Does my cat need worming?

[VenalWinfrey]

Dear all,

I have two cats who have always been healthy eaters - let's just say they enjoy their food times! They are still young (just over 2yrs I believe) and, on a recent visit to the vet, he told me that they were a little overweight, and that I ought to reduce their food intake. This I have done strictly by the book, and they have both gradually lost the weight.

A short while ago one of the cats eloped, and disappeared for a fortnight. When he came back I was delighted, but noticed that obviously he was a little on the thin side. He has since returned to a good weight, and still enjoys his food. My concern is that he may have picked up worms on the outside. Over the last ten days he has been clamouring increasingly for feeding, scratching at the cupboard door in the kitchen and even crying occasionally. This is distressing me. This afternoon I gave him a little extra food because I was worried, and he literally wolfed it down. I have never seen a cat behave like this (what I would consider more of a dog's approach to food!) - is it possible that he needs worming? If so is there any easy way to tell? Most importantly, can I just buy a worming kit from a good pet shop or does this have to be done by a vet? I would rather not pay a large bill if this is something that someone can easily do at home (like the flea thing) but of course I will take him next week if it is not adviseable. Was just hoping to get some ideas/info from anyone out there. Thanks for reading, any help greatly appreciated!

ps. they were of course wormed at a young age, as per usual.

[Annlinda]

Surely you worm every 3 months?

[jules77]

technically, the vets will tell you to worm a cat or dog every three months, I usually leave it six though. I wouldnt recommend the stuff from the pet shop as it isnt strong enough, you can get it cheaply on line from the canine supermarkets. Try vet uk where you can buy them singly, you need to weigh them to guage dosage, and with free post and packing - Panacur is a good one to use.
http://www.vetuk.co.uk/index.php?main_page=pro duct_info&products_id=173

[chewbacca11]

I would say that your cat needs worming! its wise to worm them every 3-4 months and use a wormer from your vets, they can weigh your cat and give it the correct dosage as too much wormer can make a cat quite poorly. You can get a combined wormer and flea treatment now - some cats get upset and act weird if they have fleas. Try Drontal or Frontline. You can get tablets or a spot on treatment. It may be pricey going to your vet but your cats welfare is most important! xxx

[jules77]

It isnt rocket science to get the right dosage. Half a tablet per 2.5kg bodyweight eg: one tablet as a worming dose per average sized cat weighing 5kg.
- stand on scales without cat and get your own weight, now stand on scales with cat, take one from the other and you have your cats weight - which is probably the way the vet will do it as a cat is not going to stand on the dog scales! I use Drontal for my dogs, but Panacur is a lot more palatable for cats - both are available on line, together with Frontline spot on. Save yourself vet prices, and an unnecessary consultation fee.

[VenalWinfrey]

Thanks everyone for your help!