CAT MEDS:

Interceptor Advantage Program Tabs Program 6 Frontline Plus Revolution Heartguard

Problematic Parasites For Your Cat
A common misconception is that fleas and other parasites are not a problem in the winter. This is not the case. The fact is, your pets may be exposed to parasites more often than you think in the winter. Here's why:

• The onset of mosquito or flea season is impossible to predict.
  Midwinter warm spells can produce ideal conditions for fleas to emerge.
• Under the right environmental conditions, fleas can survive, and even reproduce, indoors during the winter.
• Whipworm and roundworm eggs are extremely resilient, surviving in the soil in the coldest conditions.
  

Your pets should be protected from parasites year-round — even in the winter. As winter continues, enjoy all that the season brings. Just be sure your pet enjoys it as well.

Fleas
Anyone whose pet has ever had fleas knows the misery these tiny parasites can cause. Flea saliva is considered one of the most irritating substances on Earth — which is easy to believe when you see a beloved pet scratching frantically all night long.

Flea bites do damage beyond irritating your pet. Flea bites can cause a serious skin condition known as FAD (flea allergy dermatitis). In addition, fleas often carry tapeworm, a harmful intestinal parasite.

Once allowed into the home, fleas can quickly cause an infestation, and they will even bite humans when looking for a host.

Some symptoms of flea bites include scratching, biting, broken skin and hair loss. If you see grains resembling salt and pepper around the house, it could mean that fleas are breeding on your pet. If you should notice any of these signs, call your veterinarian immediately.

Heartworm
Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition in cats. Heartworms live in your cat's heart and surrounding blood vessels, and can cause heart disease and organ failure, which can lead to death. Much of the damage occurs before there are any outward signs of the disease. Therefore, prevention is the key element in protecting your cat.

Cats can get heartworm disease the same way as dogs. Mosquitoes transmit the disease by biting an infected animal, then passing the infection on to other animals they bite, so any cat can be at risk; even indoor cats are not safe because mosquitoes can be found in the house.

Since heartworm disease is more difficult to diagnose in cats because symptoms are more subtle, it is very important to have your family veterinarian examine and test your cat. The most common signs of heartworm disease in cats include vomiting, coughing, difficulty breathing, lethargy and weight loss. In acute conditions, collapse, convulsions and sudden death may occur. Healthy-looking cats have been known to become sick and die within an hour of showing signs of the disease.

Hookworms
Hookworms attach to your cat's intestinal lining with their hook-like teeth, leaving bleeding internal wounds, which can cause anemia and even death if blood loss is severe. Hookworm larvae live in soil and can be ingested by cats or penetrate a cat's skin. Hookworms are the most common of intestinal parasites.

Signs of hookworm disease include weakness, weight loss, gaunt or haggard appearance and dull, scruffy-looking fur. If your cat has any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately. Be sure to bring a stool sample for the veterinarian to examine.

Roundworms
Roundworms live in your cat's intestines and can be acquired by ingestion of eggs in feces or by eating infected small animals such as mice, rodents or snakes. Kittens can also acquire roundworm through their mother's milk. In kittens, roundworms can cause liver and lung disease and general debilitation. These large worms can fill the small intestine and interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Severe infections can be fatal due to impaction of large amounts of worms in the intestine.

Signs of roundworm disease include vomiting, diarrhea and stunted growth. If your cat has any of these symptoms, call your veterinarian immediately. Be sure to bring a stool sample for the veterinarian to examine.

Preventitive Medications:

INTERCEPTOR FLAVOR TABS for cats -the only oral monthly preventative that protect against heartworms and remove adult roundworms (Toxocara cati) and adult hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme).

PROGRAM FLAVOR TABS and PROGRAM SUSPENSION -both prevent flea eggs and larvae from developing. This breaks the flea life cycle at its base, and effectively controls the flea population.

PROGRAM 6 MONTH INJECTION for CATS -prevents flea eggs and larvae from developing. This breaks the flea life cycle at its base, and effectively controls the flea population.

FRONTLINE -brand products is the longest-lasting, most complete product for controlling fleas and ticks. FRONTLINE for dogs and cats is highly effective, easy to use and provides superior, guaranteed protection. What's more, FRONTLINE is available in three convenient formulations to make it easy for you to protect your pet.

ADVANTAGE -Because it works so fast, Advantage provides relief from fleas within minutes. Advantage is proven to stop fleas from biting in 3 - 5 minutes after application. Advantage kills 98-100 percent of fleas within 12 hours of application. In addition, one convenient treatment lasts for up to one month.

REVOLUTION -Revolution is the first-ever FDA approved, topically-applied medication for both dogs and cats that: Prevents heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) disease, Kills adult fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) and prevents their eggs from hatching, Treats and controls ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), Treats hookworm (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) and roundworm (Toxocara cati) in cats.

Resourceful Links to Flea and Parasite Medication Manufacturers>>