Worming and de-fleaing cats

[footballmum]

Can I ask a really dim question to the cat experts out there? We've had our cats for just over 12 months and we've applied some flea treatment but I've not worked them since we had them. Is over the counter stuff ok or should I be taking them to the vets and getting them treated there. They've also not had any boosters or injections since we had them. Again, should we be getting some done? It sounds really stupid that I don't know this stuff!!

OK. Basic guide to cat care coming up

1. Vaccinations. Ideally you should keep up the vaccinations as it protects against all sorts of illnesses. Cats need a booster every 12 months. If you go over 12 months then you can't just have a booster and will have to start from scratch again - which means an initial vaccine followed by another 3 weeks later. And then every 12 months.

If they are indoor only cats then they still need the initial vaccine, but there is an argument for not bothering with the boosters.

1. Flea treatments. Every four to six weeks. Over the counter stuff doesn't work and can be dangerous. You can buy Advantage from behind the counter in chemists and Pets at Home, which is fine. Or get stuff from your vets.

1. Worm treatments. Needed every three months. Again no over the counter stuff. You can get Drontal from the same places you buy Advantage. Or Milbemax from a vet.

They are neutered I take it?

Thanks! Yes they're fully neutered. We had them from a rescue charity and they were vaccinated when we had them but I hadn't realised about the boosters so I'll book them in and get all the fleaing and worming stuff at the same time.