Heartgard for kittens year round

I live in Chicago so the weather out here is very cold November - March. My vet recommended I give my kitten, Pinky, Heartgard all year round but is that really necessary? She is an indoor cat and there obviously no mosquitoes in the winter time.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Did your vet say WHY an indoor kitty in the dead of winter should be given Heartgard?

Is heartworm prevalent where you live?

Ritz is a strictly indoor cat, we use to live on the top floor of a three story condo building.  She never got fleas.

We moved to a ground floor townhouse in August and for the first time she got fleas.  At no time did my vet suggest a medication for heartworm although he did suggest Ritz be treated yearly for fleas.  I might resume that in May when the weather gets warmer.

Hi there,

My vet said it works as an intestinal dewormer all year round and just to get into habit of doing so. Upon doing more research, I am going to start Pinky on it in April till November.

Thanks!
 

Ritz said:

Did your vet say WHY an indoor kitty in the dead of winter should be given Heartgard?
Is heartworm prevalent where you live?
Ritz is a strictly indoor cat, we use to live on the top floor of a three story condo building.  She never got fleas.
We moved to a ground floor townhouse in August and for the first time she got fleas.  At no time did my vet suggest a medication for heartworm although he did suggest Ritz be treated yearly for fleas.  I might resume that in May when the weather gets warmer.

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Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, not fleas .

Vets are supposed to tell you to give Heartgard all year long. They think it helps you remember to give it during summer if you don't skip any months. Of course you can disregard that advice if you prefer.

[palm to face]  Yes I read about carriers of heartworm.  I think my point was that even indoor cats can get fleas and my extension bitten by mosquitoes.

I now see the reasoning behind treating your animal all year long--so you don't forget.  Makes sense!