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Table 2 Cat risk group definitions

From: Survey of UK pet owners quantifying internal parasite infection risk and deworming recommendation implications

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

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

  1. 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