Drops on the withers against worms for cats are an effective and convenient measure to protect the animal and, ultimately, humans. People live side by side with four-legged pets. Cats are favorite companions of adults and children. But the peculiarities of the physiology and lifestyle of cats are fraught with helminthic infestation. There is a danger of transmitting parasites to their owners, especially if there are children in the house.
Worm infestations in cats
In the warm season, helminths live everywhere: in sun-warmed soil and sand, in open bodies of water, in drinking water, on fruits and vegetables, and even inside fruits. Worm eggs are carried by insects: flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, ticks and fleas. Cats are at risk. If an animal walks on the street, helminths lie in wait for it everywhere. Cats eat from the ground, dust themselves, and lick their fur and paws. 100% infection with worms is guaranteed!
Owners of avid homebodies should not relax either. Worm eggs delivered to your home are transported on the soles of shoes. Cats, inquisitive researchers, carefully study the shoes of their owners in order to obtain the most complete information about the outside world and are guaranteed to “catch” helminthiasis.
The worms' journey does not end here. Owners, especially children, have close contact with cats. They pet them, kiss them, sleep with them. The most efficient children manage to share a meal with a pet while their parents are not looking.
Thus, representatives of felines pose a threat to themselves and humans in terms of helminthic infestations.
Drug "Stronghold"
The main component of these drops is the modern semi-synthetic substance selamectin. It destroys most endo- and ectoparasites, but is completely safe for animals. Therefore, it is successfully used to combat ticks, fleas and worms. "Stronghold" is the most convenient drug to use of all that the pharmacy offers for animals. And it has some features:
— dries quickly, and you can play with the animal in half an hour;
— the drug is moisture resistant, so getting water on the cat and even bathing it 2 hours after treatment does not reduce its effectiveness;
— drops are approved for use in kittens from 6 weeks of age, as well as in pregnant and lactating cats;
- within 1-2 days the animal will be free of parasites, and the pet will be protected from re-infection for a month.
About the dangers of helminths for cats
Once in the host's body, the worms quickly take root. They can settle in the intestines and internal organs of the animal: liver, kidneys, lungs, heart. Parasites absorb beneficial substances, poisoning the animal’s body with waste products. The animal begins to wither and may even die.
Helminths cause physical damage to the animal. By attaching themselves to tissues using suction cups, parasites disrupt their integrity. In the gastrointestinal tract, the mucous membrane is injured, wounds appear, and cells die.
The rapid proliferation of worms provokes intestinal blockage with the inevitable death of the animal.
Another danger is toxicological. Parasites absorb beneficial substances and secrete toxic secretions. In addition, having completed their life cycle, the worms die and decompose directly in the intestines, poisoning the animal.
Nutrient deficiency occurs due to parasites’ consumption of vitamins, micro- and macroelements, hormones, and enzymes intended for the animal’s full life.
Weakening of the immune system occurs due to the penetration of pathogenic bacteria. Parasites injure tissue, opening the way to infection of the host body. Inflammatory processes are activated.
Dysbacteriosis develops as a result of a decrease in the number of beneficial bacteria and the development of putrefactive processes in the intestines. Metabolism and digestion are disrupted.
How do deworming drops work for cats?
The active components of the drops are absorbed through the skin, enter the blood and circulate in it, penetrating into all organs and tissues. The drugs cause paralysis and death of worms at all stages of development.
Helminths are dissolved by body enzymes and excreted, mainly in feces. A single dose of the drug protects your pet from parasites for 3 months.
Symptoms of helminthiasis in cats
Representatives of cats are most often susceptible to infestation of round and tapeworms (nematodes and cestodes).
Nematodes are shaped like an elongated spindle several centimeters long. They parasitize the gastrointestinal tract, liver, lungs, and heart.
Cestodes are ribbon-shaped. They live in the small intestine and reach a length of several meters. Tapeworms do not have a digestive system. They adhere to the intestinal walls and absorb nutrients throughout the body.
Cucumber tapeworm is often the culprit of disease in cats. This type of helminth reaches 0.7 m in length. Its causative agents are fleas.
Signs of helminthic infestations in a cat:
- flatulence and bloating;
- vomiting and diarrhea;
- loss of interest in food;
- lung diseases;
- itching in the anus.
Drops "Profender"
The price of the drug ranges from 320 to 450 rubles, depending on the weight of the cat. The box contains 2 convenient pipettes with caps. The drug "Profender" for cats is applied to the withers and absorbed through the skin.
The active ingredients of the drug are emodepside and praziquantel. They are effective against toxocariasis, hookworm infection, depilidosis, echinococcosis and other helminthic infestations. The dosage depends on the animal’s weight and age. "Profender" for cats can be used as early as two months, if the kitten weighs at least 0.5 kg. When used correctly, the drug is well tolerated and does not cause side effects. It is even prescribed to pregnant and lactating cats.
