{"id":35517,"date":"2024-10-17T14:26:28","date_gmt":"2024-10-17T14:26:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/?p=35517"},"modified":"2025-04-17T15:05:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T15:05:19","slug":"5-tips-for-educating-cat-owners-about-feline-parasite-protection","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/navc.sitepreview.app\/todaysveterinarypractice.com\/sponsored\/5-tips-for-educating-cat-owners-about-feline-parasite-protection\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips for Educating Cat Owners About Feline Parasite Protection"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many cat owners don\u2019t recognize the importance of parasite protection, introducing a greater risk for their feline companions to develop health issues related to parasites, such as fleas and ticks. To learn more, watch the full VetFolio Vet2Vet conversation between Destiny Coleman, VMD, and Cassi Fleming, MS, DVM, sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim, the maker of NexGard\u00ae COMBO (esafoxolaner, eprinomectin, and praziquantel topical solution), below.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Brought to you by Boehringer Ingelheim\u00a0 <\/span><\/span>\u2022<\/span>\u00a0 <\/span>For more information go to <\/span>NexGardCOMBO.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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  1. Explain how fleas are problematic for cats
    \n<\/b><\/span>Feline pet owners often see fleas as merely a nuisance and don\u2019t realize they can cause serious health problems, such as flea allergy dermatitis, anemia, and tapeworm infection. They also may not understand that the cat\u2019s natural ability to groom them away means they seldom see fleas.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Ensure owners know that all cats are at risk for tick exposure
    \n<\/b>Additionally, these pet owners may not know that no time of year is tick-free, and all cats, including those kept solely indoors, can be exposed to ticks. So, while cats may not need tick protection every day of the year, they do need year-round, monthly protection.<\/li>\n
  3. Discuss the difficulties of diagnosing heartworm disease
    \n<\/b>Make your clients aware that diagnosing heartworm disease in cats is difficult, and signs may not manifest until the condition is advanced. This should motivate them to provide year-round heartworm disease protection.<\/li>\n
  4. Encourage clients to bring in a fecal sample
    \n<\/b>About 30% of kittens and 20% of adult cats have 1 or more intestinal parasites (i.e., hookworms, roundworms, or tapeworms). Routinely testing fecal samples can help detect these infections, so encourage your clients to bring in a sample at least once a year.<\/li>\n
  5. Address the need for year-round protection at the first appointment
    \n<\/b>Start the conversation early by addressing the need for year-round protection for parasites such as fleas and ticks at the first appointment. This helps reinforce that parasite protection is as important as vaccinations and other wellness care.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n