A common misconception among cat owners is that keeping their cats indoors will keep them safe from disease and infection. Though keeping your cat indoors will decrease their chances of illness and injury, it does not guarantee that they won’t be exposed to parasites inside your home.
In a study published in the Journal of American Medical Association it was found that at least 25% of cats with heartworm disease are indoor cats.
Parasites find their way to your indoor cat through a number of ways. Have you ever seen a bug in your house? Mosquitoes can get into your home and infect your cat with heartworm – even if your cat never sets a paw outside! Heartworm is a very serious disease and is much harder to treat than it is to prevent. Often, by the time a cat presents with symptoms of a heartworm infection they have permanent damage to their vital organs.
Many other parasites, such as hookworm and roundworm, can be spread through infected feces and soil. If you have other pets that go outdoors, or if you ever come in with dirt on your shoes, your feline friends can also be exposed to the infected dirt that came inside with you. Infections such as these can cause things like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and anemia.
Fleas can get into your house by riding on your dogs. If your indoor cat is not protected against fleas, then those fleas will likely make a cozy home on them.
By choosing to keep your cats inside you have already made a decision that will help them live a longer, healthier life. Make sure they stay parasite free too. We recommend using Revolution, a monthly topical product, to prevent infection of heartworm, hookworm, roundworm, fleas, and ear mites.
Learn more about Revolution and Heartworm disease in cats at: www.revolutionpet.com and www.knowheartworms.org.
