While it is often better to buy preventative medications directly from your veterinarian, many gastrointestinal worming products are now available online without a prescription.
Discuss your cat’s parasite prevention regime with your primary veterinarian to ensure that it meets your cat’s needs.
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You will often find that you can buy the best dewormers for cats at a fraction of the price online.
Outdoor cats need to be dewormed roughly every 3 months, particularly those who hunt and eat sources of raw meat.
Indoor cats are less exposed to internal parasites, though should still be wormed once or twice a year.
While you may not think your indoor-only cat has any exposure to worms, this is far from the truth.
We can bring the worm eggs in on soil on our shoes, indirectly exposing them.
Similarly, any cat that is fed raw or undercooked meat can act as a host for the worms.
Finally, cats with fleas or lice are at risk of getting tapeworm, and while indoor cats are less likely to have fleas, sadly we are all too aware that they are by no means immune.
While there are many potential internal parasites, this article focuses on the treatment of roundworms and tapeworms.
For a more broad-spectrum worming treatment that also covers for parasites including heartworm and hookworm, you will need to consult your vet.
It is essential to treat and prevent worms in your cat, not just for their health, but for that of your family.
Roundworms, or ascarids, are very common parasites in cats and kittens and children are at the highest risk of catching them from the family pet.
While feline tapeworm can also be transmitted to people, this is less common, as a person would have to eat an infected flea.
As well as the routine use of good quality worming products, owners should always ensure to cook meat right through and to practise good hygiene within the home.
It is particularly important to clean faecal matter from litter trays promptly and to wear gloves when doing so and to wash your hands after.
Best Dewormers for Cats (Overall)
Drontal Dewormer Tablets for Cats
An ‘oldie but a goody’, Drontal dewormer is a trusted product made by Bayer containing the active ingredients Praziquantal and Pyrantel pamoate.
Unlike some of the other products on our list, these tablets are not only effective against roundworm and tapeworm, but also hookworm.
Possibly the most broad-spectrum product available without a prescription, this is surely the best wormer for cats you can get online.
You cat is protected against the two most common tapeworms: Dipylidium Caninum and Taenia taeniaeformis, as well as the hookworm Ancylostoma tubaeform and the large roundworm Toxocara cati.
Purchasing a large bottle of these tablets is a great option for multi-cat households, shelters and rescue centres; all places that need to ensure their parasite prevention is extremely effective and up to date.
While Drontal tablets do not taste particularly good to animals, these pills are scored, making them easier to break up and give into your cat’s mouth.
You can use a ‘pill popper’ or a tasty pill pocket if you do not feel comfortable using you hand.
Similarly, you are able to crush these tablets and mix them into some tempting food to disguise them.
Usefully, these tablets are safe to use in both adult cats and kittens and should be used up to four times a year.
Kittens should be more than 2kg and over six weeks old before this product is administered.
As kittens can be infected when feeding from their mother, it is essential that they are treated as soon as possible.
For kittens less than 2kg, consider using an alternative worming product, such as Panacur.
Remember, it is very safe to use Drontal in conjunction with a flea and tick prevention, and this is strongly encouraged.
Bayer Tapeworm Cat Dewormer
Bayer have formulated this simple product that contains Praziquantal alone and prevents and treats tapeworm infections.
With no prescription required, this simply product can be bought online and given at home, making it the best worming medicine for cats with a known tapeworm infestation.
These tablets can be given whole or broken up and may be mixed with food.
Kittens are safe to consume these tablets once they are six weeks old.
Tapeworm is a segmented parasite that can be transmitted in a number of ways.
Rodents such as rats and mice, as well as fleas and lice can carry tapeworm eggs.
Unassuming cats will then consume the rodents when hunting or lick off the external parasites when grooming.
The adult tapeworm will then live in the intestines of your cat.
Though you may never see the actual worms, you may be unlucky enough to see the end segments in their poo, that look a bit like grains of rice.
The eggs are contained within the segments, so once defecated, are propagated in the environment.
Though some cats may groom their back passage or rub it on the ground when affected due to the associated itchiness and discomfort, others may not change their behaviour at all.
Similarly, some cats will exhibit an increased appetite, weight loss and a lacklustre coat, though others may not show obvious signs.
As the symptoms of a tapeworm burden are variable and inconsistent, it is better to routinely use parasite prevention, rather than to wait for obvious signs of an infestation before treating.
For owners that are very reluctant to take this approach, they may decide to have their veterinarian perform a ‘faecal exam’, checking for the presence of any parasites and treating what detected.
