At some point, most cats will become infected with an internal parasite. Most often it occurs when they are kittens, and the most common form they face are the dreaded roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms. Because they can be life-threatening, you should treat them as quickly as possible. While a vet can prescribe medication to rid your cat of parasites, you can also try various forms of home remedies. Just be sure to consult your vet.
Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth
You can purchase food grade diatomaceous earth from either a nursery or garden center. You might also find it under the name of fossil shell flour. These products are used by breeders and farmers not only as a dietary aid, but as a dewormer too. By absorbing lipids from insects, it kills them through dehydration. Make sure you do not purchase food grade from a pool supply store because they add toxins for pool filtration.
To use food grade or fossil shell flour, mix ½ tsp. into a can of wet cat food. Because it is essentially tasteless, your cat should not notice it. Keep adding ½ tsp. for four days in a row. If your cat usually eats dry food, simply mix it into a treat like tuna or ground chicken. Check the feces for worms. Wait two weeks to repeat the treatment. After this time period, you can retreat when you see a problem, or you can merely add it to your cat's food monthly.
Power of Garlic and Pumpkin Seed
Another home dewormer is to mix fresh, minced garlic into your cat's food. Do this only one time a day. While garlic is known as a preventative, it can help kill insects and parasites as well. You will want to start with small amounts of garlic, so you do not turn your cat off of eating the food.
Raw pumpkin seeds are a great dewormer, and they especially fight tapeworms. Grind up the seeds and add 1/4 cup to your cat's food daily.
Fasting Out the Parasites
Finally, you can put your cat on a one-day fast. You should first make sure your cat is healthy and strong. Fasting for a day can help clear out pesky parasites that simply can't live without food. You can do this up to once a week without hurting your cat's health.
References
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Writer Bio
Krista Raye is a Steel Magnolia who began writing professionally in 2009 with eHow, Answerbag and Trails. She has 10 years teaching experience in middle and high schools. Raye holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, a Bachelor of Science in secondary English education and a Master of Arts in adolescent English education.
