Despite being less active and outgoing as compared to dogs, cats too have a huge chance of being infected with parasites like fleas, ticks, mites, worms, etc. We must be equally attentive to our cats and ensure that they get their regular dose of preventive and treatment options as needed. Even more so in the case of worms, because some of these worms are contagious to humans too.
One such effective dewormer is Profender, which is formulated to deal with broad-spectrum worms. The spot-on formula is rendered in tube form pipette that is easy to administer and offers effective results.
Parasites: Roundworms, Hookworms, and Tapeworms
Roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms are some of the most common parasites that infect our pets and spend their adult lives in their intestines. It’s not even difficult for our cats to be infected with these parasites.
For instance, it’s common for kittens to become infected with roundworms during nursing. Infected cats shed eggs of roundworms and hookworms in their feces and these mature to larvae and remain in the soil. After a few days of being deposited, these become infective.
Now, if the healthy cat lies in the contaminated area and then grooms itself, sniffs or licks the ground, or eats grass and other things outside, they are bound to be infected. They might also be infected when they hunt rodents, birds, and other small animals that these parasites prefer as their hosts.
In the case of tapeworms, cats are most prone to be infected if they are exposed to fleas. Tapeworms live inside fleas in their immature stage. Cats may ingest tapeworms while grooming fleas off their skin or fur.
A brief on Profender for cats
Composed of two active ingredients, Emodepside, and Praziquantel, Profender for cats is rendered as an antiparasitic solution that helps deal with a broad spectrum of worms. It comes in the form of tube-like pipettes that make it extremely easy to apply. These pipettes are designed for single use and come in the appropriate size with the recommended Profender dosage for the treatment of one cat based on their weight.
Use of Profender
The effective topical solution is rendered for the treatment and control of a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal worms including hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms. Profender is indicated to treat and control hookworm infections caused by Ancylostoma tubaeforme (adults, immature adults, and fourth-stage larvae), roundworm infections caused by Toxocara cati (adults and fourth-stage larvae), and tapeworm infections caused by Dipylidium caninum (adults) and Taenia taeniaeformis (adults) in cats.
Profender: Administration
The minimum recommended dose is 1.36 mg/lb (3 mg/kg) emodepside + 5.45 mg/lb (12 mg/kg) praziquantel as a single topical dose. A single treatment must be effective and there should be no need for a second treatment. In case of a recurrence of infection, you can re-apply the product after 30 days. The steps of administration of Profender for Cats include:
As per the given table, select the package that is suitable for the weight of your cat.
For cats above the weight of 17.6 lbs, use the appropriate combination of pipettes.
From the package, take one unit dose tube.
Hold the tube in the upright position, and remove the cap of the tube
Turn the cap of the tube upside down, keep the other end of the cap on the tip of the tube, and twist it to break the seal.
Now, after removing the cap, part the hair on the back of your cat’s neck at the base of the head.
Place the tip of the tube on the skin and squeeze the entire content directly onto the skin.
Ensure that when you’re applying the product, the skin of the cat’s coat shouldn’t be damp, and it shouldn’t have broken skin.
Working of Profender
Profender for cats comes as a topical solution and is mainly composed of two active ingredients named emodepside, and praziquantel. The presence of Emodepside ensures that the neurotransmitters in the worm’s brains stop working. This paralyzes the worms and eventually leads them to death. Experts suspect that Praziquantel interferes with the muscle integrity of these intestinal worms and causes paralysis. Now these dead worms are either absorbed by the cat’s digestive tract or are defecated out.
[Also Read] Unveiling the Little-Known Ways of Cat Health Care
Is it safe to use Profender?
For cats and kittens that are 8 weeks of age or older, and weigh 2.2 lbs or more, Profender is safe to use. However, given that it is a topical solution, ensure that your pet does not take it in their mouth. After applying Profender, keep the treated pet away from other pets until the solution is dry. The effect of Profender has not yet been tested on pregnant or lactating cats.
Precautionary Measures of Profender
Avoid any contact with your skin while administering the solution to your cat.
See to it that even after application, unless the solution is dry, you must not pet or groom the treated cat, and must not allow your pets to groom themselves or each other.
After administering the formula thoroughly wash your hands. Do not smoke, eat, or drink before that.
Avoid any contact with the eyes. In case of accidental contact, immediately rinse it off with several splashes of clean water.
In case of exposure of formula to your skin, rinse it off thoroughly with soap and water.
Avoid contact of formula with certain materials like leather, fabrics, plastics, and finished surfaces as it may stain these surfaces.
Why Might the Vet Recommend Profender?
While in most cases, the roundworm, hookworm, or tapeworm infection in itself is not fatal to your cat or kitten, the resulting situations might be much more harmful. For instance, the hookworms attach themselves to the linings of the intestines and drink blood, which can cause severe and bloody diarrhea, intestine blockage, and at times, even lead to anemia.
Roundworms can cause similar severe diseases and their eggs can live in the soil for a long time, which puts children particularly at risk. Roundworms are typically harmful to humans and are a cause of various illnesses. While humans might be infected by hookworms too, the hookworms do not mature into adults in humans. This resolves the issue of infestation on its own. If infected with tapeworms, humans might suffer from cysts which may require drainage, surgical removal, or medication.
Since humans also have the chance of being infected with these parasites, it becomes all the more important to treat the cats so that you can protect your family. To ensure that your cats, other pets, and your family remains safe from these worms, the vets generally prefer to suggest the use of Profender as it is easy to use and a single dose is sufficient to treat the felines.
Concluding Overview
There is no reason why you should keep your cat infested with worms and open room for your other pets and family members to get infested with the same. Never delay the process of deworming. This would ensure better health of your pet and of you. The Profender for cat comes in a pre-set tube pipette form, which makes it so much easier to administer and significantly minimizes the chance of over or under-doze.David joined CanadaVetCare in 2013 as a product analyst and veterinary assistant. Being a passionate pet lover and keen animal health researcher, David had always found ways and solutions to help pet parents to improve their pets’ health. He is always happy to answer pet health-related queries and recommending pet parents for the right pet product for their furry companions.
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