Home Remedies for Intestinal Parasites in Cats
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Taking a cat into your home is a big responsibility. Even though you're dealing with a very independent and self-sufficient animal, as its owner you should still be able to meet all its requirements to keep it healthy.
It's necessary to regularly care for its health and follow the established vaccination schedule. But beyond that, increasing numbers of owners are choosing to look after the animal's health through other, more natural methods that are less aggressive on the animal's body.
If you want to look after your cat in the best possible way, this AnimalWised article will show you the best home remedies for intestinal parasites in cats.
Contents
Intestinal parasites in cats
The cat's intestinal tract can be infested by different types of parasites, but the following are the most common ones:
- Vermes: Vermes are also known as worms, and there are two types: Round-shaped ones are known as Nematodes, and flat ones are called Cestodes.
- Protozoa: These are unicellular parasites of which mainly two types exist: Coccidias and Giardias.
The eggs of these parasites are expelled through the feces of already infected cats. Therefore, the main route of contagion is through the ingestion of infected feces or through the ingestion of small rodents that have eaten feces infected with parasite eggs.
Symptoms of intestinal parasites in cats
A cat whose gastrointestinal tract has been colonized by parasites may show the following symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Malaise and lethargy
One of the clearest warning signs of the presence of intestinal parasites in your pet is noticing worms in the cat's feces.
Don't put off going to the vet if you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms in your cat, since these symptoms may also correspond with other diseases and it's important to properly verify the diagnosis. It's also important for the vet to supervise the natural treatment for intestinal parasites in cats, which will be possible whenever the infestation is not severe.
Similarly, it's important to go to the vet because some parasites can cause zoonosis, meaning that they can be transmitted to humans - although this only happens on rare occasions.
Home remedies for a cat's intestinal parasites
Below you can see which home remedies you can use to effectively combat your cat's intestinal parasites:
- Fasting with apple vinegar: A day of fasting will be highly beneficial for your pet. This is because the body has a greater and better predisposition to detoxifying when it is not exerting energy on digestion. Add two spoonfuls of apple vinegar into your cat's water. This is a potent antiseptic which will eliminate the presence of parasites when it passes through the digestive tract.
- Garlic: Garlic is a highly medicinal food since it has potent antifungal, antiviral and antibacterial properties, and is also useful for eliminating intestinal parasites. Contrary to what you might believe, garlic isn't one of the forbidden foods for cats. You should mix a tablespoon of garlic with its meal, twice a day for 15 days.
- Ground pumpkin seeds: These act as an efficient and smooth laxative. They will help rid your cat's body of parasites. You should add a tablespoon of ground pumpkin seeds in its food for one week.
- Thyme: Thyme is a plant with a powerful antiseptic activity which will help to eliminate the parasites in your pet's gastrointestinal tract. Besides, it is completely safe for cats. Crush it into a powder and add a tablespoon of ground thyme to its food once a day for several days.
As mentioned above, it's important for the vet to supervise this type of treatment as they will also tell you which methods to combine or, on the contrary, if it will be sufficient to apply a single home remedy.
The best tool is prevention
Go to your vet periodically to get your cat dewormed. They'll tell you the regularity with which you should go, which varies mainly according to the cat's age and how often it goes outside.
It is hugely important for the cat's environment to be in optimal hygienic conditions. Finally, we should mention that an adequate diet and a healthy lifestyle will help keep its immune system in perfect condition, therefore preventing infestation by internal parasites.
This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Home Remedies for Intestinal Parasites in Cats, we recommend you visit our Parasitic diseases category.
I just live-trapped a stray kitten & brought it home. Its probably 3 lbs & is suffering Diahhrea with some blood. I cannot afford a veterinary, can you suggest a home remedy? I do have Ivermectin for cattle & can dilute it down but not sure about amount to give safely.
