Keep the creepy crawlies away — parasite prevention from home

Parasites are unwelcome guests that can affect your cat's health and comfort in various ways. These organisms live on or inside your cat, feeding off them and potentially causing a range of health issues from mild irritation to serious illness. Parasites that commonly affect cats fall into two main categories: • External Parasites: These live on your cat's skin and fur, like fleas, ticks, and mites. They cause irritation, itching, and can transmit diseases. • Internal Parasites: These live inside your cat's body, particularly in the digestive system, like roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and heartworms. They can cause digestive upset, weight loss, and damage to internal organs. Parasites aren't just an unpleasant inconvenience—they can pose serious health risks to your cat including: • Anemia from blood loss due to feeding parasites • Transmission of dangerous diseases • Allergic reactions and skin infections • Intestinal blockages or damage • Weight loss and nutritional deficiencies • Spread to other pets in your household • Some can even be transmitted to humans (known as zoonotic parasites) Prevention is always better than treatment when it comes to parasites. A consistent, year-round prevention program is the most effective way to keep your cat healthy and parasite-free. With Telavets, creating and maintaining that prevention plan has never been easier!

Understanding the common parasites that can affect your cat helps you better protect them. Here's what you should know about the most common cat parasites: External Parasites: • Fleas: These tiny, wingless insects are the most common external parasite affecting cats. They feed on your cat's blood, causing itching and irritation. A single female flea can lay up to 50 eggs per day, quickly leading to an infestation. Beyond the itching, fleas can transmit tapeworms and cause flea allergy dermatitis, a severe allergic reaction to flea saliva. • Ticks: Less common in cats than dogs, ticks still pose a threat, especially to outdoor cats. These arachnids attach to your cat's skin and feed on their blood. Ticks can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and cytauxzoonosis (a potentially fatal feline-specific disease). • Ear Mites: These microscopic parasites live in the ear canal and cause intense itching. Cats with ear mites often shake their heads and scratch their ears excessively. Left untreated, ear mites can lead to secondary infections and even hearing loss. • Mange Mites: Several types of mites can cause mange in cats, leading to hair loss, crusty skin, and intense itching. Sarcoptic mange can also be transmitted to humans. Internal Parasites: • Roundworms: The most common intestinal parasite in cats, roundworms live in the intestines and feed on partially digested food. Kittens can get roundworms from their mother's milk, while adult cats typically get them from eating infected rodents or through contact with contaminated soil. • Hookworms: These parasites attach to the lining of the intestines and feed on blood. They can cause anemia, especially in kittens, and are transmitted through ingestion or skin penetration. • Tapeworms: Cats typically get tapeworms from ingesting infected fleas during grooming. The segments of tapeworms can sometimes be seen in the cat's feces or around their anus, resembling small grains of rice. • Heartworms: Transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworms can live in a cat's heart and pulmonary arteries. While less common in cats than dogs, heartworm disease is more serious in cats and harder to detect and treat. • Coccidia: These microscopic parasites cause diarrhea and can be particularly dangerous for kittens and cats with compromised immune systems. • Giardia: This single-celled parasite causes diarrhea and is transmitted through contaminated water, food, or contact with infected feces. • Toxoplasma: This parasite is of particular concern for pregnant women, as it can affect unborn babies. Cats typically acquire it from eating infected prey or raw meat. At Telavets, we can help you identify which parasites might be affecting your cat and create a tailored prevention plan to keep them protected.

At Telavets, we make parasite prevention for your cat simple, effective, and stress-free. Here's how we can help keep your feline friend protected against unwanted parasites: 1. Virtual Consultations for Personalized Prevention Plans Our experienced veterinarians can evaluate your cat's specific needs through convenient video consultations. We consider important factors like: • Your cat's lifestyle (indoor, outdoor, or both) • Geographic location and seasonal parasite risks • Age and overall health status • Exposure to other animals • Previous parasite issues Based on this assessment, we'll create a customized parasite prevention plan that offers comprehensive protection without unnecessary treatments. 2. Prescription Preventatives Tailored to Your Cat We prescribe safe, effective parasite preventatives that fit your cat's needs: • Broad-spectrum products that protect against multiple parasites • Flea and tick preventatives (topical treatments, oral medications, or collars) • Heartworm preventatives • Intestinal parasite control We'll help you understand the different options and choose products that are easiest for you to administer and most comfortable for your cat. 3. Convenient Next-Day Delivery Once we've prescribed the right preventatives, you don't need to make a special trip to the pet store or pharmacy: • Medications delivered directly to your door the next day • Automatic refill options so you never miss a dose • Clear instructions on how to administer treatments properly 4. Year-Round Protection Strategy Parasites don't just disappear in certain seasons, especially for indoor-outdoor cats or those in warmer climates. We help you implement: • Consistent monthly prevention protocols • Seasonal adjustments as needed • Environmental control strategies for your home 5. Diagnostic Testing When Needed If your cat shows signs of parasite infestation, we can guide you through: • At-home sample collection for fecal testing • Recognition of parasite symptoms • When to seek immediate in-person veterinary care 6. Treatment Plans for Existing Parasite Problems If your cat already has parasites, we'll create an effective treatment plan: • Prescription medications to eliminate the specific parasites • Follow-up protocols to ensure complete resolution • Advice on preventing reinfestation 7. Educational Resources We provide comprehensive information about: • How to check your cat for signs of parasites • Environmental control measures for your home • How to properly administer preventative medications • Warning signs that require immediate attention With Telavets, parasite prevention becomes a simple part of your cat care routine, helping your feline friend stay healthy and comfortable year-round.

