Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates - Why does my cat need parasite protection web page

BBVA Buzzards Bay Veterinary Associates

230 Main Street * Buzzards Bay, MA 02532 * Tel: 508-759-2521 * Fax: 508-759-6782

Why does my cat need parasite protection?

Does your cat go outside?

Do you have children?

Does your cat chase and eat bugs?

Does your cat ever sit in a screened window?

Have you ever had a mouse in your house?

Is there an immunocompromised person in your house?

Do you have a dog that goes outside?

Have you ever had a mosquito in your house?

Have you ever had a cockroach in you house?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then monthly parasite prevention would be a good idea for your cat.

Heartworm disease is a blood borne infection spread by the bite of a mosquito. Revolution and Heartgard prevent heartworm disease in cats. Most mosquitoes in Dedham, Massachusetts are now carrying heartworm larvae. One bite to a cat will spread larvae into the blood stream where they migrate to the heart and mature. Some will migrate through other areas of the body, such as the brain and kidney, and cause a lot of damage. There is no cure for heartworm disease in cats and it is frequently fatal. In fact one of the only indications of the disease is sudden death. Your cat may never show signs of the disease. Heartworm disease is completely preventable through application of Revolution or administration of a Heartgard treat once a month.

Revolution also kills ear mites. Cats a very susceptible to ear mite infections and ear mite infections can lead to serious bacterial infections of the ear and hearing loss if not treated. Ear mites are very contagious and can be spread through screen windows or brought in by dogs.

Revolution kills fleas. Fleas are very small and can fit through screens or can hitch a ride inside on a dog or human. Once inside they can lay eggs in furniture or carpets and survive many life cycles if they have access to an unprotected dog or cat. Revolution used for an entire season will stop this life cycle. Flea bites can cause severe allergic reactions in both pets and humans. Flea bites can spread infections to immunocompromised individuals. Fleas can also cause tapeworm infections when ingested by dogs and cats.

Revolution prevents hookworm and roundworm infections. Your cat can become infected with these by eating rodents, cockroaches and even bugs that have been eating rodent carcasses and then find their way into the house. These worms are zoonotic which means that they are contagious to humans, especially children and immunocompromised adults. Once in the human body these worms migrate through skin and vital organs and can lead to serious medical consequences and blindness.

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