As fleas are a host for tapeworm, owners must ensure to also treat any flea infestations by treating the cat as well as the environment (remember, up to 95% of the flea burden lives off the cat and within the home!).
Cats Dewormer by Cat ‘n’ Dog
This classic worming tablet is one that can be relied upon and won’t break the bank.
Coming in a pack of three, this wormer will last you for an impressive 9 months (if you administer one tablet every 3 months as recommended).
This product is rated as one of the best worming treatment for cats online and contains the active ingredients Praziquantal and Pyrantel embonate.
As with many similar products, these tablets are not safe for kittens less than 6 weeks of age but can be used in any cat over this age.
Though there are many worming preparations on the market, including oral liquids, spot-on preparations, pastes and granules, many owners prefer the ‘old-fashioned’ tablet.
A tablet offers you many dosing options, whether you choose to crush it, grind it into a paste or leave it whole.
It can be given directly into the mouth or fed within a tasty treat or pill pocket.
A top tip: if giving with your cat’s meal, do not place it in the middle of the food bowl, stir and hope. Many cats will avoid the ‘different’ tasting object and eat around it.
Instead, wait until it is feeding time and then place the tablet in the middle of a tasty morsel of meat, wet food or a similar cat food item.
Only once this has been ingested should you go ahead and give your cat the rest of its meal.
Warming up the food item can mask the smell and taste of the tablet, increasing acceptance.
Watch out for cats that pretend to eat the pill, only to go around the corner and spit it out.
If this happens, you can re-use the tablet.
If it is too wet or mushy, go ahead and use a new tablet.
For ease of dosing, one tablet will treat an average cat weighing 8.8lbs.
If, for example, you cat weights 10 lbs, you can give 1 and a half tablets, while a 4.4lb cat only needs half a tablet.
Feline Liquid Cat Dewormer
What’s the best wormer for cats that just won’t take tablets?
A liquid of course!
Containing the active ingredient ‘Piperazine citrate’ this wormer is specifically effective against the roundworms Toxocara canis and Toxocara leonina.
It’s important that this liquid is not used on kittens less than 6 weeks old, pregnant or nursing cats.
At a dose rate of ¼ teaspoon per 2.5lbs, this liquid is simple to measure out.
The liquid can be licked off a spoon, gently syringed onto your cat’s tongue, or mixed with some tasty food.
If you attempt to mix the liquid with food and the food is refused, consider heating the food until it is warm (the delicious aromas of the food will be released and mask the smell of the medicine) and consider using your cat’s favourite food such as sardines or tuna.
This wormer comes in a 4 oz bottle which has a child proof cap.
Always keep this liquid away from children.
While the active ingredient Piperazine is generally safe and well tolerated, an overdose can result in tremors and weakness.
Avoid these nasty side effects by sticking to the recommended dosing instructions and not repeating the therapy more often than necessary.
It is important to realise that this parasite therapy offers no cover at all against the common tapeworm, so may not be appropriate for all pets.
If a Toxocara infestation alone has been diagnosed on a faecal exam, this may be the appropriate recommended therapy.
Pyrantal
The final of our five deworming treatments is this pack of 4 worming tablets from Cat ‘n’ Dog.
Conveniently, this pack of 4 will last your cat a whole year, making it the perfect purchase for those who like to plan ahead and be organised.
As no prescription whatsoever is necessary, you are free to purchase this product without any prior vet visit.
However, it is important to know your cat’s weight before deworming them.
Many vet clinics will offer a free ‘weight clinic’ appointment so consider bringing your cat along for a general check-over and a weight check.
Alternatively, you can weigh your cat using a normal weighing scale at home.
Top tip: If your cat will not sit still on the scales, consider recording your own weight, then hold the cat while you weigh yourself again and calculate the difference to work out your cat’s weight.
This wormer will treat roundworms, tapeworms and hookworms so is a broad worming choice, ideal for hunting cats or those fed raw diets.
1 tablet will treat a cat weighing between 4 and 8lbs.
Tablets can be halved or quartered as needed.
Do not panic if after worming, you see parasites in the poop.
While this may be alarming, the parasites will be dead, and it is just a good sign that the treatment has worked.
Kittens and young cats in particular tend to have a heavy worm burden that needs treating.
Providing your cat with an appropriate worming treatment is essential for your health and theirs.
Worryingly, many cats infested with worms do not show obvious symptoms and a worm infestation is a diagnosis that many owners fail to make.
A worm burden may make your cat feel nauseous, can cause vomiting and diarrhea and may also result in undesirable weight loss and a poor-quality coat.
