Kuala Lumpur: Parasites are an often-overlooked threat in pet care, especially for cats, as infestations can cause serious health issues for both pets and humans.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Boehringer Ingelheim Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia (MSI) Head of Animal Health Dr Kam Kok Yen emphasized that parasites in pets pose more than just discomfort-they present serious health risks and are highly prevalent in cats across Asia. Due to their behavior and lifestyle, cats are particularly vulnerable to a range of internal and external parasites, such as fleas, ticks, and worms, which are not just nuisances but can lead to serious health complications.

He cited a recent epidemiological study involving over 1,000 cats in Eastern and Southeast Asia, which found that 43 percent of pet cats are affected by external parasites like fleas, ticks, and mites, while 14 percent harbor deadly internal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, and heartworms. These findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive, routine parasite prevention among pet cats, he said in a statement.

Dr Kam noted that studies in Malaysia have highlighted the widespread threat parasites pose to the cat population. Blood-feeding hookworms are common parasites and can cause severe health issues in cats. Additionally, 89 percent of cats in the study were infested with fleas, leading to discomfort and potential disease transmission. Lice infest one in ten cats, leading to irritation, fur loss, and secondary skin infections, while ear mites were found in nearly one in five cats, causing major ear infections.

However, Malaysia also lags behind many other regions in terms of preventive care, with less than 40 percent of cats protected against internal parasites and fewer than one-third protected against external parasites, he added. Dr Kam pointed out a common misconception among cat owners is that indoor cats are safe from parasites. While indoor environments might reduce a cat’s direct exposure to outdoor threats, they are not free from risk.

With advancements in veterinary medicine, pet owners now have access to effective solutions like Boehringer Ingelheim’s NexGard® COMBO for cats. This easy-to-apply formula provides broad-spectrum protection against both internal and external parasites, said Dr Kam. It combines eprinomectin, praziquantel, and the next-generation antiparasitic ingredient esafoxolaner, ensuring coverage that includes fleas, ticks, ear mites, and dangerous internal parasites such as heartworm, roundworm, and tapeworm.

As pet ownership grows across the region, he highlighted the need to shift from reactive treatments to preventive care. NexGard® COMBO allows cat owners to take this proactive step with ease and confidence, ensuring comprehensive protection against parasites that can jeopardize the health of both their pets and their families.

Dr Kam also provided practical guidance for pet owners to protect their cats and themselves from parasite-related health risks. Effective parasite prevention involves a combination of regular treatment and proactive habits. Consistent use of a reliable parasiticide is essential, with products like NexGard® COMBO simplifying the process by offering once-a-month protection in an easy-to-apply formula.

Veterinary Parasitology specialist Prof Dr Rebecca J. Traub emphasized the importance of shifting from reactive treatments to preventive care, as misconceptions about parasites remain widespread. She pointed out that many owners mistakenly believe cats only need treatment when symptoms appear or that parasites will resolve on their own. Unfortunately, by the time symptoms become visible, many infections are already advanced, leading to more serious complications.

Dr Kam reiterated Boehringer Ingelheim’s commitment to setting a new standard in feline parasite control by providing pet owners with an accessible and highly effective solution. By taking proactive steps, pet owners can ensure a happier, healthier life for their feline companions and safeguard their own health from zoonotic risks. Parasite prevention is no longer just an option; it’s a necessary component of responsible pet ownership.