Last Updated: 03/06/2025
Why year-round parasite protection is essential for cats
Discover why year-round parasite protection is important for your cat’s health and how it helps prevent serious diseases caused by fleas, ticks, and worms.
Author: Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Reading Time: 15 minutes - medium read
This article is written by Pet Circle veterinarian, Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc in partnership with NexGard Spectra .
When it comes to protecting our feline friends, many pet owners choose to only focus on parasite prevention during the warmer months when pests like fleas and ticks are more active. Unfortunately, this seasonal approach can leave your cat vulnerable to infestations and serious health issues associated with parasites.
Parasites can cause allergic reactions, skin infections, digestive issues, and in some cases lead to serious long-term health conditions.
Year-round protection with an all-in-one product like NexGard Spectra for Cats is essential not just for preventing these issues but for safeguarding your cat's overall health. A consistent prevention plan ensures that your cat remains protected against these threats, no matter the time of year.
Here's why parasite protection should be a priority every day of the year.
NexGard SPECTRA for Cats
Suitable for kittens from 8 weeks of age and 800 grams body weight. NexGard SPECTRA makes parasite protection easy.
With no strong odour and a unique syringe style applicator NexGard Spectra helps to ensure parasite protection with less mess and stress.
1. Parasites aren't just a warm-weather problem
It's a common misconception that parasites like fleas, ticks, and worms are only a threat during the warmer months. While it's true that some parasites thrive in warmer weather, many can survive in a range of different environments, including inside our homes.
Did you know, flea eggs can lay dormant in your home's carpet, furniture, or bedding for up to 12 months, waiting for the right conditions to hatch. This means that even if you can't see fleas on your cat, hidden eggs in the environment can hatch and jump back on your cat!
Year-round parasite protection is essential because it disrupts the breeding cycle. By consistently using preventive treatments like NexGard Spectra, you can kill fleas and their eggs before they have a chance to mature and reproduce, keeping your home and your cat free from these nasty pests!
2. Indoor cats aren't exempt
If you have an indoor cat, you might think they're safe from parasites. Unfortunately, indoor cats are still at risk as fleas, ticks, and other parasites can hitch a ride into your home on your clothing, shoes or other pets.
Mosquitoes, known carriers of heartworm, often find their way indoors. These tiny insects can easily enter your home through an open window or door, posing a serious threat to your cat. Heartworm disease, while more commonly associated with dogs, can also affect cats, and it can be particularly dangerous since there is no specific treatment for cats once they are infected.
Intestinal parasites like roundworms and hookworms can be contracted through contaminated soil or surfaces, while tapeworm infections can develop in cats as a result of flea infestations or from hunting and consuming prey.
3. Parasites can cause serious health issues
Beyond the immediate discomfort they cause, parasites can lead to significant health issues. Fleas can trigger flea allergy dermatitis, skin infections, tapeworm infestations, and even anaemia in severe cases.
Intestinal worms, such as roundworms and hookworms, can cause chronic digestive issues, weight loss, anaemia and in extreme cases, life-threatening intestinal blockages.
Paralysis ticks are especially dangerous, as once attached and feeding off your cat's blood, they inject a potent toxin into the bloodstream causing rapid paralysis and potentially fatal respiratory failure. Unfortunately, not all preventatives protect against paralysis ticks so it is important to choose a product that protects your cat against all common parasites including the deadly paralysis tick, such as NexGard Spectra.
5. Prevention is easier than treatment
Managing parasite-related issues once they have occurred can be challenging and stressful for both you and your cat.
Beyond the discomfort your cat may endure, dealing with parasites can often involve multiple vet visits, expensive treatments, and thorough cleaning of your home to eliminate parasites from the environment.
Treating life-threatening conditions like tick paralysis can be extremely expensive, often reaching thousands of dollars, and unfortunately, the prognosis is often uncertain, with no guarantee of successful treatment.
Prevention is made easy with NexGard Spectra's syringe-style applicator, which only needs to be used once a month to protect your cat against all common parasites. With no strong odour, NexGard Spectra can be easily applied during mealtime, providing stress-free protection that your cat won't even notice!
The importance of consistent parasite protection
Year-round parasite protection, with an-all-in one product like NexGard Spectra is not just a seasonal task-it's a vital aspect of responsible pet care. By keeping your cat protected all year long, you're ensuring their comfort, health, and overall quality of life.
Regular vet check-ups and consistent use of parasite prevention products will keep your cat safe from the many dangers that parasites can bring. Don't wait for an infestation to take action; make parasite prevention a priority year-round.
Further Reading
Want to read more? Check out our other articles:
Worms in Cats: Symptoms, Treatments and Prevention
History
Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space and we update our articles when new information becomes available.
Wed May 14 2025
Edited by Dr Olivia Clarke BSc BVMS MANZCVS (Unusual Pets, Avian)Dr Belinda Stancombe BVSc (Hons)
Veterinarian
Dr Belinda graduated from The University of Queensland in 2009 and has worked as a Small Animal Veterinarian for over 10 years in South East Queensland. She also has experience as a telehealh consultant, providing veterinary advice for online customers.She has a special interest in animal behaviour, preventative health, the human-animal bond and internal medicine. Outside of work hours she is closely affiliated with a kitten rescue and is also a devoted carer of orphaned rescue kittens.