Many worms can be transmitted from cats to humans, so it is vital for the health of your family that you treat your cat for internal worms every 3 months or so.
Routine parasite prevention is essential for any cat, whatever their age, whether they live solely indoors or spend time in the outside world.
Five of the best dewormers for cats are listed above and will give you the peace of mind you deserve.
Whether you want a worming tablet or liquid, there is an option for you.
Keep in mind that certain worming options will treat certain types of worms, so make sure you know which wormer you are in need of.
Owners also need to treat their animals for external parasites, including fleas, ticks and mites, so will often require more than one anti-parasite treatment.
Best Over the Counter Cat Dewormers
In this article we’ll talk a little bit about worms themselves and about some of the best over the counter cat dewormers out there.
When it comes to dewormers you want a product that is not only effective and easy to use, but also safe.
So always make sure that the dewormer that you choose is labeled for cats as some dog dewormers aren’t safe.
You should also talk to your veterinarian beforehand for additional information and diagnosis.
Our kitties are susceptible to a number of different worms, the most common being roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms, and heartworms.
The first three live in the digestive tract while heartworms set up shop in the heart and lungs.
Worms can be spread from animal to animal, and even some to you, through contact with fecal material.
Worm eggs and larvae can live in the dirt, so children playing outside can have an increased risk.
Some worms are also spread through fleas and mosquitoes and some are passed through ingestion like your cat eating mice.
When deciding if you need to deworm your kitty, consider their risk.
All kittens and new-to-you cats should be dewormed, as well as any cats that are showing symptoms.
Symptoms of worms include worms in your cat’s feces.
Vomiting of worms and weight loss can also be a sign.
A paleness to his gums or breathing troubles can be other symptoms.
Finally, your veterinarian may run a fecal test with your kitty’s annual exam.
Now that you have determined the need for a deworming, here are some of the best over the counter cat dewormers available.
Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer
Bayer Drontal is truly a broad spectrum dewormer.
It covers all the major intestinal worms; roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms.
This product comes in an easy-dose pill that can be given orally or ground up and mixed in food.
Drontal will kill worms within 24 hours, getting your kitty back to health quickly and efficiently.
A major plus to Bayer Drontal is its ability to get all types of intestinal worms.
Other dewormers are formulated for only one or two types of worms and very few broad spectrum actually treat tapeworms.
Drontal is a nice one-stop shop for a cat dewormer and is the best over the counter cat dewormer for newly adopted or feral kitties since it covers all the major types of worms.
It’s also safe for kittens four weeks old and up.
Drontal only comes in a pill form and a large one at that.
This can make it difficult to administer, especially to wild or semi-wild cats.
Sometimes what works the best is to crush the pill up and mix it with some canned food.
Most cats only require one to one and a half tablets which should be easy to mask in some canned food.
It also comes in a 50 count bottle which makes it great for large cat families but not as convenient for the single kitty use.
Bayer Drontal Broad Spectrum Dewormer is the answer to what is the best over the counter cat dewormer.
It’s effective against all of the major intestinal worms and kills within 24 hours.
The pill form can be a little difficult to administer, but getting creative with some canned food can solve this issue in a hurry.
Bayer Tapeworm Cat Dewormer
Tapeworms are a common parasite of kitties with fleas or that eat mice.
These little worms can cause major havoc on your cat’s digestive tract.
Bayer Tapeworm Cat Dewormer can help you take care of them.
This is a targeted treatment product as it only kills tapeworm species.
It’s ineffective against roundworms or hookworms, so if your cat has an infestation with one of these, this product won’t be for you.
Bayer Tapeworm Cat Dewormer is a safe and effective product for removing pesky tapeworms.
Tapeworms will be killed within a couple hours with this single dose format.
Once the tapeworms are gone, you will need to prevent reinfestation by treating fleas or retreat as needed for hunting cats.
You will have to give additional deworming products if your kitty is infested with multiple types of worms such as roundworms or hookworms though.
This tapeworm medication comes in a large pill form.
This can be difficult for some kitties and pet parents alike.
Some cats can be dosed by mixing the crushed pill in canned cat food, just be sure to use a lot of food to dilute out the pill taste.
It can also be administered orally with a little help from a bath towel by making a kitty burrito.
Bayer makes a tapeworm cat dewormer that is safe and effective against internal tapeworms caused from fleas or eating mice.
The pill form may be hard to give, but will take care of the worms with just one dose.
Additional products may be necessary to kill other types of worms if that’s a problem.
Nemex 2
Nemex 2 is a very safe and effective dewormer against roundworms and hookworms.
It is not effective against tapeworms.
