Flea and worm treatment is imperative for the health of all cats, even if you don’t believe that your indoor cat is at risk of picking up parasites.

Many people think that indoor cats are immune from parasites, but this is not true. In fact, cats that live indoors are just as prone to picking up parasites as those that live outdoors or spend time outside. So, how do indoor cats pick up parasites?

We explain the most common ways that indoor cats become infected with parasites and what you can do to protect the health of your favourite feline.

Indoor Cats and Parasites

Parasites come in many forms, such as fleas, ticks, mites and intestinal worms. They all have one thing in common – they rely on a host (in this case, your cat) to survive and thrive. These organisms can cause illness without the protection of a flea and worm treatment.

For cats that live exclusively indoors, the risk of being exposed to parasites is always present and it’s important for pet owners to know where the dangers may lurk. No cat is completely safe from these threats without proper prevention measures.

Parasites can be picked up from other animals and from the environment. If an indoor cat has access to outside areas or comes into contact with other animals – even just briefly – they may be exposed to potentially harmful parasites. 

Other ways an indoor cat may pick up a parasite include through eating contaminated food or water, coming into contact with soil or grassy areas infected with larvae, or through contact with wildlife or rodents carrying parasites.

Other Pets

If you have other pets in your house, such as dogs or birds, they can easily bring parasites, such as fleas and ticks, into your home or contaminate shared toys and bedding. 

For cat-only households, there may be occasions where your cat interacts with other pets, such as those that belong to friends and family members. Likewise, if you take your cat to the vet or groomer, they may be exposed to parasites there too.

People

Parasites can easily be transmitted from person to person through contact with infected surfaces or skin-to-skin contact, such as petting an animal that has previously been exposed or isn’t up to date with flea and worm treatment.

Fleas, ticks, mites and worms are ingenious hitchhikers that can be transported on contaminated surfaces, such as clothing, shoes, blankets and furniture.

Mites and worms can also be passed through airborne particles. Mites are often found in bird droppings which can make their way into vents and airducts from birds nesting nearby. Worms can also be passed via airborne particles if there is a high concentration of faeces in the environment, such as your cat’s litter box.

Treating and Preventing Parasites in Indoor Cats 

Having a pet can bring immense joy into your home, but it also comes with responsibility. One of the most important responsibilities is to ensure that your pet stays healthy and free from parasites. 

The best way to prevent an indoor cat from getting parasites is by providing a regular preventative flea and worm treatment. 

Our vets use and recommend Nugard, which treats and controls against fleas, roundworms, hookworms, lungworms and ear mites. It is also used as a prevention for heartworm infection in cats weighing over 4kg. Nugard is an affordable and veterinary-grade topical multi-parasite protection that can be used on cats and kittens from nine weeks of age.

You should also practice good hygiene and keep your cat’s litter box clean—this will reduce the spread of any potential parasites in your home. Additionally, if you have other pets, they should receive monthly parasite protection. 

With proper care and prevention tactics in place, you can keep your beloved feline parasite-free for life!

Protect your cat with our vet recommended generic Advocate for cats, Nugard! Our Nugard range includes Nugard for Kittens and Small Cats up to 4kg and Nugard for Large Cats over 4kg. Monthly parasite protection is the cornerstone of your cat’s health. Shop the range now!