Principles of treatment and prevention of helminthiasis in cats
A line of anthelmintic drugs is produced for animals. Representatives of the cat family must be treated for helminthiasis and prevented on a regular basis.
Anthelmintic drugs are toxic, so they must be used with caution. Strictly follow the recommendations of the official instructions, and, if possible, consult a veterinarian.
Veterinary pharmacies offer tablets and suspensions for worms. But asking them to an animal is not so easy. Many cats actively resist and can cause significant harm to the benefactor.
Using drops on the withers against worms for cats solves many problems. Now treating an animal for helminths has become easier than ever.
A big plus is that anti-parasite drugs are produced in a comprehensive manner, protecting the animal immediately from harmful insects and intestinal parasites.
INSPECTOR TOTAL is a Russian drug. Available in the form of a solution for external use based on fipronil and moxidectin. It goes on sale in plastic pipettes of 0.4; 1; 2.5 and 4 ml. Packed in cardboard boxes of 1-4 pcs. Complete with official instructions.
Pharmacological properties. Broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug. Effective against various parasites, including helminths. Immobilizes parasites, causing them paralysis and death. Refers to moderately hazardous substances.
Indications for use. Effective against ticks, fleas, lice and lice; intestinal nematodes and toxocariasis.
Contraindications. Individual intolerance to the components of the drug.
The drug cannot be used to treat puppies and kittens under 7 weeks of age.
Not recommended for weakened animals.
Special instructions. Concomitant use with other anthelmintic drugs is contraindicated.
Possible side effects. If the animal has an allergic reaction, it is necessary to thoroughly wash off the product with soap and, if necessary, give an antihistamine.
There are no known cases of overdose.
Directions for use and dosage. INSPECTOR TOTAL is applied to clean, dry skin without damage. The tip of the pipette is broken off and, spreading the fur at the withers, applied to the skin. We should not forget that the drug is toxic. The cat must not be allowed to lick it off. If there are several animals in the house, they should be isolated from each other during treatment for parasites.
For animals up to 4 kg, 0.4 ml of the drug is enough; up to 8 kg – 0.8 ml. Cats weighing more than 8 kg are usually not found.
According to consumer reviews, the product is ineffective.
BARS is a Russian-made liquid antiparasitic product. Available in the form of drops for external use. Designed to rid animals of worms, fleas and ticks.
It is produced on the basis of praziquantel and ivermectin. It goes on sale in polymer tubes of 0.2; 0.3; 0.4; 0.5; 1 and 2 ml, packed in a cardboard box of 2, 4 and 5 pcs. Complete with official instructions.
Pharmacological properties. When applied to the skin, the drug accumulates in the sebaceous glands and partially penetrates the systemic bloodstream. Has a long-lasting antiparasitic effect. The active substance paralyzes nematodes and cestodes, facilitating their elimination from the body in feces.
Side effects: vomiting, excessive salivation and lacrimation, tremors, redness of the skin at the site of application. If these signs are detected, you should wash the injection site with soap and give the animal an allergy remedy.
For animals older than 2 months and weighing up to 1 kg, 0.2 ml is dripped onto the withers, for adult animals weighing up to 5 kg - 1 ml, over 5 kg - 2 ml.
Treatment of helminthiasis is carried out once, prevention - monthly.
The product should be used with caution. There are many reviews of animal poisoning, even death.
ADVOCATE is a German-made drug. Created on the basis of imidacloprid and moxidectin. Has antiparasitic properties. Effective against fleas, ticks and helminths.
Pharmacological action. The active substance disrupts the transmission of nerve impulses, as a result of which the parasites die. Imidacloprid is quickly distributed throughout the epidermis and remains on the animal’s skin and fur for up to 4 months, preventing re-infection.
There is no information about side effects or overdose.
Contraindications: do not use for deworming weakened and sick animals.
ADVOCATE can be used to treat animals 9 weeks of age and older.
The release form is designed for single use for animals of different weights. For cats weighing up to 4 kg, use a 0.4 ml pipette. For animals weighing 4 to 8 kg, a 0.8 ml pipette is intended.
The antiparasitic agent ADVOKAT has many positive reviews.
HELMINTAL is a Russian-made drug. The main active ingredients, moxidectin and praziquantel, create a universal combination to defeat a wide range of parasites. Helminthal is effective against lice, ticks, fleas, and worms.
The liquid product is packaged in polymer pipettes and dosed. For cats weighing up to 4 kg - 0.4 ml, over 4 kg - 1 ml. It goes on sale in cardboard packages, supplemented with official instructions.