This product is safe to use on kittens as young as two weeks old and even in nursing and pregnant cats.
It kills the adult worms in the digestive tract but not the eggs.
So it requires a repeat dose two weeks later to get the adults that hatch from those eggs.
Nemex 2 comes in a liquid form which is usually easier to dose than pills.
It is an effective medication that gets adult roundworms and hookworms.
Additional medications will be needed to treat tapeworm infestations.
This product is extremely safe and can be used on young kittens or nursing adult queens.
The downside to this product is that it does require an additional dose two weeks later.
It doesn’t kill the worm eggs, so you have to wait until the eggs hatch before the product is effective.
If this dose isn’t given, your kitty can become reinfected by these adults that were eggs when the initial dose was given.
This can be hard for some pet parents to remember.
Nemex 2 is one of the best over the counter cat dewormers for roundworms and hookworms, two very common intestinal worms.
It isn’t effective against tapeworms.
This product is highly safe and efficient but does require a second dose given two weeks later in order to be completely effective.
Pro-Sense Liquid Dewormer Solutions for Cats
Another targeted dewormer, Pro-Sense Liquid Dewormer works to rid your kitty of roundworm infestations.
It is not effective against other species of worms including hookworms or tapeworms, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with before trying a treatment.
The liquid formulation makes it easier to dose or mix with food.
Pro-Sense Liquid Dewormer works well to kill roundworms in your kitty.
The liquid formula makes it easier to give than pills.
It is also flavored so that some cats will willingly eat it, a major plus if you’ve ever had to medicate a cat.
Downsides to this product are that it is only effective against one type of worm.
It won’t do anything against hookworms or tapeworms.
Some cats can have reactions such as muscles spasms and seizures when taking this product so it’s very important to dose accurately which includes getting a real and accurate weight on them.
Pro-Sense Liquid Dewormer is a good choice for getting rid of a roundworm infestation in your cat.
It isn’t effective against any other types of worms though, so it may still require a veterinary visit to determine the species of your problem.
The flavored liquid formulation makes it easy to administer, just be sure you are giving the proper dose for your cat’s exact weight.
Naturpet D Wormer
Naturpet D Wormer is an herbal blend dewormer that is chemical free.
It is made to be mixed in the food until the worms are gone.
If you’re wary about chemical dewormers, this natural solution may be the product for you.
The benefit of Naturpet D Wormer is that it is chemical free.
This can be important for some sensitive cats that have reactions to other dewormers.
The herbal blend is less likely to cause digestive issues that can sometimes be seen with chemicals.
It is also broad spectrum and will get all of the regular worm culprits that can infest your cat.
The downsides to this product are that it takes a long time to be effective.
The label says to use for at least one week after the worms are cleared.
For some kitties that took nearly two months of daily treatments.
This can become a hassle.
It also doesn’t appear to be as effective as chemical dewormers.
I don’t know if this was because it wasn’t given for a long enough period of time or if the herbs just don’t kill worms as well.
Either way, some kitties still had worm problems even after long duration treatments.
Naturpet D Wormer is a chemical free alternative dewormer for cats.
It does have to be used longer than the traditional dewormers but might be a better option for kitties that have had reactions to the chemical dewormers.
When effective, it provides a broad spectrum solution.
Over the counter dewormers for cats are everywhere.
Before giving your kitty any medication, it’s important to see your veterinarian first.
They can help you determine if and what worms are present and help you decide what treatment approach to take.
You want to make sure you’re giving the proper medication to treat the proper ailment.
That being said, most over the counter dewormers are safe and won’t hurt your cat even if he doesn’t have a worm problem.
Just be sure that the product you are using is labeled for cats and that you dose it properly for his exact weight.
There are chemical free dewormers available as well for those cats that are extra sensitive.
The best over the counter cat dewormer is one that will effective and safely treat your kitty while being easy to administer for you.
If your cat tends to be a picky eater, you might opt for a liquid dewormer over the pill form as it can more easily be snuck into food or administered orally.
Worms in your kitty can be a yucky but common ordeal.
Understanding the common worms that cats get can not only help treat them but can prevent infestations as well.
Hopefully this list will help you choose the right dewormer for you and your feline friend.
Best All Round Wormers for Cats
Let’s not beat around the bush here, worms are absolutely disgusting.
It’s bad enough that most kittens are born with them and cats continue to be at risk for catching them throughout their adult life, but some worms can even pass to us humans: gross!
Using the best all round wormers for cats on your furry friends will give you the peace of mind that, not only are they protected, but so are you and your family.
