Indoor Cat Parasite Prevention

by Dr. Kerri Blackburn

Why does my indoor cat need parasite prevention? They never go outside.

Parasite prevention is very important for ALL pets, even those that don’t go outside. Even though your cat doesn’t go outside- parasites routinely come inside.

• Many intestinal parasites and worms lay their eggs in the soil and these can be brought inside on your shoes and clothing and be left on the floor for your cat to walk through before grooming their paws.
• Others may be hidden in places such as potting soil used for houseplants. Bugs that can gain access to your house transmit some parasites.

Heartworms are transmitted by a mosquito (who hasn’t killed a mosquito in their house- right?).

• And some parasites are bugs themselves and can cause problems for entire families- fleas and ticks bite people as well as pets and gain access to homes as do other bugs- but often stay and breed within homes that have pets who can provide blood meals! Yuck!

Regardless of how they get inside- they do, and can cause severe, often life threatening infections. In addition, some of these parasites and the infections they cause can be transmitted to people and can put your entire family at risk (think Lyme disease and ticks). In some instances these infections are NOT treatable and can be life threatening (Lyme disease in people and heartworms in cats for example). Parasite preventatives are key to preventing these issues– even for indoor only cats and pets.

If your cat is not on parasite prevention- our staff at Animal Medical Hospital would be happy to discuss the various options. We have preventatives for all situations and would be happy to discuss what product would best fit your family’s unique needs.