How long after a cat's bath can they be dewormed?

Usually, it is recommended to wait 3-4 days after a cat's bath before deworming, but this does not apply if the deworming is internal. External deworming medications for cats are usually in the form of drops, which are absorbed through the sebaceous glands and enter the bloodstream. Giving an external dewormer right after a bath may lead to the medication not being effective because there is no oil on the skin. Additionally, bathing is a stressful stimulus for cats, which can weaken their resistance. Immediately deworming after a bath may cause the cat to experience uncomfortable symptoms.

It is advised to wait 3-4 days after a cat's bath before deworming to ensure the medication can be fully effective. Since external deworming medications in cats are absorbed into the bloodstream through the sebaceous glands, cats who have just taken a bath may not have enough skin oil for the medication to penetrate, rendering it ineffective. However, bathing does not conflict with internal deworming, so giving an internal dewormer right after a bath is not a problem.

Moreover, cats may experience stress after taking a bath, which can weaken their resistance and make them more susceptible to colds and other illnesses. In this case, giving an external dewormer may cause the cat to exhibit signs of depression, loss of appetite, and other uncomfortable symptoms. External deworming should only be done when the cat is in good health to avoid triggering other diseases due to weakened resistance.

Finally, it is recommended to regularly deworm cats. For preventative measures, cats should receive an external dewormer once a month and an internal dewormer every three months. Do not bathe the cat for three days before or after giving an external dewormer to ensure effectiveness. When applying external dewormers, place the medication on areas of the cat's body that they cannot lick, such as the back of their neck, to prevent poisoning from occurring if the cat licks the medication. Also, part the cat's fur and place the medication directly on their skin to allow the medication to be absorbed effectively.