[CJMOM]

My cat gave birth 26 days ago. We knew she had worms before the birth and now she is so very thin and nursing. She eats an awful lot and is in the litter box constantly. I have found no round worms in the feces but she does throw them up. When can I worm her? Shouldn't I worm the kittens as well at the same time?
How old do they have to be?" What brand meds do you recommend that I can get over the counter. I know she should go to a vet but I am unable to do that until End of June. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks.

[CJMOM]

My cat gave birth 26 days ago.  We knew she had worms before the birth and now she is so very thin and nursing.  She eats an awful lot and is in the litter box constantly.  I have found no round worms in the feces but she does throw them up.  When can I worm her?  Shouldn't I worm the kittens as well at the same time?
How old do they  have to be?"  What brand meds do you recommend that I can get over the counter.  I know she should go to a vet but I am unable to do that until End of June.  Any advise would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[koriani]

Hello,

I would wait until you can afford to take her to the vet to deworm her. DON'T buy over the counter dewormers that you can find available at pet stores, vet supply, etc.

Unless you know what kind of worms she has you won't be able to choose the right kind of dewormer on your own.

Call your vet and see if they would sell you the dewormer (if she can have it while nursing) if you brought in a stool sample and the weight of the cat. If you are a current client, some vets will do this.

Also, upgrade the diet!! This is VERY important!

I would switch her over to Iams Hairball and mix in some Iams Kitten until she is done nursing (then you can feed it to the babies).

People think Iams is too expensive but (speaking from 10+ years experience) the health problems related to poor diet are MUCH more expensive in the long run.

Iams can be found at Wal-Mart, some grocery stores, and even Dollar General (if you have one). Feed momma whatever she wants until the babies are weened then back her off to 3/4 cup a day.

She should gain weight on Iams unless there is some underlying health issue of which you are not aware.

Also, when you can afford it, get her tested for FeLV (Feline Leukemia). Cats that are out and about breeding are in a high risk category for this deadly disease. It is spread through exchange of blood and saliva.

Hope this information helps!

Regards,