How to Examine Your Pet
It is better to have a veterinarian examine your pet for worms. Almost all kittens have parasites, so it’s essential to have any kitten checked and to maintain ongoing prevention.
Treating and Preventing Intestinal Worms
The risk of some parasites is greatest in young kittens. However, parasite infections are not strictly age-related, and so the risk continues throughout life. Therefore consideration should be given to provide all cats with appropriate ongoing worm control.
Because prenatal infection does not occur in kittens, fortnightly treatment can begin at 3 weeks of age. Treatment should be repeated at 5 and 7 weeks, or according to product data sheet recommendations, starting at 6 weeks of age. Nursing queens should be treated at the same time as their offspring, since they may also develop infections.
As the developing period for Toxocara spp. (roundworm) is a little over four weeks, monthly treatment will minimise the risk of infections. It is recommended in risk scenarios such as the pet living in the family with small children and common use of a garden (or similar). Annual or twice annual treatments have not been shown to have a significant impact on preventing infection, so a treatment frequency of at least four times per year is recommended.
Many products are available for the treatment and control of worms. Some are effective against the most common and dangerous intestinal parasites, offering broad spectrum protection for your cat.
Be sure to give your pet the product that best suits your needs, in terms of ease of use, efficacy and safety (especially if very young kittens are to be treated).