[vetvetdoug]

Cats that are both inside and outside are in need of strategic deworming for good health. Insects, mice, birds, snails and other hunted items carry parasites that can be detrimental to the health of the cat. Deworming monthly with Heartgard for cats will take care of many of the parasites, this is a monthly treatment. The CDC recommends deworming cats every three months in a strategic move to keep parasites from establishing in the cat. A "fecal" or "Worm check" is a screening technique that is not foolproof...20% of the fecals checked will be false negatives. The rule of thumb for fecals is that a minimum of five tests that are negative for parasites is the only way of determining that the cat is 90% negative for parasites...its easier to practice strategic deworming for the cat's health.

We have been doing this in my practice for over 16 years because of the parasite population here in the SE US.

[Slings and Arrows]

Thanks for the info. All my cats are strictly indoor, which may be why my vet never mentioned it.

[pbmaltzman]

[strategic deworming] We have been doing this in my practice for over 16 years because of the parasite population here in the SE US.

I've heard that parasites aren't as much of a problem in the drier parts of the U.S., such as the deserts and the high plains... at least for stuff like worms and fleas.

A question for you, then: Are you seeing much in the way of heartworms in cats in your area of the U.S.? I read that they're becoming more common.

Also, when I get the heck out of Kalifornia, I may end up in the Southeast somewhere, so I want to be informed before I go. Thanks!

[Rightfootforward]

“The rule of thumb for fecals is that a minimum of five tests that are negative for parasites is the only way of determining that the cat is 90% negative for parasites...its easier to practice strategic deworming for the cat’s health.”

Many thanks for this explanation. Our cats are STRICTLY indoor animals. Nonetheless, our vet runs full fecal screenings on them because of our flea problems in Houston. He’s fond of saying, “A flea can ‘ride’ into your house on a grocery bag.” Good to know he practices medicine nearly as well as you do, right? I think so!