the worms – that look like strands of spaghetti – in the litter box. Bringing in your veterinarian for advice and confirmation of what you suspect is never a bad idea. If it’s become obvious (actual worms are visible), this two-dose liquid feline parasite treatment is what you want. It’s safe, easy to use, and it works after just one application. I love that it’s palatable, so your cat isn’t going to push back on this one.


One of the easiest to spot pests is ear mites. These tiny, microscopic parasites create a dirty, crusty residue in your cat’s ears that will have her scratching incessantly. Worse still? They’re highly contagious between pets, so by the time you notice them, you may be treating more than one animal in your home. So, it’s time to get cracking at cleaning them up. Opt for something like this fast-acting, aloe-vera-infused ear mite cleaner. Not only does it eliminate the mites, but it’s soothing and helps reduce the itch…. which kitty will thank you for. Gentle, vet-recommended, and oh-so effective… something to keep in your arsenal of pet supplies. And if you’re a super-diligent pet parent who’s proactive in kitty hygiene, daily cleaning with this VetWELL feline ear cleaner is a smart way to go. Perfect for removing wax buildup, debris, and preventing infections and odors, it also provides you with the opportunity to inspect for parasites.

Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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