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Deworming Your Pet

Deworming is a crucial step in safeguarding the long-term health of your pets. Intestinal parasites, commonly known as “worms,” pose a significant threat to both cats and dogs, and sometimes even to their human companions.

Why Deworming is Essential

Parasitic worms such as roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and whipworms can severely affect the health of your pets. These parasites cause discomfort and can lead to more severe health issues like gastrointestinal problems, weight loss, anemia, and in extreme cases, even death. While puppies and kittens are especially vulnerable, pets of all ages can suffer from worm infestations.

Dog Worms

How Pets Get Infested: The Need for Dog Dewormer and Cat Dewormer

Worms are typically transmitted from one host to another through various means. These can include the mother’s milk, ingestion of contaminated fecal matter, or soil. Often, we may not have complete health records for the mother cat or dog, especially if the pet was a stray. In such cases, administering a general dog dewormer or cat dewormer during each round of vaccines is highly recommended.

Tapeworms are unique in that they can be transferred when a pet ingests a flea. This often happens when a pet bites an itch while dealing with a flea infestation.

When to Use Cat Dewormer and Dog Dewormer

Puppies and kittens are usually given general dewormers due to their higher susceptibility to intestinal parasites. However, even healthy adult pets can get worms, making regular treatment or fecal testing essential.

For dog owners, your monthly heartworm prevention medication might also serve as a dog dewormer against most common intestinal parasites. It’s crucial to know which dewormers are present in their current medication to ensure comprehensive protection.

For cats, we recommend using a cat dewormer annually, or bi-annually if your feline friend spends a lot of time outdoors.

Deworming Methods: Choosing the Right Cat Dewormer and Dog Dewormer

The method of deworming depends on the type of worm affecting your pet. If you notice worms in your pet’s stool, consult your veterinarian immediately. Administering the right cat dewormer or dog dewormer is essential to effectively combat the parasites and prevent them from developing resistance to medications.

Oral medications can treat most worms, but tapeworms usually require an injection. This tapeworm-specific dewormer is administered much like a vaccine and may need to be given multiple times, spaced 2-3 weeks apart, to ensure complete deworming.

Deworming for a Healthier Pet Life

Deworming is an integral part of responsible pet ownership. At TCAP, we are committed to offering affordable and effective cat dewormer and dog dewormer services. Ensure your pets lead happy, healthy lives free from the discomfort and risks associated with parasites by planning your next visit to TCAP.

Adopted Kitten Care: 9 Loving Tips for Your New Pet

Adopting a new kitten is an exciting adventure. These adorable bundles of fur bring joy, companionship, and a dash of mischief to your life. Providing the best adopted kitten care to ensure your new feline friend’s health and happiness is essential.

We've compiled nine tips to ensure your adopted kitten lives a happy, healthy life in their new home!

1. Prepare Your Home for Adopted Kitten Care

Before bringing your new kitten home, make sure you’ve set up a safe and comfortable environment. Create a designated space with a cozy bed, scratching post, toys, and a litter box. Having these items will help your adopted kitten adjust to their new environment.

2. Feeding Your Adopted Kitten

A balanced diet is crucial for growth and development. Ensure you have age-appropriate food for your adopted kitten before bringing them home. Generally, kittens will eat food labeled for kittens until they are a year old. After that, they should transition to adult food.

3. Litter Training

Litter training is a significant step for indoor cats. Place the litter box in a quiet, easily accessible location. Most kittens instinctively use the litter box, but accidents can happen. Be patient, avoid scolding, and clean up accidents promptly.

If you’re transitioning your cat to a different litter than the one they are used to, and your kitten seems hesitant, try mixing the style of litter they are used to with the new type little by little over 3-4 weeks. There are many different types of cat litter (clumping clay, paper pellets, amorphous silica gel, and more), and it may take some experimenting to find the best litter for your household.

Cute little kitten in hands at the veterinarian over white background

4. Adopted Kitten Socialization

Early socialization shapes your kitten’s behavior and temperament. Introduce your kitten to various people, experiences, and gentle handling. Handling them regularly and introducing them to new people make future vet visits less scary for your furry friend.

5. Veterinary Care

Regular veterinary care is essential for your kitten’s health. Ensure your kitten is up to date on vaccinations, deworming, and heartworm prevention. We’ve developed a vaccine guide to help you understand which vaccines your kitten needs and how often.

If your new kitten needs these wellness services, bring them to any of our walk-in vaccine events, and our team is happy to assist.

6. Introducing Other Pets

If you have other pets in your home, introduce them gradually and under supervision. This process requires patience, positive reinforcement, and a safe space for your kitten to retreat if needed.

High-quality vet care

7. Kitten Grooming & Hygiene

Regular grooming keeps your kitten’s coat clean and healthy and strengthens your bond. Brush your kitten’s fur and trim their nails regularly. If you’re unsure how to trim your cat’s nails, TCAP’s staff are happy to help with that, too (as long as your kitten is up to date on their rabies vaccine).

8. Kitten Playtime & Enrichment

Kittens are naturally curious and energetic. Engage them in interactive play to stimulate their minds and bodies. Provide a variety of toys to prevent boredom and encourage physical activity.

9. Monitoring Health and Behavior of Your Adopted Kitten

Pay attention to your adopted kitten’s behavior and health. Watch for any signs of distress, changes in appetite, litter box habits, or unusual behaviors. Early detection of issues can lead to prompt treatment and better outcomes.

Bringing a newly adopted kitten into your home is a heartwarming journey filled with joy and responsibility. By following these care guidelines, you’ll provide the best possible start for your kitten’s life. Remember, consistent care, patience, and love are the keys to a happy and healthy life for your new feline companion.

Cat Lovers Unite: FlexiScoop Sales Benefit TCAP

Self-proclaimed clean freak, cat lover, product designer, and owner of Product Design House, Joan Eckstein, is donating 25% of the proceeds from every FlexiScoop Litter Box Scoop sale to Texas Coalition for Animal Protection.

“We’re continually amazed by the pet lovers of North Texas,” said Stacey Schumacher, TCAP Executive Director. “Product Design House’s donation to TCAP via product sales helps solve two problems cats face: dirty litter boxes and overpopulation. These contributions to TCAP help fund programs like our free Feral Fix — providing free spays and neuters to community cats across North Texas.”

Retailing for $20, the FlexiScoop sports an ergonomic handle, built-in ribs for extra strength, a beveled-edge scraper/rake, and a hanging loop. However, the best part of the FlexiScoop is its ability to help mitigate two problems at once, a stinky litter box and subsidizing free spay and neuter for cats in need.

“I believe that inside cat lovers love all cats,” said Eckstein. “That’s why we’re happy to help community cats with a contribution to TCAP.”

Check out the FlexiScoop, and learn more about its creator at theflexiscoop.com.

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