Milbemax for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects
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Deworming is the process of giving medication to either treat or prevent parasites from infesting a host. With our cat, different deworming products are available. Some of them should be given only when an infestation has occurred, others should be used as prevention. Some antiparasitic products like Milbemax can be used for both. Specifically, Milbemax is an internal dewormer for cats and other animals.
At AnimalWised, we explain more about Milbemax for cats. We look at its uses, dosage and side effects so you know what to expect when protecting your feline against parasites. This is something you should do in conjunction with your veterinarian.
What is Milbemax used for in cats?
We may associate deworming with agents used to treat external parasites such as fleas and ticks. However, cats can also suffer from internal parasites. These are commonly those associated with the digestive system, such as intestinal parasites in cats. However, they can also appear in other parts of the body, including vital organs. Some of the most common internal feline parasites include:
- Tapeworms (cestodes): types of flatworm which have hooked mouths and can produce a large number of eggs.
- Roundworms (nematodes): among which Toxocara cati stands out for its wide distribution and ability to affect humans.
- Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis): known as heartworm due to its infestation of this organ, although it can present in other parts. Is most commonly spread through mosquito bites. Milbemax is used in preventive treatment for heartworm.
In addition, it should be noted that Milbemax has the advantage of being able to be used in pregnant or lactating cats. Some antiparasitic products are not recommended for use in these cats as they may harm the young.
Dosage of Milbemax for cats and kittens
We can find the following preparations of Milbemax for cats in those countries which have it on the market:
- Milbemax for kittens and small cats: for cats between 500 g and 2 kg in weight which come in tablet form. Administering half a tablet up to a kilo and the entire tablet in cats between 1 and 2 kg.
- Milbemax for cats of 2-8 kg: half a pill is administered for those who weigh between 2-4 kg and a whole one for those of 4-8 kg. If the cat weighs more, they will need a tablet and a half. We should not use this preparation in cats weighing less than 2 kg.
We see that it is possible to administer Milbemax in very small kittens. However, cats weighing less than 500 g and/or less than 6 weeks of age are outside the usage range of this product. To deworm these kittens, the vet will prescribe another more suitable product or wait until they meet the requirements of use.
Some people may wonder if Milbemax for cats is available over the counter. In most countries Milbemax is a prescription-only drug. Regardless, we should never medicate our cat without express permission from our veterinarian.
Side effects of milbemax in cats
Milbemax is considered a very safe product, meaning it is difficult for it to cause adverse reactions. This is true even at high doses. If it has any negative effects, especially in younger kittens, it would be symptoms such as the following:
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If an overdose occurs, the cat could hypersalivate in addition to the aforementioned symptoms. This clinical sign normally remits spontaneously in about 24 hours. If this is the case, it is a good idea to discuss it with the veterinarian in case their intervention is required. There may be other factors they will be in the best position to consider. They may also administer an alternative antiparasitic product such as Procox for cats.
How often do I give Milbemax to my cat?
Milbemax in cats can be used as a dewormer for frequent use. There are caregivers who think think cats without outdoor access do not need treatment for internal parasites. This is not true. There are many means of infestation, including we as caregivers bringing parasite eggs in from outside. For this and other reasons, regular deworming of cats is recommended for all domestic felines, regardless whether they are indoor cats.
We can administer Milbemax every 3-6 months. It is also suitable for administration before vaccination. If we discover that our cat has parasites, we should to go to veterinarian who may administer it to kill the pinternal parasites. We should provide check-ups at least once a year, since many parasites are asymptomatic and it will be the veterinarian who will be able to detect them by examining a stool sample.
How to give a cat a pill?
Milbemax in cats is presented in the tablet form that can also be broken into smaller pieces. The pill does not lose effectiveness even if we mix it with food. This mean we can administer it to cats that are more difficult to handle. For more information, you can consult our related article on how to give a pill to a cat.
Some cats refuse to swallow pills, even becoming aggressive if we try to put them in their mouths. If the cat completely refuses to swallow Milbemax, even if it is mixed in with food, we should consult our veterinarian who may suggest an alternative product. They may even think it is better to provide an external dewormer such as Broadline for cats.
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 Milbemax for Cats - Uses, Dosage and Side Effects, we recommend you visit our De-worming category.