Table 4.
Cat risk group definitions
Cat Risk Group | Description | EU ESCCAP recommended deworming frequency |
---|---|---|
A | Cat lives indoors. Infection pressure with worm stages is low, eating rodents unlikely | Treat 1–2 times per year against roundworms, or 1–2 times per year fecal exam and treatment according to findings |
B | Cat is free to roam outdoors. Infection pressure with worm stages is high, eating rodents likely | Treat against roundworms and tapeworms at least 4 times a year |
Ca | Cat eats prey animals and/or goes outdoors to hunt and eats raw meat | Treat against roundworms and tapeworms more than 4 times per year |
Da | Cat is free to roam outdoors and shares home with young children or immunocompromised individuals | Deworm once a month, or examine faecal samples once a month and treat according to findings |
aESCCAP Cat Risk Groups include A and B only. Additional risk factors in the ESCCAP guidelines were used to create Groups C and D for consistency in reporting and comparison of dog and cat results