Introduction
Many cat owners routinely deworm their cats to prevent intestinal parasites like roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. Deworming medications work by killing the worms living inside a cat’s intestinal tract or absorbing into their tissues.
After a cat receives deworming medication, there is often visible evidence in their litterbox as worms are expelled from their system. Understandably, seeing worms in the litter after deworming can be alarming for cat owners.
This leads many cat owners to wonder – should I change the litter immediately after deworming my cat? Will the medication or expelled worms contaminate the litter and reinfect my cat? What precautions should be taken when changing litter after deworming?
This article provides cat owners with guidance on whether and how to change cat litter after deworming.
What Is Deworming for Cats?
Deworming refers to the process of removing intestinal worms and parasites from a cat’s body. Intestinal worms are extremely common in cats, with the most prevalent types being:
- Roundworms (Toxocara cati and Toxascaris leonina) – Roundworms are long, spaghetti-like worms that live in a cat’s intestines. Nearly all kittens are born with roundworms which they acquire from their mother. Roundworms can cause digestive upset, vomiting, poor growth, and lethargy. They can also spread to humans, especially children. (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/gastrointestinal-parasites-cats)
- Hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme) – Hookworms attach themselves to the intestinal wall and feed on blood, causing anemia, diarrhea, and weight loss. They are often acquired by ingesting larvae from contaminated soil. Kittens are commonly affected. (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/internal-parasites-in-cats)
- Tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis) – Tapeworms live in a cat’s small intestines and shed segments that pass in the stool and look like small grains of rice. Tapeworms cause mild or no symptoms but can sometimes lead to digestive upset or weight loss. (https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/gastrointestinal-parasites-cats-brochure)
Deworming medications, given orally or by injection, help get rid of these intestinal parasites and improve a cat’s overall health.
When Should Cats Be Dewormed?
Kittens should be dewormed starting at 2-3 weeks of age, then every 2 weeks until they reach 12 weeks of age. After 12 weeks, kittens should be dewormed monthly until 6 months of age. Adult cats should be dewormed 1-4 times per year, depending on risk factors like hunting behaviors or exposure to other cats. Outdoor cats or cats living in multi-cat households are at higher risk and should be dewormed more frequently.
According to the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP), the deworming schedule for kittens is:
- 2-3 weeks of age
- 5 weeks of age
- 8 weeks of age
- 12 weeks of age
After 12 weeks, kittens should be dewormed monthly until 6 months of age. Adult cats can be dewormed 1-4 times per year depending on risk factors. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the ideal deworming frequency for your cat based on their lifestyle and exposure.
Following a consistent deworming schedule helps remove parasites before they can multiply and cause illness in kittens and cats. Deworming on a schedule is much more effective than only deworming when symptoms appear.
Deworming Medications and Procedures
There are several types of deworming medications used for cats:
Deworming pills – Deworming pills like Drontal or Droncit contain active ingredients like praziquantel, pyrantel pamoate, or febantel that kill intestinal worms. Pills are administered orally. Some cover a broad spectrum of worms while others target specific types. Pills often require a prescription from a vet.
Topical dewormers – Topical spot-on dewormers like Selamectin are applied to a cat’s skin on the back of their neck. The active ingredient is absorbed into the bloodstream and kills heartworm larvae as well as some intestinal worms. Some topical dewormers require a prescription.
Injections – Injectable dewormers like ivermectin are administered at a vet clinic as a shot under the cat’s skin. Ivermectin kills immature heartworms as well as roundworms and hookworms. Injections provide a high concentration of medication. They require an exam and prescription from a vet.
The type of deworming medication used depends on the specific worm infestation and your veterinarian’s recommendation. Many over-the-counter dewormers only treat roundworms and hookworms. Prescription medications are often needed for tapeworms. Your vet will suggest the appropriate deworming medication and proper dosage for your cat based on their health profile.
Sources: https://www.tractorsupplyrx.com/cat-dewormers-c-224.html, https://www.petsmart.com/pharmacy/cat/dewormers-and-parasite-care/
Can Deworming Medication Spread Through Litter?
When a cat is dewormed, the medication passes through their system and enters their feces. This means that some residue of the deworming medication can be present in the cat’s litter box after treatment.
However, veterinarians say it is very rare for humans to contract worms from contact with cat feces, even if the cat was recently dewormed. The types of worms that infect cats do not easily spread to humans (Source 1).
While traces of the medication may pass through the feces, the active ingredients are not present in high enough concentrations to be readily transmitted. The medications work by passing through the cat’s system rapidly to kill intestinal worms. By the time the medication reaches the litter box, most of the active ingredients have been absorbed and metabolized by the cat (Source 2).