Age restrictions: not recommended for kittens under 7 weeks.
Contraindicated in sick and weakened animals, pregnant females.
Lots of positive feedback.
IN-AP COMPLEX is a liquid preparation for external use, produced in Russia. Created on the basis of praziquantel, aversectin and fipronil. Affects harmful insects and helminths.
When infected with round and tapeworms, cats from 1 to 5 kg weighing at the withers, 18 drops of the product are dripped into the point between the shoulder blades and the back area. Animals weighing more than 5 kg – 36 drops.
For treatment, the drug is used once, for prevention purposes - every 6-7 weeks.
Contraindications: kittens up to 7 weeks; pregnant and lactating cats; patients with infectious diseases and weakened animals. Cannot be used simultaneously with other antiparasitic agents.
Opinions differ regarding the use of IN-AP. Some consumers are satisfied with the effect of the drug, but there are many reviews about the weak effect of the drug.
Pharmacological (biological) properties and effects
Bars ® spot-on has a wide spectrum of antiparasitic action, is active against larval and mature stages of development of intestinal nematodes, including Toxocara canis, Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina, Ancylostoma spp., Uncinaria stenocephala, Trichuris vulpis, and cestodes, incl. Echinococcus granulosus, Echinococcus multilocularis, Diphyllobothrium latum, Dipylidium caninum, Multiceps multiceps, Taenia spp., Mesocestoides lineatus, as well as fleas (Ctenocephalides spp.), lice (Linognatus setotus), lice (Trichodectes canis), sarcoptoids (Sarcoptes canis, Otodectes cynot is , Notoedres cati) and demodectic mites (Demodex canis) parasitizing dogs and cats.
After cutaneous application, the drug accumulates in the epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands of the animal’s body, and is also partially absorbed from the site of application and enters the systemic bloodstream, organs and tissues, providing a long-term antiparasitic effect.
The mechanism of action of ivermectin, which is part of the drug, is its effect on the magnitude of the current of chlorine ions through the membranes of the nerve and muscle cells of the parasite. The main targets are glutamate-sensitive chloride channels, as well as gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. A change in the current of chlorine ions disrupts the conduction of impulses, which leads to paralysis and death of ectoparasites and nematodes.
The mechanism of action of praziquantel is based on the depolarization of neuromuscular ganglion blockers, disruption of glucose transport and microtubular function of all phases of cestode development, which causes disruption of muscle innervation, paralysis and death of parasites.
Bars ® spot-on, in terms of the degree of impact on the body, belongs to moderately hazardous substances (hazard class 3 according to GOST 12.1.007-76), in recommended doses it does not have a locally irritating, resorptive-toxic, embryotoxic, teratogenic or sensitizing effect. Well tolerated by dogs and cats of different breeds and ages. Causes irritation upon contact with mucous membranes. The drug is toxic to fish and bees.
General requirements for the use and storage of anthelmintic drugs
When treating helminthic infestations, the antiparasitic drug is used once. For preventive purposes - monthly.
It is allowed to bathe the animal after treatment with the drug no earlier than 4 days later.
Precautionary measures
Antiparasitic agents are toxic. Ignorant handling can lead to poisoning. While processing the animal, eating and drinking water and smoking are contraindicated. After completing the procedure, hands should be washed thoroughly with soap and the medication packaging should be discarded.
Storage conditions
The drug must be stored in a dry place, protected from direct sunlight, away from food and animal feed, at room temperature (temperature range from 0° to 30°C). Keep away from children! Shelf life: 3 years. Do not use after expiration date.
Drugs for treatment and anthelmintic prevention are widely available in veterinary pharmacies; some of the best, those with the maximum number of good reviews, are STRONGHOLD (made in the USA), DIRONET SPOT-ON (Russia), Profender (Germany).
Popular drugs
1. According to veterinarians and animal owners, German drops “Profender” are considered the best. Their price is quite high compared to the cost of drugs in tablets, but the ease of use justifies the cost. For a small cat weighing up to 2.5 kilograms, drops cost about 320 rubles, and for a large animal - more than 400 rubles.
2. The American drug Stronghold is more expensive. Its price ranges from 300 to 1000 rubles, depending on the place of sale and dosage. But this is the only drug that is effective not only against adult worms, but also against their larvae.
3. “Prazicide complex” is a common drops against fleas and worms for cats. Thanks to its rich composition and unique action, you can use only one drug against all types of parasites.
4. Russian drops that help against fleas and worms are also popular - “Bars spot-on”. They are also effective against demodicosis and ear mites.
5. The drug "Inspector Total" contains fipronil and moxidectin. This is also a complex drug made in Russia and it costs about 200 rubles. The only limitation is that it can only be used on animals weighing more than 4 kilograms.
