Kittens can carry intestinal or skin parasites that may not be apparent to their owners. Unfortunately, intestinal parasites have a potential to affect other family members, in addition to some skin parasites! We include monthly deworming for all our kittens, based on fecal test results.
In general, for internal parasite control – your kitten should receive oral deworming at; 8, 12, and 16 weeks at a minimum with monthly deworming to be considered based on lifestyle. Where external parasites are concerned, Sunnyview Animal Care recommends a similar skin parasite prevention schedule.

ROUNDWORM
One of the more common parasites found in cats, Roundworm infestation can be a symptom-free although some kittens develop diarrhea & vomiting. Roundworm prevention is an important consideration for your family as, human infection by this parasite is especially serious. Contaminated feces left for more than 30 days will become infectious to other animals & people, however kittens usually become infected from nursing an infected, by consuming infested prey, or coming in contact with contaminated soil and then grooming themselves.

HOOKWORM
There are two species of feline Hookworms & they suck blood from our pets and, infect people as well! Hookworm larvae can penetrate the skin directly through the feet or any other part of skin touching the ground due to contaminated feces left outside. Kittens typically become infested with hookworms by ingesting hookworm larvae in the mother’s nest/environment.

Unfortunately, many other mammals, insects (such as cockroaches!), & birds can pick up hookworm larvae from the soil-therefore a pet that eats infected rodents or birds will become infected very similarly to those that come in contact with hookworm infested soil. Soil contaminated by whipworm eggs is contaminated for years, and is virtually impossible to remove eggs from the soil or kill them.

TAPEWORM
There are many species of Tapeworm that can infest our kittens & cats, and tapeworms are easily spread out amongst cats that are involved in hunting, or other outdoor activities – some forms of tapeworm or spread by the bite of fleas.

FELINE WHIPWORM
Symptoms of Feline Whipworm infestation is not considered to be a significant concern in cats given their unusual fastidiousness around feces-annual fecal testing is still recommended and treatment is very effective.
Contaminated feces left outside for more than 30 days become infectious to other animals-however it is not considered to be a significant risk for people.