Cats are masters at hiding discomfort, which can make it challenging to know when they're suffering from parasites. Being aware of the warning signs can help you catch parasite problems early. Here are the common symptoms to watch for: Signs of External Parasites (Fleas, Ticks, Mites): • Excessive scratching, licking, or biting at the skin • Visible fleas or flea dirt (small black specks that turn reddish when wet) • Hair loss, particularly along the back, tail base, or belly • Red, irritated skin or scabs • Head shaking or excessive ear scratching (common with ear mites) • Small bumps or crusting on the skin • Visible ticks attached to the skin • Restlessness or irritability Signs of Internal Parasites (Worms and Protozoa): • Changes in appetite (either increased or decreased) • Weight loss despite normal or increased eating • Vomiting or diarrhea • Bloody stool • Bloated or pot-bellied appearance, especially in kittens • Dragging hindquarters across the floor ("scooting") • Visible worm segments in feces or around the anus (resembling rice grains for tapeworms) • Coughing or difficulty breathing (possible with heartworms or lungworms) • Pale gums (a sign of anemia from blood-feeding parasites) • Lethargy or weakness General Behavioral Changes: • Decreased grooming or unkempt appearance • Changes in litter box habits • Unusual aggression when certain areas are touched • Lethargy or depression • Hiding more than usual If you notice any of these signs, it's important to consult with a veterinarian promptly. With Telavets, you can schedule a virtual consultation to discuss your concerns, get a proper diagnosis, and start appropriate treatment quickly. Remember, many of these symptoms can also indicate other health issues, so professional veterinary guidance is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention not only helps your cat feel better faster but can also prevent more serious complications and reduce the risk of parasites spreading to other pets or family members.

When it comes to protecting your cat from parasites, Telavets offers unique advantages that make prevention easier, more effective, and less stressful for both you and your feline friend: • Stress-Free Consultations: Traditional vet visits can be stressful for cats, which can compromise the quality of the examination and the information your vet can gather. With Telavets, your cat stays in their comfortable home environment during consultations, allowing for a more relaxed assessment of their needs. • Expert Feline Specialists: Our veterinarians specialize in cat care and understand the specific parasite risks that affect felines. We stay current on the latest prevention products and protocols to ensure your cat receives the most effective protection available. • Convenience That Promotes Consistency: One of the biggest challenges in parasite prevention is remembering to give medications consistently. With our next-day delivery and simple scheduling system, you'll never forget a dose or run out of preventatives. • Comprehensive Protection Planning: We don't just prescribe a generic preventative—we create a complete protection plan tailored to your cat's specific risks, lifestyle, and health needs. • Cost-Effective Care: By preventing parasite infestations, you avoid the higher costs associated with treating established problems and their complications. Our telemedicine model also allows us to offer expert care at competitive prices. • Environmental Guidance: Beyond just prescribing medications, we provide advice on how to manage your home environment to reduce parasite risks—something that isn't always covered in a brief in-clinic visit. • Rapid Response to Problems: If your cat does show signs of parasites, our quick appointment availability means you can get help fast, often the same day you notice symptoms. • Education-Focused Approach: We take the time to help you understand parasite risks, prevention strategies, and how to monitor your cat for early warning signs—empowering you to be proactive about your cat's health. • Ongoing Support: Parasite prevention isn't a one-time event but an ongoing process. We're available for follow-up consultations and adjustments to your cat's prevention plan as seasons change or as your cat's needs evolve. • Peace of Mind: With Telavets managing your cat's parasite prevention, you can rest assured that your feline companion is protected against harmful parasites year-round. Don't wait until you spot parasites to take action. A proactive prevention plan from Telavets can keep your cat comfortable, healthy, and parasite-free all year long. Schedule a consultation today to get started!