Kitten Worming and Flea Control in Australia

Parasite prevention is straightforward once you know the pattern, and it matters more in a kitten than in an adult cat. Here is what Australian cat owners need to cover.

Worming schedule for kittens

Kittens are commonly wormed every two weeks from around two to three weeks of age until twelve weeks, then monthly until six months, and then every three months for life. Your vet will confirm a schedule for your kitten and recommend a product that covers the right worms.

Our kittens are wormed before they go home, and the dates are recorded in their health record. Continue the schedule your vet sets from there.

Worms that matter in Australia

• Roundworm — the most common in kittens, and can be passed from mother to kitten
• Hookworm — can cause anaemia, particularly in young kittens
• Tapeworm — usually acquired from fleas, which is why flea control matters even for worming
• Whipworm and lungworm — less common in cats, but your vet can advise on your area

Some worms can also affect people, so regular worming protects the whole household — particularly important in homes with young children.

Flea control

Fleas are the most common external parasite in Australian cats, and in warm and humid parts of the country they are a year-round problem. Even indoor cats get them — fleas come in on clothing, on visiting animals and on rodents.

Important safety note: never use dog flea products on cats, and never use permethrin-based products on cats. Permethrin is highly toxic to cats and can be fatal. Always use a product specifically labelled for cats and correct for your cat’s weight, and check with your vet or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Most modern flea treatments are topical spot-ons or oral tablets given monthly. Treating the whole household — all pets, and the environment — is essential, because eggs in the environment are what cause re-infestation.

Ticks

Ticks are a serious risk for cats in parts of eastern Australia, particularly in bushland and coastal areas. Paralysis ticks can be life-threatening. If you live in a tick area, ask your vet about a tick prevention product, and check your cat daily — especially around the head, neck and ears. If you find a tick, seek veterinary advice; do not assume a cat is safe just because the tick was removed.

A simple routine

• Worm on the schedule your vet sets — put reminders in your phone
• Apply flea prevention monthly, year-round in most of Australia
• Treat every pet in the household, not just the cat who is scratching
• Wash bedding regularly during a flea outbreak
• Keep up with it even for indoor-only cats

If you are ever unsure about a product, ask your vet or ask us. More on general health is in our Russian Blue health guide.