Hookworms

What are they?

Hookworms are blood-sucking parasites found in many mammals. Hookworms attach to the intestinal wall and feed on blood.

What do they look like?

Adult worms are relatively small: about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch long.

What happens to my cat when it has hookworms?

Cats can be infected with hundreds of worms at one time. One worm can ingest 0.12 ml of blood each day. The result can be anemia due to blood loss and in young kittens can even lead to death.

How can my cat get hookworms?

Cats can be infected by hookworms in different ways. The larvae can be ingested from the mother’s milk, from grooming or direct ingestion from the environment, or they can actively penetrate the skin through hair follicles.

How effective is Profender^® Topical Solution (emodepside + praziquantel) against hookworms?

Profender is highly effective against adult hookworms and some larvae.

How do I ensure my cat does not have hookworms?

Take your cat to the veterinarian for a complete physical examination. Bring a fresh stool sample for evaluation.

Federal law (U.S.A.) restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.