The world is a complicated place and there are a wide range of worms that can infest your cat, not just one type.
Worms differ by geological location, so depending on where you are in the world, your cat may be at risk for different parasites.
Tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, heartworms and lungworms are just some of the little blighters we have to be on the lookout for.
Most broad-spectrum wormers that treat against all of these parasites are prescription only products that can only be purchased through your vet, so it is essential to discuss any online purchases with your vet first to ensure they meet your cat’s needs.
Importantly, some of the tapeworms that can affect cats are transmitted by the flea.
Fleas are external parasites that look like small black flies and may cause itchiness and skin irritation.
To keep your cat as safe as possible, on top of their worming regime, they should receive a flea preventative regularly.
Many of the spot-on products (such as Advocate or Frontline) need to be applied monthly.
There is a misconception out there that fleas are only a problem in warmer weather, which is just not the case.
Fleas are present all year round, meaning we have to be on the ball with both our flea and tapeworm preventatives.
Preventing both internal and external parasites in your kitty throughout the year will help keep them happy and healthy.
Johnsons Easy Wormer Granules
With Fenbendazole listed as the active ingredient in these Johnson’s granules, this is probably the best all round wormer for cats on the market that can be bought without a prescription.
Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms are all susceptible to this potent powder.
These granules make dosing a doddle as they simply mix in to cat feed and are not particularly strong smelling.
For cats that eat wet food, they can be mixed into one meal.
Warming the food may improve palatability and mask any bitter taste associated with the wormer.
For cats that eat only dry kibble, warm water can be added to make a sort of ‘gravy’ for the granules to dissolve in.
Some owners struggle to give a full worming dose when using granules, particularly if their cat is a fussy eater, so they may not be the right choice for everyone.
Johnson’s claim that this wormer is safe to use from 12 weeks of age, though kittens do need worming from as young as 2 weeks.
If your kitten is younger than 12 weeks, instead of waiting, contact your vet who will prescribe a more appropriate wormer.
Once a kitten has reached 12 weeks old, they should be wormed every month until they are 6 months old, and from then on, they will need to be dewormed every 3 months for the rest of their lives.
There are three sachets within the box and the dosing chart is on the back, with one sachet treating a 2kg cat, and two sachets treating the average 4kg cat.
Adult cats need a one-off treatment, while weaned kittens should receive a treatment each day for 3 days.
Drontal Broadspectrum Dewormer
If you go into any veterinary clinic near you, you are likely to see some Drontal tablets on the shelves.
Luckily, this is a non-prescription product so can be bought online and simply shipped to your home, saving you the trip!
Not many would disagree that this is the best all round wormer for cats available in tablet form.
Containing the active ingredients Praziquantel and Pyrantel pamoate, this product is very effective against hookworms, roundworms (Toxocara cati, Toxascaris leonina) and tapeworms (Dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis).
After treating for worms, it is not unusual to see them in the stool.
Try not to panic, this just means that the tablet has worked!
Having this product available in a tablet form is a real plus as it can easily be given directly into the mouth using your hands or a pill popper.
If your cat is too feisty for this method, the tablet can be disguised in a pill pocket or a tasty bit of food, such as warm chicken.
If your cat is too crafty for this, consider crushing the tablet to make it into granules, and mixing it with warm gravy to completely disguise the taste.
In truly tricky patients, consider bringing the tablet along to a vet check so your vet or vet nurse can safely administer the tablet for you.
These tablets cannot be used on kittens less than 8 weeks or those that weigh under 1kg.
One tablet treats a cat weighing 2 to 4 kg.
These tablets are scored down the middle, making for easy dosing for those cats in the ‘in-between’ weight range.
With 50 tablets in this tub, this is the ideal option for owners of several cats, or those who run a rescue centre or similar facility.
Buying in bulk is a great way to keep costs down.
Cats Dewormer by CatnDog
While this brand may be less well-known than its competitor Drontal, this is an equally good tablet containing the same ingredients, albeit in slightly different amounts.
The active ingredients Praziquantel and Pyrantel pamoate can treat hookworms, roundworms and tapeworms.
Coming in a pack of three tablets, this is a more appropriate purchase for those who own one or two cats.
The tablets are easy to administer and work efficiently to eliminate any internal parasites.
One treatment should be all that is needed, and this should be repeated every 3 months for outdoor cats, particularly those who hunt or eat raw meat.
Indoor cats can get away with getting dewormed less often as they are at a lower risk of becoming infested.
However, as there is still a potential for a worm infestation (whether we bring the eggs in on our shoes or they are exposed to undercooked meat or fleas), these cats should still be dewormed every 6-12 months.
