Worms are quite the common occurrence in cats, and affect nearly every cat owner at one point or another. This a cause for concern for many people about the side effects of the traditional worming solutions, so it is crucial to know that there are quite a few natural options that can cure and even prevent these pesky parasites in your cat.
However, every cat and situation is different, so because of that it is recommended to consult with your veterinarian first for the best plan of action to treat and prevent worms in your cat.
Are there any home remedies for worms in cats ?
Fortunately, home remedies for worms in cats exist and you can do the deworming process at home, but it is always recommended to consult your vet first to get the best possible advice, since every situation can be different.
One of the most common ways of natural deworming at home, is by using turmeric, essential oils and coconut oil.
Here Are 6 Home Remedies for Worms in Cats
The most effective natural six natural dewormers are carrots, turmeric, chamomile, pumpkin seeds, coconuts, and apple cider vinegar
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Carrots
Carrots are safe to give to your cats and are rich in vitamin A and as an added bonus, carrots help cats get rid of worms.
When they are digested, the coarsely chopped carrots actually scratch the walls of the gut and stomach, in turn getting rid of mucus and any parasites that may be there. They are also an amazing source of nutrients for your cats and may be given as both a treat or incorporated in their daily meals.
Carrots are safe, enhance the immune system and are a great source for minerals and vitamins.
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Turmeric
Turmeric is a staple spice and a natural dewormer for cats that can be found in any kitchen. This spice is known to have a wide range of health benefits. Being utilized in both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for over 4000 years for its therapeutic characteristics, it is truly a wonderful spice.
The main active chemical that is found in the plant’s root and bulbs is called curcumin. Curcumin has amazing anti inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti fungal, antiseptic, antiviral, anti coagulant, anti cancer and other healing properties that make it a powerful weapon against a lot of ailments.
Even our pets most of the times are subjected to the same ailments as us humans. So, when it comes to that, turmeric is an excellent natural herbal remedy that can assist in getting rid of the ailment as well as boosting your cat’s general vitality and health.
As was mentioned before, turmeric is known for its anti – inflammatory effects which makes it a superfood. Turmeric also contains certain components that can help in the removal of worms and other parasites, while also repairing intestinal damage, improving your cat’s gut’s overall health in the process.
It is also a perennial herbaceous plant, and it is also safe to give to your cats and is actually commonly used to treat various feline diseases with its therapeutic benefits.
Not only does it improve the function of their immune system, but it also helps to fight a lot of ailments. For that it is commonly nicknamed as CURE – cumin by many.
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Chamomile
Chamomile is a natural aid to prevent and eliminate both roundworms and whipworms from the cat’s body. Commonly used to treat feline digestive issues, chamomile tea is believed to also calm the entire digestive tract.
It is safe as it can be, it’s even given to babies to reduce colic and to teach them to nurse by giving it to them in a bottle. Additionally, chamomile, like most herbs, has anti-parasitic properties.
It has also been proven useful in the treatment of roundworms and whipworms, as was mentioned before, and it is best to be given to your cat as a tincture, however, consult your vet first about the right dosage.
The amount which is most commonly used is 1 teaspoon of tea, and experts recommend mixing around ¼ cup of water with ¼ tsp of herb. It’s exactly like making tea, bring the water to a boil and then remove the pan from the heat. Add the ¼ teaspoon of chamomile, cover and set aside for about 2 minutes. Strain it afterwards, and give it to your cat. Dr. Andrew Jones recommends a dose of 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight.
Newborns, however, can be given 1/3 teaspoon of brewed tea in their formula twice a day with no problems.
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Pumpkin seeds
Because pumpkin seeds contain an amino acid called cucurbitacin, it makes them an excellent deworming agent. This makes the worms immobile, which allows for their immediate removal from the intestine.
Whether you choose to feed them whole as a treat or crush them into a powder and mix them into your cat’s food, it is safe to give to your cat. The recommended dosage is about a teaspoon of raw pumpkin seeds per 10 pounds of body weight, given twice a day.
Pumpkin seeds are amazing against worms because, when regularly consumed, it causes the worms to be paralyzed, which makes them lose their grip on the gut wall. Afterwards they will be removed from the body via excretion and the problem will be gone! However, do not stop giving your cat the seeds since there will be leftover parasite eggs that will hatch, so you will need to eliminate those as well.
You have cucurbitacin, the amino acid in pumpkin seeds, to thank for its paralyzing agent that’s only effective on those pesky worms. Since they will be pooped out when they lose their grip, it will require no further additional help from your side.
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Coconut
Coconut is also one of the home remedies for worms in cats and dogs. A dried coconut is a vermifuge, that means it can help to get your cat’s gut get rid of worms. For smaller breeds the recommended dosage is a teaspoon, for medium cats it’s 2 teaspoons, and give 1 tablespoon if you have a large breed. If they refuse to eat it by itself, sprinkle it on their food.
Coconut oil on the other hand, when fed on a daily basis, can help to remove worms while also providing many other health benefits. It is a natural deworming agent, as the cat’s body converts the lauric acid found in coconut oil into monolaurin, which is known to aid in removing tapeworm, giardia, and other parasites.
Like the previous deworming agents, work up to 1 teaspoon of coconut oil per 10 pounds of the cat’s body weight per day.
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Apple cider vinegar
Everyone and their mother have probably heard of all the amazing health benefits that apple cider vinegar has by now, however, did you know that some also believe that it can be used to treat worms in cats?
Unlike other vinegars, this one raises the alkaline levels in the cat’s intestines, which makes the parasites and worms unwelcome guests. You may see your cat’s coat improve as well as other health advantages if you incorporate ¼ to 1 full teaspoon of raw organic apple cider vinegar to your cat’s water daily.
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