If the mama is negative

straykat

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If the mama is negative for worms and feluke does that mean the babies are negative .

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straykat

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Incase anyone wants to know I called my vet and he said even though mama cat is negative he is giving me worm meds for the babies.
 

gayef

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Sorry I missed this ... *sigh* Life has been crazy around my place for the past week or so.

Since it seems the vet answered your question I guess it leaves me to ask one now too - why does he feel the kittens will need to be wormed if he hasn't performed a fecal exam and knows the mother is parasite-free? I don't think I would be horribly comfortable with that without knowing why he felt it was necessary.
 
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straykat

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Good point


He did mention tape worms don't show up in a fecal exam so maybe that is his concern. Would you worm the babies (8weeks old) ? Mama cat has been tested twice (I wanted to make sure) and I don't see tapes on her stool she doesn't cover it up.
 

kittymeri

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sometimes they can have things that their dad(s) had due to it being in genetics or due to the disease lying dormant in the momma because she has built up antibodies but could pass to the kittens, so if it's a feral tom then there's sometimes a chance.
 

gayef

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I would be hesitant to worm the babies if there is no solid evidence of worms in their stool. If tape worm segments can be clearly seen in the stool, why does your vet say they wouldn't be evident in a fecal exam?
 
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straykat

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Originally Posted by gayef

I would be hesitant to worm the babies if there is no solid evidence of worms in their stool. If tape worm segments can be clearly seen in the stool, why does your vet say they wouldn't be evident in a fecal exam?
I found this
How are Tapeworms diagnosed?
Unlike other intestinal parasites of the dog or cat, tapeworms don't lay eggs inside the pet. For that reason, when veterinarians perform fecal floatations looking for parasite eggs, tapeworms are often overlooked. We usually have to see the segments stuck to the hairs around the anus, or in the feces or environment to diagnose tapeworms.

Thank you so much for your replies
 

jen

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Someone once told me that all baby animals are born with worms. It was a guy that lets his dog roam and get pregnant and then brings them to the shelter when they are the right age instead of just spaying his stupid dog in the first place. (i kind of yelled at him last time and said well why dont you just spay her then you wouldn't have this problem of trying to get rid of the puppies)

So obviously not a reliable source of information. His puppies bellies were all swollen and appeared to have worms and when I pointed this out, he said all puppies and kittens are born with worms. It seems ridiculous but just thought I would check, obviously a good breeder wouldnt have babies with worms. I don't know...can't believe some people...
 

gayef

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I have my cats into the vet several times per year for various reasons and always for a pre-breeding exam and health certificate. They don't have fleas or worms and are free from the other feline baddies ... and their kittens are checked out at regular intervals too. We have never had fleas or worms or any other the other feline baddies. This is why I was asking why the vet would give meds for something they may not have.
 

dr. doolittle

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Roundworms lay dormant (in cysts) in most any animal that has ever had them. Most cats and dogs have been infected at some time. These cysts become active, egg laying worms during times of immunosupression, (like pregnancy, illness, stress, old and young animals). Thus, when a queen becomes pregnant, the roundworms resurface and infect the fetus/kitten by crossing the placenta/infecting the milk! Gross eh? So it is true that MOST puppies and kittens ARE born with roundworms. If the queens are treated regularly and the environment is kept very clean the babies may not have quite the same load as those in poor conditions but a good deworming schedule is still a good idea.
 
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