Domestic cats need not only proper feeding, but also regular parasite prophylaxis. To avoid side effects, it is better to choose mild but effective drugs such as Kaniquantel.
Preparations for worms: what to choose
Even if cats are kept indoors and never go outside, they run the risk of contracting intestinal parasites. Eggs of round and flat worms enter the animal's body along with infected meat, and are brought on the shoes and clothes of the owners. Once in the stomach and intestines, the parasites actively multiply, weakening the animal's immunity. Correctly selected antihistamines in the form of tablets, capsules, drops, pastes or gels will help to get rid of uninvited guests.
The medication you need can be obtained from your veterinary pharmacy. Products intended for humans will not work for cats. But the drugs that are given to dogs can be used, but you will have to independently select the dosage, focusing on the weight of the animal.
Cats are very picky and reluctant to take medications. Therefore, the best solution would be pills or potions with a pleasant meaty smell. The animal will gladly lick the medicine or consume it with food. Preparations without unnecessary bitterness do not cause salivation, all active elements are quickly absorbed by the body and will act as efficiently as possible.
When choosing anthelmintics, you need to consider:
- type of parasites;
- degree of invasion;
- the age and physical condition of the pet;
- individual characteristics of the animal.
It is important to minimize the negative effect by giving the cat not only fast-acting but also safe medications.
"Kanikvantel": composition and principle of action
"Kanikvantel" refers to the latest generation of products with complex action. The medicine is prescribed to eliminate parasites already present in the body and prevent re-infection. After taking the product, the animal is reliably protected for 90 days.
It contains 2 main active ingredients: praziquantel and fenbendazole. They are supplemented with accompanying components: sodium lauryl sulfate, polyvidone, magnesia stearate. The composition also includes a flavoring agent that attracts cats (meat or fish).
The combination of active components has a detrimental effect on nematodes and cystodes at all stages of development. Penetrating through the shell of the parasite's body, the drug blocks breathing, causing paralysis and rapid death of the worms. Decay products are naturally eliminated from the stomach and intestines. The product has no toxic effect on the cat's body.
Kaniquantel is available in 2 forms. The most popular is pills. Oval white pills have marks for ease of dosing. One tablet is designed for 10 kg of animal weight; for cats, the pill is divided in half or into 4 parts. The pills have an attractive meaty aroma, animals willingly eat them without additional stimulation.
Another option for the drug is a transparent gel with the taste and aroma of fish. The drug is packaged in disposable portion syringes, which makes it easy to dispense a portion. This dosage form is recommended for capricious cats and small kittens who are unable to swallow a regular pill.
It is recommended to store the drug in its original packaging, away from direct sunlight. It is not necessary to refrigerate tablets or gel. It is necessary to use the medicine before the expiration date indicated on the package. After its expiration, the effectiveness of the product decreases.
Indications and contraindications
"Kaniquantel" in the form of tablets and gel is recommended for adult cats and cats who do not suffer from allergies to active and accompanying components. Before giving your pet medication, you should consult with your veterinarian. The product should not be combined with drugs containing piperazine.
Tablets and gel are prescribed as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent. Cats walking on the street must undergo deworming at least 1 time in 3 months, animals that do not leave the room can receive the drug less often - 1 time in 4-6 months. The drug can be used simultaneously with external antiparasitic agents, for example, collars, sprays and shampoos for lice, fleas, ticks.
Antihelminthic treatment is carried out:
- for preventive purposes every 3-6 months;
- before annual vaccinations;
- before mating.
Kaniquantel has almost no evidence. The product is suitable for cats of all breeds and ages. The exception is kittens up to three weeks of age, pregnant and lactating females. An individual intolerance to the active ingredients may become a contraindication. If the animal is very malnourished or suffers from severe chronic diseases, medication can only be given with the permission of the veterinarian and under his supervision.
The tool has almost no side effects. In some cases, short-term diarrhea is possible, which disappears within a day without additional treatment. If itching or vomiting is found, it is recommended that you give your pet an antihistamine and visit your veterinarian. Most likely, this reaction is caused by individual intolerance.
Anthelmintic for cats: instructions for use
Before using Kanikvantel, fasting, forced stomach cleansing and other preparatory operations are not needed. The animal must be weighed, then the tablet is divided in half or into 4 parts. A cat weighing 5-6 kg should receive half a pill, kittens - a quarter of a pill. The drug is given once, preferably in the morning, before or during feeding.
To begin with, you should offer your pet a tablet from your hand. Many cats are tempted by the pleasant scent and eat the medicine, mistaking it for a regular treat. If the pet does not eat the pill, you can forcibly open its mouth, put the pill on the root of the tongue, lightly squeeze the jaw with your hands and wait until the animal makes a swallowing movement.
An easier way is to crush a tablet and add the powder to food. The only drawback is the inability to accurately control how much medicine the cat ate. Some owners prefer to dissolve the powder in a spoonful of boiled water and pour it into the pet's mouth.
If the medicine is taken for prophylactic purposes, a single procedure is sufficient. In case of severe helminthic invasions (for example, if worms or their fragments are found in the cat's feces), it is necessary to give the pill a second time, after 6-7 days.
Gel deworming is also easy. The dosage is calculated depending on the weight of the animal, 1 ml of the product is needed per 1 kg. The plastic tip of the syringe is inserted into the corner of the mouth and the desired portion is squeezed out, holding the jaw of the animal. After the cat has swallowed, you can give him a favorite treat as a reward.
When carrying out the procedure, you must follow the safety rules. The remains of the product are not subject to storage, they are destroyed along with household waste. If several cats live in the house, deworming is best done at the same time, this will help to avoid cross-contamination.
Reviews of owners and specialists
Kaniquantel is popular with breeders and ordinary cat owners. They note the availability, low price, effectiveness, and absence of side effects. The drug can be used for many years in a row, it is not addictive. The choice of shape depends on the individual characteristics of the pet. Some owners find the tablets work better, but the gel is better absorbed by older or weakened cats.
