This information has been provided to help you make an informed choice on parasite prevention
Remember, these guidelines are not comprehensive, so consulting your vet, especially if your cat has underlying health issues, is crucial.
What are fleas?
Fleas are small insects that survive by feeding on animal or human blood. The most common type of flea to cause infestations with any pet in the UK are cat fleas, though other types of flea can also infest cats.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your cat
While UK flea infestations are thought to peak in summer and autumn, studies have shown that flea infestation can occur throughout the year. European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites (ESCCAP) recommends year-round treatment for pets at risk from flea infestation, based on the following risk factors:
- There are several cats, dog(s) or other pet animals in the household.
- Your pet has free access to places with existing flea infestations or where early flea lifecycle stages may be present e.g. grass and other vegetation, woodland trails, wildlife dens, or in a house infested with pupae and larvae.
- Your pet is known to be at risk of, or suffers from, Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD).
- When re-infestation with fleas is more likely, such as warm conditions (including central heating) and multiple animal households.
What are ticks?
Ticks are oval-shaped, blood-feeding parasites that can crawl and attach to the skin of animals and humans. Ticks climb or drop on to your pet when they brush past vegetation where ticks are present. The size of ticks can vary from 1mm to 1cm in length.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your cat
Ticks are generally most active from spring to early autumn. Cats are less likely to get ticks than dogs, however if your cat lives or walks in an environment with the following factors this will increase the chance of them being exposed to ticks:
- High grass, vegetation or undergrowth
- Woodland trails with fallen leaves, especially in autumn
- Pasture with livestock such as sheep and cattle
- Nature areas with wildlife especially deer and animal burrows
- Ticks can also be found in urban areas so it is good to be vigilant and check for ticks on all pets that venture outside.
- If you travel abroad with your pet be aware that there are many species of tick worldwide. Speak to your vet before you travel for further advice.
What are Roundworms?
There are several parasitic worms that can cause illness in your cat. One of the most important is Toxocara cati, a type of roundworm that can infect your cat’s intestine.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your cat
Kittens are very susceptible to Toxocara cati and can be infected through their mothers milk. Starting a control plan from as early as three weeks of age is crucial.
Adult cats can become infected when:
- Ingesting another cat’s poo
- Scavenging on wildlife carcasses
- Though unusual, eating undercooked or raw meat
- Ingesting another cat’s poo
What are Tapeworms?
Tapeworms look like long pieces of tape and can attach to your cat’s intestines. Clinical signs are rare in cats. Sometimes, you may only notice sesame-like segments in the cat’s faeces; these are tapeworm segments full of eggs.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your cat
Consider the following aspects of your pet’s lifestyle to assess the risk of tapeworm, does your pet:
- Hunt and eat wildlife?
- Eat unprocessed raw food or have access to animal carcasses?
- Have unmonitored, off lead, access to pasture?
Talk to your vet to assess the risk in your local area and decide the best action plan for your cat.
What is Lungworm?
Lungworm, Aelurostrongylus abstrusus, is a parasite that can affect a cat’s lungs. The most common way for cats to get infected is from eating infected prey (such as birds, amphibians and rodents), or from the slime of snails and slugs contaminated with lungworm larvae. Kittens can get lungworm from the mother either before or after birth. Clinical signs of lungworm are typically more mild in adult cats, however, lungworm can cause severe problems in kittens and can be potentially fatal.
Note: Pet Shield does not protect against lungworm, please consult your vet.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your cat
Firstly, ask your vet if lungworm (Aelurostrongylus abstrusus) cases have been detected locally. Then also consider your cat’s outdoor habits, do they:
- Ingest the slime from infected snails and slugs?
- Eat the faeces of other animals?
- Drink from outdoor water bowls?
What are Hookworms
For the most predominant companion animal hookworm species found in the UK, the risk is associated with situations in which larvae have the opportunity to accumulate in the environment.
Lifestyle factors to consider for your cat
Hookworm is typically linked to pets, especially younger animals, being exposed to areas where dog or fox faeces have not been collected. However, cats can get hookworms through several routes:
- When cats groom themselves they can ingest hookworm larvae.
- Licking contaminated soil or water.
- Eating infected prey like rodents or insects.
- When walking on contaminated ground.
- Kittens can also be infected by their mother through the placenta or milk.
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