CAPC Reports Higher Rate of Feline Heartworm, Roundworm

Based on data collected by laboratories at Idexx, Antech and Banfield Pet Hospitals in 2010, cats need better protection from heartworms and roundworms, the Companions Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) reported.

The numbers suggest that heartworm preventives with broad-spectrum internal parasite control are reducing the worm populations in dogs, but that cats are not receiving the same protection.  CAPC recommends that all US dogs and cats receive annual prevention against heartworm, intestinal parasites and ectoparasites.

It might be surprising to many cat owners but.....

-A higher percentage of dogs were infected with roundworms than cats in only four states:  Alaska, Arizona, California and Nevada.

-A higher percentage of cats tested positive for heartworms than dogs in every state except Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas.

-About three of every 100 cats tested positive for heartworm antigen, an indicator that the positive cats have living heartworms in their lungs according to the CAPC.

The moral of the story is that cats need to visit their veterinarian just as often as dogs do even if they are indoor only pets.  If your cat has not been in to see us recently, call today to schedule his or her appointment!