Parasite Control for Cats

Parasites do not skip indoor cats

There is a common belief that a cat who never goes outside cannot have parasites. In practice, fleas arrive on clothing and shoes, on visiting pets and on the legs of household members. Worm eggs can be carried in on the soles of shoes or on the fur of another animal.

Even a strictly indoor cat can pick up ear mites from a new arrival, and fleas can establish themselves in carpets and soft furnishings for months. Prevention is far easier than treating an established infestation.

The parasites we protect against

A complete routine addresses both the inside and the outside of your cat.

• Fleas — cause itching, skin disease and anaemia in small kittens, and can transmit tapeworm
• Ticks — common in our coastal climate and capable of carrying disease
• Roundworms and hookworms — intestinal worms that can stunt growth and, rarely, pass to people
• Tapeworms — often picked up through fleas or by hunting
• Ear mites — a frequent cause of head shaking and intense scratching
• Lungworm and other parasites — relevant in some lifestyles and regions

Why this protects people, too

Some cat parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can affect humans. Roundworm larvae, for example, can cause serious illness in people, and children playing in soil or on floors are especially at risk. Ringworm, a fungus rather than a worm, also passes easily between cats and people.

Keeping your cat’s parasite prevention up to date is therefore part of protecting your whole household, not just your pet.

Common mistakes that leave gaps

• Using a dog product on a cat — some ingredients are toxic, and a few are fatal
• Applying the wrong dose for your cat’s weight, or splitting a large dose between cats
• Missing months, which allows fleas to complete a life cycle and return
• Treating the cat but not the home, so fleas re-infest from bedding and carpets
• Assuming an indoor cat needs nothing at all
• Buying an unregulated product with no clear active ingredient or dose

A simple routine that works

When to see us

See us if your cat scratches persistently, shakes its head, has bald patches or scabby skin, is losing weight despite eating, or if you see worms in the litter tray or around the tail. We can confirm what is present and treat it properly.

If you are unsure which preventive product is safe for your cat — particularly for kittens, pregnant cats or cats on other medication — ask us before you buy. A quick question prevents a serious mistake.