The likelihood of humans contracting parasites from cats largely depends on the effectiveness of deworming practices. If your cat receives regular deworming treatments, the risk of parasite transmission to humans is minimal. However, if a cat has never been dewormed, the risk of transmission is significantly higher. Therefore, it’s crucial for pet owners to prioritize consistent deworming for their feline companions. To determine if you've been infected with parasites, you can monitor your bowel movements. The presence of parasites in your stool indicates an infection. Alternatively, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
How Likely is it for Humans to Get Parasites From Cats?
Cats can carry various parasites that can be transmitted to humans, including fleas, ticks, tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms. These parasites are common to both cats and humans. If a cat is regularly dewormed, the risk of parasite transmission to humans is virtually non-existent. Conversely, if a cat has never been dewormed, the risk of human infection can be as high as 90%.
How to Deworm Your Cat
Deworming is typically divided into internal and external treatments. External deworming is straightforward: apply a topical deworming medication to the back of your cat’s neck, where they cannot lick it off. Internal deworming involves administering oral medication. This can be challenging with young kittens just starting to eat solid food. A strategy to overcome this is to mix the medication with their food. This will allow your cat to eat it without noticing.
Important Considerations for Deworming Your Cat
1. Deworming medications are toxic; therefore, it is essential to adhere to the dosage instructions provided on the product packaging. This is particularly important with generic medications. Before use, accurately weigh your cat and calculate the appropriate dose. If there is leftover medicine, it is okay to donate it to local animal shelters or stray cats.
2. Before applying external deworming medication, bathe your cat, then ensure they are completely dry. Apply the deworming medicine on the back of their neck where they can’t lick it, and avoid bathing them again until the medication's effective duration has passed. For internal deworming, administer the medication 3 to 4 hours after a meal. Following this, withhold food for 5-6 hours to allow the medicine to work effectively.