So while deworming medication does enter the cat’s feces after treatment, the amounts present are very small. It is very unlikely for humans to contract worms through contact with litter after the cat has been dewormed.
Should You Change Litter After Deworming?
There are pros and cons to changing your cat’s litter after deworming treatment. On one hand, changing the litter can help prevent reinfection by removing parasite eggs that may be present in the soiled litter (1). Some vets recommend changing litter immediately after the first deworming treatment, and again after the second treatment (2). This ensures any parasite eggs passed in the feces are completely removed from the environment.
However, other sources note that most dewormers work very quickly, often fully eliminating worms within 24-48 hours (3). So as long as you scoop waste from the litter box regularly after treatment, you may not necessarily have to do a full litter change. Changing litter frequently can be inconvenient and stressful for some cats.
Overall, whether or not you need to change litter depends on factors like: the type of parasite being treated, your cat’s reaction to litter changes, and your vet’s specific recommendation. Changing litter can provide added protection against reinfection, but may not be mandatory in every case after deworming. Discuss the pros and cons with your vet to determine the best approach for your cat.
Sources:
(1) https://www.quora.com/How-long-after-the-first-dose-of-worm-medicine-should-I-change-my-cat-s-litter-box
(2) https://thecatsite.com/threads/cleaning-up-after-worm-infestation.209720/
(3) https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/comments/r4g4bn/how_long_after_deworming_should_i_change_the/
How to Change Litter After Deworming
Here are the steps to safely change your cat’s litter after deworming treatment:
- Wait at least 48 hours after the last deworming medication before changing the litter. This allows time for the medication to fully work and kill off all worms and eggs (source).
- Remove all old litter and throw it away in a tied plastic bag. Do not flush litter down the toilet as this can clog pipes.
- Clean the litter box thoroughly with soap and hot water. Rinse well to remove all residue.
- Disinfect the litter box using a pet-safe disinfectant or a dilute bleach solution (1 part bleach to 32 parts water) (source).
- Rinse the litter box well and allow to fully dry before refilling with new litter.
- Refill the litter box with fresh, unused litter. Use a new scoop as well.
- Wash your hands after cleaning the litter box.
Following these steps helps remove worm eggs and larvae from the environment and prevent reinfection after deworming.
Precautions When Changing Litter
When changing your cat’s litter after deworming, it’s important to take some basic precautions to protect both yourself and your cat.
For your own safety, wear gloves and a mask or respirator when scooping or replacing litter after your cat has been dewormed. This prevents you from inhaling or coming into contact with any medication that may still be present in the litter. Pregnant women should be especially careful, as some dewormers like fenbendazole can pose risks if accidentally ingested (CDC).
To keep your cat safe, change the litter gradually if switching to a new brand or type after deworming. Sudden changes can stress some cats out. Introduce a small amount of new litter to the old litter at first, then transition to fully new litter over a week or two.
It’s also wise to wash your hands after changing litter, and clean the litter box thoroughly each time to prevent reinfection. Bleach or ammonia-based cleaners work well for disinfecting (Armand Hammer).
With some simple precautions, you can change cat litter safely for both you and your feline friend after deworming treatments.
When to Consult a Vet
After deworming your cat, keep an eye out for signs of recurring worms or other health issues. Contact your veterinarian if you notice any of the following:
- Worm segments in the cat’s feces or around their rear end
- Bloody or mucus-filled stool
- Vomiting more than 24 hours after deworming treatment
- Diarrhea lasting more than a day
- Loss of appetite or extreme lethargy
- A dull, brittle coat
- Coughing or breathing issues
- Weight loss
- Evidence of reinfection from fleas, rodents, or other sources
Recurring worms may indicate an underlying health problem or improper administration of medication. Your vet can examine your cat and provide guidance on additional treatment or prevention methods.
It’s also wise to consult your vet if you have any other concerns about your cat’s health after deworming. Though rare, some cats may experience adverse reactions to certain dewormers. Let your vet know about any unusual symptoms following treatment.
Conclusion
Worms are a common issue for cat owners and regular preventative deworming is often necessary. Many dewormers, especially oral medications, are safe for use with both the cat and humans handling the litter box. There’s usually no need to change the litter after deworming, unless advised by your vet or using certain topical dewormers. It’s still smart to take precautions like wearing gloves and washing hands when cleaning the litter box after deworming treatment. Focus on providing a clean, hygienic litter box environment. Monitor your cat after deworming and watch for signs that additional treatment may be needed. Consult your vet if you have any concerns about worms or your cat’s health.
The key takeaway is that changing litter after deworming is usually not required. But proper litter box hygiene, prevention of reinfection, and monitoring your cat’s health are all important parts of an effective deworming protocol.