Worming and flea/tick advice for cats

Another question we often get is how often to worm Russian Blue kittens. Some worming and flea products can be given every month, whilst others have a 3 monthly application that is sufficient. It is important when treating with wirm and flea that the cat is both secure and relaxed before application. Cats tends to not like the smell of the soluton so some can become more alert and upset once it is applied! We recommend a quiet room with minimal exit and entry with a heighted area to safely and easily apply.

 With spring around the way this is imperative as the cooler and wetter weather brings out more flea and ticks in the grasses. Even though we recommend Russian Blue’s stay indoors, we still recommend treating as cats can try to escape. We also have people take them into the garden on a harness at times, so this also prevents them bring fleas and ticks back into the home. In NSW Central West this season can go for a few months, as Spring in places such as Cowra, Orange and Young is both warming up but still increaibly cold. It is also good practice with other animals in the household.

Many forget the risk that if you have a dog or another cat that regularly comes in and out of the home, that fleas can very easily tranfer between carriers and cross infect. This also runs the extra risk of infesting the house, so we also recommend strong applications if this is the case. We also recommend changing the treatment often, as new research if implying that fleas and ticks can grow resistant to one product over time. This helps to ensure that the fleas do not become accustomed over time and gain resistance to treatment.

 We often alternate between Bravecto due to it covering all bases, as well as a monthly application every other time they are due. At the same time, we also change the worming treatment we use so it alternates the product and reduces any likelihood of developing resistance. This provides an ongoing treatment that keep fleas, ticks and worms constantly guessing, and hoefully keeping away! We recommend doing this this regularly as well if there are other animals in the hime as it can aid in reducing corss infection and stopping a resistant build u in other species using similar treatment products in the home.