Even animals who show no symptoms of being infested, may have a light burden and so should not skip a deworming dose.
Remember to treat any other cats and dogs in the household at the same time to prevent potential re-infestation.
One of these tablets treats a 4kg cat.
The manufacturer recommends not using these tablets in cats less than 6 weeks of age.
Contact your vet before using this product on a pregnant queen.
On top of using these tablets and a regular flea treatment, worm infestations can be prevented by maintain good hygiene within the home, cleaning litter trays as soon as they become soiled and not feeding raw meat.
Bayer Tapeworm De-wormer
Focusing on the elimination of tapeworms, Bayer have manufactured this reliable product to be used alongside other anti-parasite treatments, such as their Advocate spot-on.
Many owners who already use Advocate, find it frustrating that the only parasite that is left uncovered is the tapeworm.
They are concerned about using a broad-spectrum wormer on top of their broad-spectrum spot-on, and rightly so.
This Bayer Tapeworm de-wormer is the ideal adjunctive to broad-acting spot-ons.
Advocate is a prescription only spot-on that can be purchased from your vet and should be used in conjunction with this product.
As Advocate covers against fleas, mites, heartworms, roundworms and hookworms, your cat will be well and truly covered against parasites when combined with a tapeworm tablet.
This tapeworm tablet may be given directly into the mouth or crushed and mixed with food.
As with many de-wormers, the taste is not fantastic, so consider trying to feed it when your cat is hungry and by disguising it in strong smelling, delicious food.
These tablets are safe to use in cats over 6 weeks of age and can be used for the cat’s lifetime.
Only one dose is needed to effectively eliminate the tapeworm burden.
Though you may never see any tapeworms, it’s important to know what they look like.
The worms themselves are long, flat and segmented.
You may, at some stage, see ‘grains of rice’ that are tapeworm segments that have detached from the worm’s body.
These segments may be seen in the litter box or may stick to the fur around your cat’s back-end.
Rarely, diarrhea or salivation may be seen after giving this tablet and it is wise to contact your vet if you notice any symptoms.
Prosense De-wormer Liquid
The final all round wormer in our list of top 5 is this option from Prosense.
This liquid de-wormer is a great option to eliminate diagnosed roundworm infestations, with either Toxocara canis or Toxascaris leonina.
While performing faecal analyses on stool samples is not 100% reliable in the diagnosis of internal parasites (as some may be missed), some owners choose to screen their animal’s faeces and treat any parasites that are proven to be present.
If a roundworm infestation has been diagnosed, this liquid containing the active ingredient ‘Piperazine’ is the best treatment option to go for.
This liquid also contains a flavour enhancer, making it more palatable for your pernickety feline.
It should not be used on cats less than 1kg or under six weeks.
Similarly, this product should not be used on pregnant or lactating queens.
The recommended dose is a ¼ teaspoon per kilo.
This should be repeated two weeks later and then every month.
If not giving with food, then give this product just after feeding.
Having the option to provide an oral wormer in a liquid form is a definite bonus, particularly for those cats who just hate tablets.
Though generally well tolerated, there is the potential for your animal to develop rare side effects after worming, such as vomiting or tremors.
In this case, a vet should be contacted immediately.
One roundworm in particular, Toxocara cati, receives regular attention in the press due to its potential to infect children (and, less commonly, people of other ages).
Toxocariasis is a rare infestation that can be caught from soil or sand that has been contaminated by infected cats.
Similarly, humans who clean out the litter tray but do not observe good hand hygiene can become infected.
Symptoms are variable and can include coughing, fatigue and blurry vision.
This infestation can be diagnosed with a blood test and medication may be required to treat it effectively.
As with anything, prevention is better than cure, so always keep your cat up to date with their roundworm prevention.
Though some cats will show symptoms of having a worm burden, such as diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, increased appetite or ill-thrift, others will get on with their day as if nothing is happening.
This is why it is so critically important to provide our feline friends with the best all round wormers for cats on a regular basis, protecting both them and us.
The products listed above give you the option of using granules, tablets or liquids, giving you the best chance at successfully getting the de-wormer into your cat; the part that is inevitably the hardest part!
Combining the de-wormer you use with the appropriate external parasite treatment, such as an Advocate or Frontline spot-on, will ensure your cat is completely covered against all potential parasites.
Always read the label of your de-wormer carefully to ensure it is appropriate for your cat, as many have age and weight restrictions.
Weigh your cat accurately (either at home or in the vet clinic) to ensure they are receiving the correct dose.
