What's the best way to worm my new kitten and how often?

Kitten Deworming Guidelines

Deworming is a critical part of a kitten's early health care, as many are born with or quickly acquire worms from their mother. The general recommendation is to start deworming kittens as early as 2-3 weeks of age. This initial treatment targets common parasites like roundworms, which can cause poor growth, a pot-bellied appearance, and digestive upset.

Following the first treatment, kittens should typically be dewormed every 2-3 weeks until they are about 8-12 weeks old. After this initial series, deworming is usually recommended monthly until they reach 6 months of age. Once they are adults, the frequency of deworming can vary based on their lifestyle (indoor vs. outdoor), fecal test results, and your veterinarian's advice, but often ranges from every 3-6 months.

Types of Worms to Target

Common worms in kittens include:

• Roundworms: Very common, often seen in vomit or stool.
• Hookworms: Less common but can cause anemia.
• Tapeworms: Often acquired from ingesting fleas.

Your vet will prescribe an appropriate dewormer, which may come in liquid, tablet, or topical form. Always follow the dosage instructions carefully.

When to see a vet

It's essential to consult your veterinarian for a precise deworming schedule and the most effective products for your kitten. If your kitten shows signs of heavy worm burden, such as a dull coat, lethargy, poor growth, vomiting, diarrhea, or a distended abdomen, seek veterinary attention promptly. Bring a fresh stool sample if possible.