Parasites pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of cats. From external pests like fleas and ticks to internal invaders such as heartworms and intestinal worms, these unwelcome guests can cause a range of health issues, from mild irritation to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to protect your feline companion is crucial for ensuring they live a long, happy, and healthy life. This article delves into the world of feline parasite prevention, exploring the common threats and the revolutionary solutions available to keep your cat safe.
Fleas are one of the most common external parasites affecting cats. These tiny, wingless insects thrive in warm, humid environments and can quickly infest your cat, causing intense itching, scratching, and skin irritation. Beyond the discomfort, fleas can transmit diseases and lead to flea allergy dermatitis, a common allergic reaction in cats. Left untreated, flea infestations can become severe and affect not only your cat but also your home environment.
Ticks are another external parasite of concern for cat owners, particularly in wooded or grassy areas. These blood-sucking arachnids attach themselves to cats and can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, although Lyme disease is less common in cats than in dogs. Ticks can be harder to detect than fleas due to their larger size and tendency to attach in less visible areas. Regular tick checks and preventative measures are essential, especially for outdoor cats.
Internal parasites also pose a significant risk to feline health. Roundworms and hookworms are common intestinal parasites that cats can contract by ingesting contaminated soil, feces, or rodents. These parasites can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and anemia, particularly in kittens. Heartworms are another serious internal parasite transmitted through mosquito bites. Heartworm infection in cats, while often different from dogs, can still be fatal and cause respiratory distress, vomiting, and even sudden death. Unlike heartworm in dogs, there is no approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats, making prevention paramount.
Given the multitude of parasite threats, a comprehensive and convenient prevention strategy is vital. Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) emerges as a revolutionary product in feline parasite prevention, offering broad-spectrum protection against a range of both external and internal parasites. This topical medication simplifies parasite control by combining protection against fleas, ticks, heartworms, ear mites, roundworms, and hookworms in a single monthly application.
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness and ease of use of Revolution Plus. A discrete choice experiment comparing Revolution Plus to other popular parasite preventatives, NexGard COMBO and Bravecto Plus, highlighted pet owners’ ease of administration with Revolution Plus. The pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the active ingredients in Revolution Plus, selamectin and sarolaner, have been extensively studied, ensuring both efficacy and safety for cats when used as directed by a veterinarian.
Choosing the right parasite prevention for your cat is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. Consulting with your veterinarian is crucial to determine the best preventative strategy based on your cat’s individual lifestyle, risk factors, and health status. Revolution Plus represents a significant advancement in feline parasite control, offering comprehensive, convenient, and effective protection to help your cat live a healthier and happier life, free from the burden of parasites. By proactively addressing parasite prevention, you are taking a revolutionary step in safeguarding your cat’s well-being and strengthening the bond you share.
References:
- ZMR: Feline Most Prescribed Preventative Data 2023.
- Mwacalimba K, Melchior E, Kranyak J, Locklear C, Koenigsberg A, Yarnall S. Discrete choice experiment of pet owner ease when administering Revolution Plus, NexGard COMBO or Bravecto Plus. Study No 23SRGPAR-01-03. Zoetis; 2023.
- Cat Owners – Fleas. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Available at : https://www.pets and parasites.org/cat-owners/fleas/. Access Spetember 2018.
- Revolution Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution) [package insert]. Zoetis Inc. Kalamazoo, MI. Novemebr 2018.
- Cat Owners – Ticks. Companion animal Parasite Council. Available at: https://www.petsandparasites.org/cat-owners/ticks/. Accessed September 2018.
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- Ticks—Cat. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Available at: https://www.capcvet.org/guidelines/ticks/. Accessed September 2018.
- Gastrointestinal parasites of cats. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Available at: https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/gastrointestinal-parasites-cats-brochure. Accessed June 2018.
- Cat Owners – Roundworms. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Available at: https://www.petsandparasites.org/cat-owners/roundworms/. Accessed September 2018.
- Zoetis Data on File, Study Report A181C-US-15-166, 2017.
- Cat Owners – Hookworms. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Available at: https://www.petsandparasites.org/cat-owners/hookworms/. Accessed September 2018.
- Atkins CE, DeFrancesco TC, Coats JR, Sidley JA, Keene BW. Heartworm infection in cats: 50 cases (1985-1997). J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000:217(3):355-358.
- Cat Owners – Heartworms. Companion Animal Parasite Council. Available at: https://www.petsandparasites.org/cat-owners/heartworms/. Accessed September 2018.
- Heartworm in cats. American Heartworm Society. Available at: https://www.heartwormssociety.org/heartworms-in-cats. Accessed June 2018.