Remember, even adult cats can have fluctuating weights, so should have their weight re-checked before every single worming dose.
Best Flea and Wormer Treatments for Cats
Treating our cats against fleas and worms is a constant battle but one that it is important we continue to win.
Parasites can lead to significant illnesses and can be dangerous to both our feline friends and even our own families.
External parasites such as fleas can cause chronic itchiness and skin irritation and infection, while internal parasites such as worms lead to weight loss, chronic diarrhoea and nausea.
As long as we use the best flea and wormer products for cats, we can keep our kitties as safe as can be.
Parasite prevention is especially important for those cats that spend time outdoors and are exposed to a higher burden of parasites in their day to day life.
This is also true for those cats that eat raw food or spend a lot of time with other cats.
Combination products, which treat for fleas and worms all in one go do exist, though must be purchased with a prescription through your vet.
These include spot-on products such as Advocate and Broadline.
Without a prescription, owners have to treat for fleas and worms separately.
Here, we have a list of the top three flea treatments and top two worming treatments.
These products can be used safely in combination together.
When using any parasite prevention product for the first time however, it should be spaced apart from another product by a minimum of two weeks so if there is any sort of a reaction, it is clear which product the cat has reacted to.
While reactions are rare, it’s important to always be prepared.
When it comes to our feline parasite prevention, we have numerous options, including collars, spot-ons and tablets.
What you choose will depend on your cat’s demeanour and your confidence in applying the medication.
Whichever method you opt for, it is important to ensure your cat receives the appropriate dose to guarantee the efficacy of the treatment.
Bayer Seresto Flea and Tick Collar for Cats
If you are searching for the most effective flea prevention, then look no further than the Seresto flea collar, a product that is in a complete league of its own.
As with any of the best flea and wormers for cats, this product is extremely safe and easy to use.
While it sounds too good to be true, all you have to do is apply the collar and your cat will be covered against fleas (as well as ticks) for a solid eight months.
Not only does it prevent against fleas and ticks but it also has the ability to treat an active infection.
It’s important to mention that fleas are a big source of tapeworms in cats, so protecting your cat against fleas in such an efficient way can also prevent them from getting worms.
While there are a number of flea collars on the market, this is the only one that is recommended internationally by vets and made by the reputable pharmaceutical company Bayer.
The parasite-killing liquid is constantly released in small quantities along the cat’s fur and distributes itself over their coat and skin.
This collar is odour-free and non-greasy, meaning that cats don’t tend to mind wearing it and don’t feel uncomfortable when it is on.
It also makes living with them more pleasant, particularly if they like to cuddle up close on the sofa!
The adjustability of this collar means that one size fits all, so no need to try and measure your cat’s neck, they will be able to use this collar whether they are a petite Siamese or a gigantic Maine Coon.
Vitally, this is a quick-release collar so that if your cat ever was unfortunate enough to catch themselves on a branch or fence, the collar would snap open and prevent choking.
Bayer Advantage Spot-on Pipettes
Our next very effective flea treatment is this offering, also from Bayer; one of the indisputable market leaders in the veterinary parasite prevention industry.
Pipettes that apply liquid to the back of the neck are very effectively absorbed and get to work within hours.
While the pipette is applied in one small location, the liquid is absorbed into the skin and then distributed all over the body via the blood stream.
The application is straightforward.
The cat’s fur is parted in an area at the back of their neck where they cannot reach to lick, and the entire contents of one pipette are applied.
Done!
While it’s true that some cats dislike this process, this is mainly due to the chemical smell and the cool feeling of the liquid on the skin which is often unexpected.
After an application, reward your cat with a tasty treat and they will soon be your best friend again.
Spot-on pipettes are, in my opinion, a great option for cats that won’t take tablets and dislike wearing collars.
This treatment should be repeated monthly for life.
Importantly, if the animal gets wet after the application it may not work as well, so owners should keep cats out of rain storms and hold off on any baths until 48 hours after application.
For cats with flea allergies, this product is suitable, as fleas do not have to bite the cat to die.
Flea allergy dermatitis in cats can cause severely inflamed and irritated skin and just one flea bite is enough to set it off, so products that only work when the flea has bitten the cat are not appropriate in these cases.
Adult fleas, eggs and larvae are all killed but it is still essential to treat any flea burden that is off the cat, as up to 95% of the fleas live in their environment.
To do this, treat all of the cats and dogs in the home, hot wash any bedding at heats over 60’c, vacuum the carpets thoroughly and consider using a flea killing spray.
Frontline Plus for Cats
An exceedingly popular option, Frontline Plus for cats is another spot-on that kills both fleas and ticks and gives up to 30 days of continuous protection.
As well as targeting the adult parasites, the other life stages including the eggs and larvae are killed, ensuring the flea life cycle is broken and re-infestations are made less likely.
To use this spot-on product, you simply need to cut the individual packet open, remove the pipette and snap the applicator tip to open it.
The hair behind the neck and above the shoulder blades is parted and the contents of the pipette are applied.
It may take one person to hold the cat still and another to apply the treatment, particularly in a lively cat!
This liquid is also effective against treating biting lice, which, while rarer now than in the past, can be a cause of itching, particularly in young cats.
This packet comes with six pipettes, meaning your cat is covered for six months with just one purchase.
Never apply more than one pipette a month and consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if you mistakenly do so.
It is important to realise that kittens under the age of eight weeks or that weigh less than 1.5 lbs cannot use this product and you would be better contacting a vet who can recommend a more suitable option.
Drontal Broad Spectrum De-wormer
And now we move on to our de-worming products.
These Drontal de-wormer tablets should be used in conjunction with your choice of flea prevention, whether it is the Seresto collar or the Frontline Plus or Advantage spot-on, to provide your cat with cover from both internal and external parasites.
Drontal, just like the other best flea and wormers for cats, is approved by vets and used frequently within veterinary clinics.
A broad-spectrum worming tablet, Drontal treats hookworm, roundworm and tapeworm infestations.
Though some owners fear having to give their cat a tablet, there are several options available that can make the medicating process easier.
My favourite, is the ‘they don’t even know they ate it’ approach.
Simply wait until your cat is quite hungry at dinner time and warm up a few moist chunks of chicken, pâté or tuna.
Hide the tablet inside one of the chunks.
As crushing can release the bitter taste, it’s better to leave the tablet whole or split into just one or two pieces.
Feed your cat the first chunk that does not have the tablet in it, so they realise that you are offering something really tasty.
Once they’ve swallowed that, offer them the piece with the tablet hidden inside.
As soon as they take that in their mouth, quickly offer them the third chunk of food.
Normally, they are so keen to get to the third piece that they will greedily swallow the second piece, without even tasting the tablet!
If your cat is a fussy eater however, you can use a pill popper to dose them, or tablet them the old-fashioned way by lifting their upper jaw open and depositing the tablets at the back of their throat.
If you do not feel comfortable doing this, your vet or veterinary nurse will be happy to help you out next time you are at the clinic.
Johnsons Easy Wormer Granules
The next best worming option we have are these wormer granules from Johnson’s.
As with the Drontal tablets, these granules need to be combined with a quality flea treatment to ensure your cat is fully covered from both internal and external parasites.
With Fenbendazole as the active ingredient, these granules can eliminate roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms.
Each sachet treats a 2kg cat, so the average 4kg cat would need two sachets each treatment.
Owners should be aware that only kittens over the age of 12 weeks can be treated, so consult your vet if your cat is younger than this.
While some find granules messy, others enjoy the flexibility they offer as the dose can be easily adjusted.
Typically, the best way to get them into your cat is to mix them with an extra tasty food option when your cat has not eaten all day.
Warming the food can hide any bitterness associated with the wormer.
Be sure to thoroughly mix in the granules.
The downside with feeding de-wormers in this way is that if a cat does not finish their food, it is hard to know if they have received their full dose.
You can certainly try feeding them the remainder of the meal again in a few hours, although not every cat will fall for this.
For extra fussy cats, worming tablets may be more appropriate.
Adult cats should be treated for worms every three months or so, particularly if they have outdoor access, like to hunt, have had a recent flea infestation or eat raw or under-cooked meat.
Cats who live indoors and are fed a cooked diet may only need de-worming every six to twelve months.
Protecting our cats from parasites is our responsibility as owners and while it can sometimes seem a hassle to keep on top of regular flea and worming treatments, it should be seen as a priority.
Cats that are infested with parasites are often miserable thanks to the itchiness and discomfort that they can cause.
Importantly, certain parasites such as roundworms can even be transmitted to people; a real concern in houses with young children, particularly if the cats are using indoor litter trays.
As discussed above, while multi-purpose products that can treat both fleas and worms are available, they require a vet visit or a prescription.
When it comes to online purchases, the best flea and wormers for cats need to be combined to give adequate protection.
This is why we have listed out favourite three flea treatments and top two wormers, so you can decide which of each is best for you and use them together.
We know that actually getting the parasite treatment into your cat is often no picnic, which is why we have included several options in the list above, including a collar, spot-on liquid, granules and tablets.
